Preparing Your Walls for Peel & Stick Wallpaper

Let's navigate the intricate world of wall decor together, addressing all your questions about wallpaper.

The Ultimate Guide to Preparing Your Walls for Peel & Stick Wallpaper


Preparing your space for the application of Olive et Oriel's peel and stick wallpaper is an exciting venture that can elevate the aesthetic of your home. The success of your wall covering largely depends on the meticulousness of the preparation process, ensuring a smooth application and long-lasting results. Before delving into the steps, it's essential to note that peel & stick on wallpapers ideally attach to smooth, flat interior walls, glass, vinyl, and mirrors.

Surfaces displaying any form of texture, including even a subtle orange peel, are typically not ideal for applying peel and stick wallpaper. If your walls lack smoothness, it is advisable to consider traditional, unpasted wallpaper for a more suitable application.


Step 1: Familiarize Yourself & Gather Supplies

Before diving into your wallpapering project, it's crucial to confirm that your walls are in good condition and require no major repairs. Address any minor imperfections, such as sanding or cleaning, as necessary. A key component of the preparation is the use of Viponds Self Adhesive Prep Coat, a primer specifically formulated for self-adhesive wallpapers, promoting a durable bond.

Estimate Primer Quantity

For a standard wall measuring approximately 384cm by 280cm, allocate between 2-3 litres of Viponds Self Adhesive Prep Coat. This matte, clear primer is ideal for renters. To avoid running out mid-application, it's advisable to purchase a slightly larger quantity than estimated.


Step 2: Rectify Past Wear and Tear

Examine your walls for indications of previous damage or wear. Address issues such as flaking paint, small cracks, and rough patches by patching, sanding, and ensuring a thoroughly clean surface. If necessary, repaint the wall for a pristine finish.


Step 3: Allow Paint to Cure

If you've recently painted your walls, exercise patience. Allow a minimum of 30 days for the paint to fully cure before applying the wallpaper. This waiting period ensures proper setting, minimizing the risk of adhesion problems.


Step 4: Apply Specialised Primer

With smooth, clean walls, you’re ready to begin the priming process using the specialized Viponds Self Adhesive Prep Coat primer. The longevity and adherence of your peel and stick wallpaper hinge on the correct application of this primer.

Application Process:

- Apply three even coats of Viponds Self Adhesive Prep Coat, ensuring complete coverage.

- Adhere to the specified drying times between coats for optimal adhesion.

- Use a premium roller or brush for uniform coverage, paying extra attention to upper corners and edges, as these areas are prone to peeling if insufficient adhesive is applied.

- Extend the primer application beyond the wallpapered area to include adjacent walls, cornices, and skirting for a cohesive finish and to prevent potential peeling at the edges.


Step 5: Confirm Wall Dryness

For successful application of peel & stick wallpapers, ensure the walls are completely dry, especially in areas prone to moisture. This is particularly crucial in spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Now you're ready to apply your peel & stick wallpaper! Follow the instructions closely, and be sure to check out the additional information below for the best results. Happy decorating!

Additional Recommendation for Installation

To further enhance the success of your Peel & Stick wallpaper project, we strongly recommend seeking the services of a professional installer. However, it's important to note that not just any installer will do.

For the Best Outcome - Go Pro: For the best results, we advise partnering with a signage installation professional who has specific experience in self-adhesive graphics. These experts are well-versed in the nuances of applying materials similar to our Peel & Stick wallpaper and can ensure a flawless finish.

✓ It's Not Traditional Wallpaper: Opting for a professional with this specialized background, rather than a traditional wallpaper installer, can make a significant difference in the outcome of your project. Their expertise in handling self-adhesive products can help avoid common pitfalls such as bubbles, peeling, or lifting, which are often signs of incorrect application or insufficient wall preparation.

Friendly Reminder & Disclaimer

While we provide you with a premium Australian made Peel & Stick wallpaper product and comprehensive preparation and application advice, it's crucial to understand the unique challenges each wall may present. Despite our detailed guidance, we must clarify that we cannot assume liability for damages or issues related to the wallpaper's adhesion or appearance post-application, especially if signs of inadequate wall preparation, like partially falling off panels, bubbles, and peeling or lifting, are evident. These issues underscore the importance of meticulous preparation and professional installation.

