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Peel and Stick vs. Traditional: What's the difference?

Posted by Zane Strautmane on

One of the most common perceptions about our wallpaper types is that both traditional wallpaper and removable self adhesive backing wallpaper are the same, with the only difference being the wallpaper application. However, it is not like that at all. This time, we have decided to demonstrate the main differences between Livette’s peel and stick wallpaper and traditional paper.
To apply we choose the Delicate Herringbone wallpaper design from the Scandinavian collection and the Bunny Butt wallpaper design from the Bright and Cheerful Kids Wallpaper collection to show you the main variations between peel and stick wallpaper and traditional wallpaper materials.
Whether you're installing removable wallpaper or tr traditional wallpaper removal, understanding the contrast in natural and synthetic fibers of stick wallpaper peel is crucial.
Self adhesive vs traditional material comparison

Application

The first point is quite obvious. Removable wallpaper also known as peel and stick wallpaper basically explains itself here. In simple terms, peel and stick wallpaper works like a giant textured sticker on your walls that doesn't require paste and that you can remove. The peel and stick wallpaper (that is also removable) backing consists of two parts: the vinyl wallpaper itself and the backing paper. To install this type of removable wallpaper, you gradually peel back the backing paper while you create small pressure and apply the wallpaper on your wall. 

This peel and stick wallpaper method can be a temporary solution to your walls compared to traditional wallpapers. Non woven wallpaper is another wallpaper type, but the removal process of peel and stick wallpaper is easier than non woven wallpaper, and it's designed to be a temporary wallpaper for your wall. Be cautious of air bubbles during wallpaper application on your wall.

Self adhesive wallpaper installation

With traditional wallpaper, it is a different story than with removable peel and stick wallpaper. To apply this type of wall wallpaper, you will need glue for non-woven wallpapers, and here's another twist: the paste has to be applied to the wall instead of the entire panel. Each panel requires paste individually to prevent it from drying out during installation. This method works well with various wallpaper types, especially for high traffic areas as a long-term interior design solution that will definitely last more than a year. With its durable paper nature, wallpaper is a permanent option in interior design that can be DIY friendly. 

Although it may require additional tools, it offers easy installation and is an environmentally friendly choice that is a long term solution. Cleaning is simple with a damp cloth, making it ideal for indoor elements. Choose your patterns wisely to make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of your new wall decor.
Traditional wallpaper application

Texture and finish

There are also differences in the appearance. The peel and stick wallpaper is a fabric-based textile, so the removable wallpaper accordingly has a fabric surface. At first glimpse, it is actually not very noticeable, it is quite difficult to see, however, it is there. The traditional wallpaper, on the other hand, is a non-woven paper-based material that has no grain whatsoever. It's completely smooth paper. When deciding on the choice for your walls, consider that one common feature for both types is the matte finish. Typically, removable wallpaper offers an alternative for those specific needs where traditional wallpaper might not be the best choice due to mess, paste requirements, or durability, especially in rooms like bathrooms. When hanging wallpaper, the biggest issue might be the paste drying process, which is not required with removable options. While traditional wallpaper requires paste and it is too late to apply when paste dries, removable wallpaper creates less mess and is easy for surfaces intended for a temporary change because the process of peeling of the removable wallpaper is easy. Additionally, the quality and textures of each type can be suited to different needs and rooms.

Texture differnece between self adhesive and traditional wallpaper

Colors

When the two materials are compared, the color difference is quite obvious, as you can see in the picture below. The peel and stick wallpaper textile is textured crisp white, while the traditional is a bit off-white, which is more like milky white design. However, if you don't have the two to compare, they are both simply white.
Surface and the background color also affect how the colours sit on the wallpaper surface, so the same colors on different materials will, in most cases, look a little bit different. As you can see in the picture below, the traditional sample seems a bit more vivid, while the peel and stick wallpaper one appears a little dimmed in comparison.
Choosing the right textile for your modern kitchens and other alternative areas can be difficult, but it's important to consider the unique results and beautiful experience you desire. While the peel and stick wallpaper can be applied easily and removed with ease, the traditional version might require more effort. Budget considerations may also come into play, as textures and issues with application might vary. Choosing the way to achieve your required look is essential for a successful outcome.
Color differences on self adhesive and traditional wallpaper

Pattern scale

As the example below perfectly demonstrates, the pattern scale is also not the same on both materials. This discrepancy occurs because the standard width of wallpaper types, including removable wallpaper and peel and stick wallpaper, is different. Essentially, the pattern is designed for a 19” panel and then stretched to fit a 25” panel. Thus, on traditional wallpaper with self-adhesive backing or non-woven wallpaper, the pattern appears larger in scale. When applying wallpaper with adhesive backing, such as peel and stick removable options, it is intended to be easily applied and removed from various wall surfaces, including textured ones, without requiring paste that dries. Bubbles can be avoided when applying to ensure a smooth finish.

Pattern scale comparison of different wallpaper materials
I hope this article explained and demonstrated the differences clear enough and helped to make your wallpaper choice easier. If you still have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us
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Comments


  • Hello, Jessica!

    Thank you for your comment! By many recommendations from professional wallpaper installers, we always recommend choosing Roman PRO line products for our customers as well. What we would suggest for best possible results, is to reach out directly to Roman PRO customer service and inquire which specific product they would recommend for your walls given the adhesive used on our self adhesive wallpapers is acrylic-based, and based on the type of wall paint you currently have or have planned to use.

    Livette's Wallpaper on
  • Do you have a primer you recommend for your self adhesive wall paper? My walls have recently been painted with Benjamin moore regal collection semi gloss paint. Thank you!

    Jessica on
  • Hello, Lindsay B Meyers & Erin M., thank you for leaving a comment! :) Our self adhesive wallpaper is removable, however a lot depends on the condition of the wall itself and how the wall surface has been prepped before. For best results, we always recommend priming the wall before installing wallpaper, to ensure better adhesion and removal of the wallpaper.

    Livette's Wallpaper on
  • Dear, Karleigh Johnson, by recommendations from professional wallpaper installers, we suggest using Roman PRO wallpaper adhesives! :)

    Livette's Wallpaper on
  • Do you have a wall glue that you recommend with your traditional wallpaper? Thank you in advance :)

    Karleigh Johnson on
  • Hi – Is the self adhesive wallpaper removable?

    Lindsay B Meyers on
  • Does the self adhesive ruin the surface beneath, like regular wallpaper?

    Erin M. on
  • Hello, Robin!

    Thank you for your comment! :) And we have to say that if you’re going for the perfect final look, it is never recommended to install wallpaper over an already existing wallpaper.

    Best regards,
    Livette’s

    Livette's Wallpaper on
  • Can your self adhesive wallpaper be installed over existing Flat vinyl wallpaper ?

    ROBin rYan on

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