18 January 2022

When looking for the best removable wallpaper, most people think of peel of stick wallpaper.  But did you know there is another (better) type of temporary wallpaper available?  This latest technology is called non-woven wallpaper and offers even more benefits than peel and stick.

Here are some frequently asked questions about our removable wallpaper.

How Does Removable Wallpaper Work?

Removable non-woven wallpaper is made with a combination of renewable FSC wood pulp mixed with polyester fibres, and has a coating of UV gel ink.  This combo creates a durable, heavy duty wallpaper that is tear-resistant.  When you’re ready for a new design, you can pull the wallpaper panels off in one piece (and even reuse it!).  It won’t stretch like some vinyl peel and stick wallpaper.

Removable wallpaper from About Murals being taken off a wall on set at Cityline, a Canadian lifestyle television show.

Since our wallpaper murals are fully removable (not just strippable), the producers at Cityline know they can trust them to go up fast, and then easily peel off the next day with no damage. For the fast-paced life on a TV set, this is essential. That’s why we’re their trusted wallpaper supplier and installer.

Does Removable Wallpaper Damage Paint or Walls?

Removable wall murals won’t damage your paint, walls or sheetrock if they’re installed over a properly prepared surface. Prep work and paint cure times are the most important steps to avoid damage.

Some ideal paint types to use under our wallpaper murals:

  • Latex paint (eggshell, satin or semi-gloss finish) that has dried/cured for at least 21 days.
  • Oil or alkyd based primers (avoid odourless) that has dried/cured for at least 3 days.
  • Zinsser Shieldz Wallcovering Primer, Roman 977 or Roman 999 that has dried for at least 3 hours.
  • Zinsser BIN Lacquer Sealer that has dried for at least 1 hour.
  • **Latex primer or builder’s matte paint is never suitable under wallpaper.
Wallpaper being removed from a wall that has damaged the paint underneath because walls were not properly prepared.

If you’re wondering, “why does wallpaper damage walls?” it’s because the wall wasn’t prepped properly (as shown in the photo above).   Just like peel and stick wallpaper, if non-woven wallpaper is installed before paint is fully cured, the adhesive can fuse with the uncured paint.  If this happens, removing your wallpaper later may remove the top layer of the paint and wall. Additionally, using the incorrect type of paint (latex primer or builder’s matte) underneath your wallpaper may result in damage later.

How to Remove Wallpaper

Unlike traditional wallpaper, you do not need any tools, chemical gels or steamers to remove our wallpaper.  Simply peel each panel off the wall – dry (no water required).  If any paste residue is left on the wall, it easily wipes off with a sponge and water.

Here’s a How To Remove Video Tutorial to help you along:

Professional wallpaper installer, Adrienne, teaches how to remove wallpaper purchased from About Murals

How Long Does Removable Wallpaper Last?

Our peel off wallpaper stays on the wall for as long as you want it up, unlike some cheap peel and stick wallpaper which can fall off weeks, months or years after you hang it.

How to Hang Removable Wallpaper

If you’re wondering how to apply removable wallpaper, ours is one of the easiest to hang!  Since it’s prepasted (meaning the paste is already on the back of the paper), you can slide the panels on the wall until you effortlessly match the pattern up at the seam.  This is unlike peel and stick wallpaper, where you have to match the pattern up perfectly the first time or peel it off and try again.  Cheaper peel and stick eventually loses its adhesive with multiple hanging attempts.

We even made a How To Hang Video Tutorial to help you along!

Can You Reuse Removable Wallpaper?

Yes, our wallpaper murals are also reusable.  Once you take the panels off the wall, simply dunk them in water to make them supple again.  Use a roller to apply wallpaper paste to the wall, and reapply the panels.  There is no backing needed to store the panels like with peel and stick – just roll them up together and store them in a plastic bag or box.

Non-Toxic Removable Wallpaper

Since there is no PVC like in peel and stick, it’s non-toxic, eco-friendly and won’t harm your air quality.

Can You Use Removable Wallpaper in a Bathroom?

Yes, our non-woven wallpaper absorbs and then releases moisture making it mold and mildew-proof.  Lots of vinyl peel and stick wallpaper traps moisture between the outer layer of the paper and the wall, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew.

How Much is Removable Wallpaper?

The cost of our temporary wallpaper varies depending on the size of the wall mural you need.  Find pricing for each design in our online store.

About the Author: 


Adrienne is the owner and lead installer at About Murals, a Canadian wallpaper mural company specializing in commercial and residential spaces. Her work has been featured on Cityline, HGTV, The DIY Network, CTV and The Toronto Sun. She enjoys sharing design advice, real wallpaper examples, and practical installation tips based on hands-on project experience.

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