Removable Wallpaper Australia — Custom Panels for Renters and Homeowners
Removable Wallpaper Australia — Custom Panels for Renters and Homeowners
Removable wallpaper has become one of the most searched home improvement products in Australia, and for good reason. It lets you change the look of a room without permanent commitment — and when it is time to move or redecorate, it comes off cleanly without damaging the wall beneath.
This guide covers everything you need to know about removable wallpaper in Australia: the types available, how the panel system works, wall preparation for Australian conditions, application and removal, renter-specific advice by state, and how to order the right amount for your space.
What Is Removable Wallpaper?
Removable wallpaper is any wallpaper designed to be taken down without leaving residue or damaging paint. The two main categories are:
- Peel and stick (self-adhesive) — uses a high-tack adhesive backing. You peel away the protective layer and press the panel onto the wall. Fully removable when applied to a correctly prepared surface.
- Paste the wall (non-woven) — uses wallpaper paste applied directly to the wall (not the panel). Non-woven backings are strippable, meaning they peel away from the wall in full sheets when you are ready to remove.
Both types are repositionable during installation, which means you can gently lift and reapply a panel if the alignment is not right on the first attempt.
Three Types of Wallpaper — Choosing the Right One
At Olive et Oriel, wallpaper is available in three distinct types, each suited to different skill levels and finishes:
1. Peel and Stick (Self-Adhesive)
Best for renters and anyone who wants a fully removable option. The self-adhesive backing peels off the wall cleanly when you move out or want a change. This type is recommended for advanced DIYers or professionals with prior experience — the high-tack adhesive and precision alignment required mean that incorrect handling can result in stretching, bubbling, or misalignment. If hiring a professional, look for a signage installer or specialist in self-adhesive wall coverings rather than a traditional wallpaper hanger.
2. Paste the Wall — Smooth (Matte Finish)
A non-woven wallpaper that delivers a smooth, matte appearance. You apply paste directly to the wall, then position the panel. Professional installation is strongly recommended. The finish is clean and contemporary — ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and feature walls where you want a refined, flat surface. Very dark colours in this finish develop a luxurious satin quality rather than a pure matte.
3. Paste the Wall — Linen Textured
The same non-woven, paste-the-wall system but with a linen-effect texture woven into the material. This adds a tactile, fabric-like quality to the wall — it catches light differently depending on the angle and adds depth that a smooth finish does not. Professional installation is strongly recommended.
How the 48cm Panel System Works
Unlike traditional wallpaper that comes in standard-width formats you cut to size, Olive et Oriel wallpaper is custom-printed in 48cm (480mm) wide panels, sized to your exact wall height.
Here is what makes the panel system different:
- Custom height: Each panel is printed to match your wall height, plus a complimentary 10cm added by Olive et Oriel to account for walls that are not perfectly square. You trim the excess after installation.
- Pre-trimmed edges: Panels are factory-trimmed for butt joins — they sit edge to edge with no overlap. This eliminates the visible seam lines that overlapping wallpaper can create.
- Numbered panels: Each panel is labelled on the bottom left corner (Panel 1, Panel 2, Panel 3, etc.). You install them in sequence from left to right, starting from the far left of the wall.
- No complex pattern matching: Because panels are printed as a continuous design split across numbered panels, the pattern alignment is handled in production. You follow the numbering and the design aligns.
The number of panels you need is determined by your wall width. You measure the width of your wall, add 10–15cm for installation adjustments, and the system calculates how many 48cm panels are required.
Wall Preparation — The Step Most People Skip
Wall preparation is the single most important factor in whether removable wallpaper sticks properly, looks clean, and comes off without damage. Skipping or rushing this step is the primary cause of bubbling, poor adhesion, and paint damage on removal.
For Peel and Stick Wallpaper
- Apply three complete coats of Viponds Self-Adhesive Prep Coat — this is a specific primer formulated for self-adhesive wall coverings. It creates the ideal surface for the adhesive to bond and release cleanly. Use satin or semi-gloss finish; do not use low sheen.
- Allow paint to cure for 30 days — if the wall has been recently painted, the paint must cure fully before wallpaper application. Fresh paint that has not cured will bond with the adhesive and tear on removal.
