The Complete Guide to Removable Wallpaper (2026) — Types, Installation & How to Choose
Removable Wallpaper: What It Actually Is and Why It Matters
Removable wallpaper is any wallcovering designed to be taken down without damaging your walls. At Olive et Oriel, we offer three distinct substrates — Peel & Stick, Paste the Wall Smooth, and Paste the Wall Linen — each manufactured to your wall measurements, numbered panel by panel. Every option is PVC-free, VOC-free, fire-rated, and breathable, printed on non-woven eco-friendly material. This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the right wallpaper, prepare your walls, and get a professional result.
The Three Substrates: A Complete Comparison
Choosing between the three comes down to your living situation, room conditions, and the look you want. Here is how they compare side by side:
| Feature | Peel & Stick | Paste the Wall — Smooth | Paste the Wall — Linen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Renters, temporary installs | Bathrooms, kitchens, long-term | Living rooms, bedrooms, texture lovers |
| Finish | Fabric texture | Matte (satin on very dark colours) | Linen textured |
| Water/humidity resistant | No | Yes | No |
| Removable | Yes — residue-free | Yes — with steamer/soak | Yes — with steamer/soak |
| Repositionable during install | Yes | Yes (before paste sets) | Yes (before paste sets) |
| Paste applied to | Self-adhesive backing | The wall | The wall |
| Panel width | 48cm | 48cm | 48cm |
| PVC-free / VOC-free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fire-rated | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Skill level | Advanced DIY or professional | Professional recommended | Professional recommended |
How to Choose the Right Wallpaper Type
Choose Peel & Stick if…
You are renting and need to remove your wallpaper without losing your bond deposit. Peel & stick is repositionable and leaves no residue when walls are properly primed. It is only suitable for advanced DIYers or professionals with prior experience — the high-tack adhesive and precision requirements mean incorrect handling can result in stretching, bubbling, or misalignment. For professional help, look for a signage installer or specialist in self-adhesive wall coverings (not a traditional wallpaper hanger).
Choose Paste the Wall Smooth if…
You want a long-lasting, durable finish. This is the go-to for bathrooms and kitchens because it is water and humidity resistant. The smooth matte finish suits most design styles, and very dark colours develop a luxurious satin sheen. Paste is applied to the wall, not the wallpaper, making it manageable for an experienced installer.
Choose Paste the Wall Linen if…
You want a textured, tactile finish that adds depth and warmth. Linen is ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where you want the wallpaper to feel as good as it looks. Installation follows the same paste-the-wall method as Smooth.
Wall Preparation: The Step Most People Skip
Wall prep is the single biggest factor in a good result. More installation issues come from poor wall prep than anything else.
For Peel & Stick — Primer Is Essential
Your walls must be primed with the correct product for your country. Paint must cure for 30 days before wallpapering over it.
| Country | Recommended Primer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Viponds Self Adhesive Prep Coat | 3 coats, satin or semi-gloss finish (NOT low sheen) |
| USA | Roman PRO-909 Vinyl Prep | Use PRO-977 Ultra Prime on bare drywall |
| Canada | Roman PRO-909 | Available at Home Hardware, Canadian Tire, Home Depot Canada |
| New Zealand | Viponds (via AU) or Resene Broadwall Acrylic Wallboard Sealer | Contact Viponds AU for supply |
| UK | Erfurt Metatex Primer or Beeline Primer/Sealer | |
| Singapore / UAE | Viponds via international trade supply |
For Paste the Wall — Surface Prep
Walls must be smooth, clean, dry, and light-coloured. Dark or strongly coloured walls must be repainted to a light, even tone and allowed to fully cure. Do not draw or mark directly on the wall — pencil and pen marks can show through the wallpaper. Use a laser level for your reference line instead.
Installation Basics
Every Olive et Oriel wallpaper order arrives with panels labelled on the bottom left corner — Panel 1, Panel 2, Panel 3, and so on. Always start from the far left of the wall, in the most inconspicuous corner. Never start in the middle.
- Mark your first reference point 43cm from the wall edge (leaving 5cm excess for uneven walls)
- Leave 5cm excess at ceiling and floor — trim after all panels are installed
- Use pre-trimmed butt joins — never overlap panels
- Smooth with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth using upward and outward motions
- Never use hard objects or plastic smoothing tools (they damage the surface)
- For power outlets: cut a small X over the outlet, fold wallpaper away, trim carefully, then replace the cover
- Turn off electricity and mask outlets with masking tape before starting
How to Measure Your Walls
Measure the height from floor to ceiling at multiple points along the wall and use the tallest measurement. Measure the width end to end and add 10–15cm for installation adjustments. Olive et Oriel includes an extra 10cm in height with every order, complimentary, to compensate for walls that are not perfectly square. For detailed measuring instructions, see our measuring guide.
Ordering Samples First
Every design is available as a 48cm × 40cm sample for $4.99 — large enough to see the true scale, texture, and colour against your wall and lighting. Samples are dispatched within 2–5 business days. Free colour changes and design customisations are available on any design. Once you have confirmed your choice, full-price orders are produced in approximately 4 business days before dispatch.
Finding a Professional Installer
At Olive et Oriel, we strongly recommend engaging a professional for installation. For peel & stick, seek a signage installer or specialist in self-adhesive wall coverings — not a traditional wallpaper hanger. For paste the wall substrates, an experienced wallpaper installer is ideal. Regardless of the installer's experience level, they must follow the provided installation instructions. Browse our installer directory for recommended professionals in your area.
What Removable Wallpaper Cannot Do
Not every wall is suitable. Removable wallpaper is not recommended for high-heat areas (directly behind stoves or radiators), textured walls (the surface must be smooth), or walls with dark or strongly pigmented paint (repaint to a light tone first). Persistent air bubbles after peel & stick installation indicate inadequate wall preparation and are not covered by warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wallpaper over textured walls?
No. The wall surface must be smooth for any of the three substrates to adhere properly.
Will the colours match if I reorder?
Colours can vary between production runs. Order enough to complete your project in one order.
Can I customise the colours or scale of a design?
Yes. Free colour and design customisation is available on every design. Email custom@oliveetoriel.com or note your preferences when ordering.