Armed with this guide and our recommendation for professional installation, you're well-equipped to undertake your Peel & Stick wallpaper project with confidence. Should any questions arise or if you need further assistance, our supportive team is here to help.

We're committed to ensuring your experience is as smooth and rewarding as possible, transforming your space into the haven you envision. Here's to a successful wallpaper journey that brings your vision to life in the most beautiful way!

The Perfect Wall Condition

For those eyeing our wallpapers, remember that a smooth and even surface is key. Textured or bumpy walls aren't ideal mates for our adhesive, which thrives on sleek surfaces. Also, patience is a virtue with freshly painted walls; allowing at least four weeks for the paint to cure and off-gas is crucial for avoiding bubbles and extending the lifespan of our wallpaper on your walls. And don't forget, trying out a sample first is a smart move to ensure our product's color, quality, and adhesion meet your expectations before diving into a full-scale application.

Ideal for Small Projects

Peel and stick wallpaper is perfect for sprucing up light residential spaces and tackling small indoor decorating tasks. It's an excellent choice for those looking to add a semi-permanent touch of style to their surroundings. If you're wanting to cover a large area, of two or more walls - we don't recommend utilising this product as a DIYer.

But Wait, How Do I Remove It?

If you're contemplating a future update or redesign, rest assured that the removal process for our Peel & Stick wallpaper is designed to be as user-friendly and straightforward as its installation. To remove the wallpaper, start at the top of the panel, gently peeling it downward in a controlled manner, folding it back onto itself. This methodical approach is key to a smooth and damage-free removal process.

For walls with older or more delicate paint finishes, taking extra precautions can help avoid any potential damage during the wallpaper removal. One effective technique involves using a hairdryer to gently warm the adhesive as you peel the wallpaper away. This warmth loosens the adhesive slightly, facilitating a smoother removal by ensuring the material remains close to the wall, thereby minimizing the risk of pulling off any underlying paint.

Adopting a slow and steady pace during the removal process is essential. This careful approach not only preserves the integrity of your wall's surface but also keeps the wallpaper in better condition, should you choose to reuse or repurpose it. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your walls remain in top condition, ready for whatever new design or wallpaper you decide to introduce next.

Navigating Potential Wall Care After Wallpaper Removal

While the removal process of our Peel & Stick wallpaper is designed to be as gentle and straightforward as possible, it's important to acknowledge that, in some cases, minor to significant cosmetic damages to the wall may occur. Such damages are often a reflection of the wall's initial preparation and condition rather than the wallpaper or removal technique itself. Factors such as the quality of the underlying paint, the presence of previous damages, or the type of surface can influence the outcome of the wallpaper removal.

It is crucial to understand that the preparation of the wall before applying the wallpaper plays a significant role in the ease of removal and the condition of the wall afterward. A well-prepared wall, treated with the appropriate primers and smooth surfaces, is less likely to experience damage when the wallpaper is removed. Conversely, walls with pre-existing issues or those not adequately prepared may be more susceptible to cosmetic damages during the wallpaper removal process.

As a company, we provide guidelines and recommendations for both the application and removal of our Peel & Stick wallpaper to minimize the risk of damage as we want the entire process to be as easy as possible. However, it's essential to recognize that we cannot take accountability for damages that occur during the removal process, as these are tied to the wall's initial conditions and preparation. We encourage our customers to carefully consider the preparation of their walls to ensure the best possible outcome when the time comes to remove or update their wallpaper.


At Olive et Oriel, we recognize the appeal of products marketed as damage-free and renter-friendly, and we strive to meet these expectations with our own offerings. Yet, we understand that each wall and paint application has its own set of characteristics. In practice, it's tough to provide a universal solution that's perfect for every scenario. At Olive et Oriel, we are dedicated to providing you with the essential information and resources, helping you make the most informed choice for your particular environment.