- Wipe the wall with a dry lint-free cloth immediately before installing — no chemicals, no water. The surface must be completely dry and dust-free.
Important: Persistent air bubbles after installation are a sign of inadequate wall preparation. This is not a product fault and is not covered by warranty.
For Paste the Wall Wallpaper
- The wall must be smooth, clean, and dry.
- Dark or strongly coloured walls must be repainted to a light, even tone and allowed to fully cure before wallpaper installation — dark pigments can show through the wallpaper material.
- Do not draw or mark directly on the wall with pencil or pen — marks will show through the wallpaper. Use a laser level for your reference line instead.
- Apply non-woven wallpaper paste to the wall, one panel width at a time.
Removable Wallpaper for Australian Renters
Peel and stick wallpaper is the go-to option for renters across Australia. When applied and removed correctly, it leaves the wall in its original condition — which means your bond is not at risk.
Renter Checklist Before Applying
- Check your lease: Most standard residential leases in Australia do not prohibit removable wall coverings, but always confirm with your property manager or landlord before applying.
- Photograph the walls before installation: Document the wall condition at entry for your records.
- Prepare the wall properly: Three coats of Viponds is essential, even in a rental. The prep coat protects the existing paint and ensures clean removal.
- Allow 30 days for paint to cure: If the walls were painted before you moved in, confirm when painting was completed. Fresh paint and self-adhesive wallpaper do not mix.
- Plan for move-out: Remove the wallpaper before your final inspection. Peel slowly at a 45-degree angle. If any panel resists, apply gentle warmth with a hairdryer held 15–20cm from the surface.
State-by-State Rental Considerations
Rental legislation varies by state. In NSW, VIC, and QLD, tenants are generally permitted to make minor, reversible modifications (which properly applied removable wallpaper qualifies as). In SA, WA, TAS, NT, and ACT, the specifics differ — check your state's residential tenancy authority website or speak with your property manager. The key in every state is that the wall must be returned to its original condition at the end of the tenancy.
How to Apply Removable Wallpaper — Step by Step
- Turn off electricity to the room. Remove outlet covers and light switch plates. Mask exposed outlets with masking tape.
- Measure and mark your first reference line at 43cm from the left edge of the wall. This leaves 5cm of excess on the left side to account for walls that are not perfectly plumb.
- Start with Panel 1 at the far left of the wall — always start in the most inconspicuous corner. Never start in the middle of a wall.
- For peel and stick: Peel off a few centimetres of the adhesive backing at a time, pressing the panel to the wall as you go. Fold the backing away as you work downward.
- For paste the wall: Apply paste to the wall (not the panel), one panel width at a time. Add approximately 5cm of extra paste to the right of your reference line to ensure the seam area has sufficient paste.
- Smooth each panel with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth using upward and outward motions. Never use hard objects or plastic smoothing tools — these damage the wallpaper surface.
- Butt each subsequent panel against the previous one — edge to edge, no overlap. The pre-trimmed edges are designed to meet precisely.
- Leave 5cm excess at the ceiling and floor. Trim all excess after all panels are installed, using a straight edge and a sharp utility knife. Replace the blade frequently — a dull blade tears and grabs the wallpaper.
- For power outlets: Cut a small X over the outlet through the wallpaper, fold the flaps away, trim neatly, and replace the cover plate.
How to Remove Removable Wallpaper
- Start at a top corner. Use your fingernail or a thin spatula to gently lift the corner of the first panel.
- Pull slowly and steadily at a 45-degree angle downward. Do not rush or pull sharply — sudden force can lift paint.
- Apply gentle heat if needed. If a section resists, use a hairdryer on low heat, held 15–20cm from the wall, to soften the adhesive.
- Clean any residue. Wipe the wall with a damp cloth. For stubborn spots, a small amount of eucalyptus oil on a soft cloth works well.
- Inspect the wall. It should be in the same condition as before installation. Touch up minor marks with matching paint if needed.
