Paste the Wall vs Peel and Stick

Wallpaper has come a long way since the traditional Paste the Paper method which could more often than not become extremely messy and hard to DIY. 

Now with the choice of Paste the Wall and Peel and Stick types, which have begun to replace the Paste the Paper method, it can be hard to know which of the two is the best choice when it comes to ease of application and durability.

With a combined total of 180 years experience in the wallpaper industry, our design team know a thing or two about wallpapers and have experienced many types over the years. So, what are the pros and cons of Paste the Wall vs Peel and Stick we hear you ask? Well, let's dig a little deeper and find out which is the better choice (spoiler: it's Paste the Wall and we'll tell you why as we go along...)

What is Paste the Wall wallpaper?

This is when you paste the wall (and not the paper) using a brush or roller and Paste the Wall paste and then apply the wallpaper directly to the paste onto the wall, manoeuvring it into place before the paste dries. 

What is Peel and Stick wallpaper?

This is wallpaper with a self-adhesive back. You remove the liner backing when you're ready to apply to the wall and then stick it down in place. 

Paste the Wall vs Peel and Stick: Application

Both of these methods require using a plumb line to hang the paper straight. Peel and Stick paper however requires little to no more tools, whereas you will require a Paste the Wall paste and wallpaper brush and roller to apply Paste the Wall paper.

Despite these few extra tools, Paste the Wall paper is in fact easier to install due to the wet paste on the wall allowing flexibility and movability when hanging. 

With Peel and Stick wallpaper you're given no room to manoeuvre as once it's stuck down, it can't be pushed into place.

With Paste the Wall paper, you have a window of opportunity to move the wallpaper into the correct position and smooth out any wrinkles before the paste dries, resulting in a much easier application and finish.

Winner: Paste the Wall paper

Paste the Wall vs Peel and Stick: Durability

In our experience Peel and Stick paper is a vastly inferior product when it comes to durability as the adhesion is nowhere near as strong as using a paste and is therefore susceptible to peeling off the wall, particularly when exposed to cold, humid or warm conditions. Other factors such as existing paint on the wall, plaster type and sunlight can all affect the durability of Peel and Stick paper. 

Paste the Wall paper on the other hand is extremely durable with a longer lifespan and can be used in humid environments such as kitchens and bathrooms with no problems. It's also perfect for more commercial settings with high traffic areas and can withstand much more than Peel and Stick paper (there's a reason many wallpaper sites have removed Peel and Stick paper from their product offering!).

Winner: Paste the Wall paper 

Paste the Wall vs Peel and Stick: Removability 

Both Paste the Wall and Peel and Stick wallpaper can be removed easily, however once Peel and Stick paper has been removed, it cannot be reused as it will more than likely be damaged in the process. The advantage of Paste the Wall paper in this instance is that it's much more environmentally friendly as it can be reused when removed from the wall (read here for 7 ways to reuse your wallpaper). 

Winner: Paste the Wall paper

Paste the Wall vs Peel and Stick: The Verdict

There's no competition when it comes to Paste the Wall vs Peel and Stick with Paste the Wall being the outright winner in all areas. Paste the Wall paper is extremely easy to DIY, eco friendly and strippable and the wallpaper type you should be investing in for your home, whether you're a home owner or renter.