Removable vs Permanent Wallpaper — Key Differences
| Feature | Peel and Stick (Removable) | Paste the Wall (Strippable) | Traditional Vinyl (Permanent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removal | Peels off cleanly | Strips away in sheets | Requires soaking and scraping |
| Wall damage risk | None (with prep) | Minimal | Moderate to high |
| Renter friendly | Yes | With landlord approval | No |
| Wall prep required | 3 coats Viponds + 30 day paint cure | Smooth, clean, dry wall | Varies |
| Repositionable | Yes, during install | Yes, before paste sets | No |
| DIY difficulty | Advanced DIYer | Professional recommended | Professional required |
Best Rooms for Removable Wallpaper
Bedrooms
The most popular room for removable wallpaper. A single feature wall behind the bed changes the entire feel of the room. The bedroom is also an ideal starting point for first-time wallpaper users — a single wall keeps the project manageable.
Living Rooms
A wallpapered feature wall in a living room creates a focal point that anchors furniture, art, and lighting. Removable wallpaper lets you update the look as your interior style evolves without repainting.
Nurseries and Children's Rooms
Children's tastes change as they grow. Removable wallpaper lets you refresh a nursery into a toddler's room and then into a child's bedroom without the mess and cost of repainting each time. Olive et Oriel wallpaper is PVC-free and VOC-free — no off-gassing in the room where your child sleeps.
Home Offices
A wallpapered wall behind your desk or on your video call backdrop adds personality to a home office. Removable wallpaper means you can change it if you tire of the pattern or repurpose the room.
Rental Properties
Peel and stick wallpaper is specifically suited to rental properties. With proper wall preparation, it removes cleanly at the end of a lease. See the renter checklist above.
Bathrooms (With Conditions)
Olive et Oriel wallpaper is water and humidity resistant and breathable, which prevents moisture buildup behind the panels. For bathroom use, applying a coat of decorator's varnish over the installed wallpaper adds extra protection. Avoid direct and sustained water contact.
Removable Wallpaper in Australian Conditions
Australia's climate ranges from tropical to arid to temperate, and each presents different considerations for wallpaper adhesion and longevity.
Temperate Climates (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart)
Ideal conditions for all three wallpaper types. Moderate humidity and temperature fluctuations are well within the performance range of both peel and stick and paste the wall products. Ensure proper ventilation in rooms with limited airflow.
Subtropical Climates (Brisbane, Gold Coast)
Higher humidity requires extra attention to wall preparation. Three full coats of Viponds prep coat are non-negotiable for peel and stick in subtropical areas. Allow walls to dry completely after any cleaning and before installation. Air conditioning helps maintain consistent indoor conditions.
Tropical Climates (Darwin, Cairns, Far North Queensland)
Consistently high humidity and heat require the most rigorous wall prep. Paste the wall with non-woven material tends to perform more reliably in tropical conditions than peel and stick, because the paste bond is stronger in sustained humidity. Ensure the room has adequate ventilation or climate control.
Arid Climates (Perth, Inland Regions)
Low humidity and high heat are generally favourable for wallpaper adhesion. The main risk in arid climates is UV damage — direct, prolonged sunlight can fade wallpaper over time. Use curtains, blinds, or UV-filtering window film on walls that receive sustained direct sun.
UV and Sun Exposure
Across all Australian climates, direct sunlight is the primary environmental risk to wallpaper longevity. Olive et Oriel wallpaper is printed with high-quality inks, but no wallpaper is immune to sustained UV exposure. Protect wallpapered walls from prolonged direct sunlight for the longest life.
Material and Eco Credentials
Olive et Oriel wallpaper is printed on non-woven, eco-friendly material with the following specifications:
- PVC-free — no polyvinyl chloride in the material
- VOC-free — no volatile organic compounds; safe for bedrooms, nurseries, and enclosed spaces
- Fire-rated — meets fire safety standards
- Breathable — allows moisture to pass through, preventing mould and mildew buildup behind the panels
- Water and humidity resistant — suitable for kitchens and bathrooms with a coat of decorator's varnish
The Olive et Oriel Removable Wallpaper Range
How to Order
- Choose your wallpaper type — Peel and Stick, Paste the Wall Smooth, or Paste the Wall Linen Textured.
- Order a sample ($4.99) — samples are 48cm x 40cm and include a segment of the actual design. They are dispatched within 2–5 business days.
- Customise if needed — free colour changes and design customisations are available on any design.
- Measure your wall — measure height (floor to ceiling at the tallest point) and width (add 10–15cm for installation adjustments). OEO adds 10cm to the height complimentary. See the measuring guide for detailed instructions.
- Place your order — panels are custom-printed to your dimensions and dispatched in approximately 4 business days.
Important ordering notes:
- All wallpaper orders are final — no refunds, exchanges, or returns, as each order is custom-made.
- Order enough in one order — colours can vary between production runs, so reorders may not be an exact match.
- For multi-wall projects or unusual dimensions, email custom@oliveetoriel.com for a tailored quote.
Popular Collections
Olive et Oriel offers over 1,000 wallpaper designs across florals, botanicals, abstracts, coastal, geometric, tropical, Japanese-inspired, and minimalist styles. Browse the full wallpaper collection or start with samples from $4.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is removable wallpaper?
Removable wallpaper is wallpaper designed to be taken down without damaging the underlying wall. Peel and stick is the most common form — it uses a self-adhesive backing that peels away cleanly when you are ready to remove it. Certain paste the wall products with non-woven backings are also strippable, making them another form of removable wallpaper.
Is removable wallpaper really removable?
Yes, when applied to a properly prepared wall. For peel and stick, this means applying three coats of a self-adhesive prep coat such as Viponds before installation. When the wall is correctly prepared, peel and stick wallpaper peels off cleanly with no residue and no damage to the paint beneath.
Does removable wallpaper damage walls?
Not when applied correctly. Damage typically occurs when peel and stick wallpaper is applied to unprepared walls, freshly painted surfaces that have not cured for at least 30 days, or textured walls. Proper wall preparation is the single most important factor in a clean removal.
How long does removable wallpaper last?
Quality removable wallpaper lasts for years. Olive et Oriel wallpaper is printed on non-woven, PVC-free material that is water and humidity resistant. It will not yellow, fade, or peel when applied to a properly prepared wall in normal indoor conditions.
Can renters use removable wallpaper in Australia?
Yes. Peel and stick wallpaper is widely used by renters across Australia. The key is proper wall preparation — three coats of Viponds self-adhesive prep coat, applied over paint that has cured for at least 30 days. When removed correctly, the wall should be returned to its original condition.
What is the difference between peel and stick and paste the wall?
Peel and stick uses a self-adhesive backing — you peel off the protective layer and press the panel to the wall. Paste the wall requires applying non-woven wallpaper paste directly to the wall, then pressing the panel into the paste. Both are repositionable during installation. Peel and stick is fully removable; paste the wall with non-woven backing is strippable.
Can you use removable wallpaper in bathrooms?
Yes, with conditions. Olive et Oriel wallpaper is water and humidity resistant and breathable, which prevents moisture buildup behind the panels. For bathrooms, a coat of decorator's varnish over the installed wallpaper adds extra protection. Avoid applying directly opposite a shower head where standing water may contact the surface.
Does removable wallpaper work on textured walls?
No. Removable wallpaper requires a smooth, flat wall surface. Textured walls — including orange peel, knockdown, and sand finish — prevent the adhesive from making proper contact, leading to bubbling and poor adhesion. The wall must be skimmed smooth before wallpaper application.
Where can I buy removable wallpaper in Australia?
Olive et Oriel offers over 1,000 removable wallpaper designs, custom-sized to your exact wall dimensions. Panels are 48cm wide, pre-trimmed for butt joins, and printed on eco-friendly non-woven material. Samples are available from $4.99. Orders are made to your measurements and dispatched in approximately 4 business days.
Can you reposition removable wallpaper during installation?
Yes. Both peel and stick and paste the wall wallpaper from Olive et Oriel are repositionable during installation. If a panel is not aligned correctly, gently peel it back and reapply. Do not overstretch peel and stick material, as it is a flexible fabric that can distort if pulled.
How are the panels different from standard wallpaper?
Olive et Oriel wallpaper is custom-printed in 48cm wide panels, sized to your exact wall height plus a complimentary 10cm allowance. Panels arrive pre-trimmed and numbered (Panel 1, Panel 2, Panel 3), so they butt together without overlap. There is no complex pattern matching or cutting — you install panels in sequence from left to right.
