How Long Does Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Last?
Peel-and stick-wallpaper may last a few years or hang around for over a decade
Highlights
Cheap, old, or thin peel-and-stick wallpaper lasts about three years.
Higher quality, newer peel-and-stick wallpaper can stay up for seven years or more.
As flooring, peel-and-stick wallpaper lasts one to three years unless sealed.
Install the wallpaper properly to maximize its lifespan.
It’s no wonder peel-and-stick wallpaper is a consumer favorite—this self-adhesive product is an easy-to-install, low-commitment, inexpensive way to add a touch of color to any space. How long peel-and-stick wallpaper lasts depends on the type of adhesive used, the material quality, the installation location, and whether it’s properly installed.
Generally speaking, peel-and-stick wallpaper can start falling off in as little as three years or stick around as long as you decide to keep it on your walls. If you love the look of your peel-and-stick wallpaper design, there are some things you can do to keep it around as long as possible.
How Long Does Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Last?
It wasn’t long ago that peel-and-stick wallpaper users would be lucky to get five years out of their investment. While it was great for renters and those who wanted to change home décor every few years, it didn’t last long enough for most homeowners.
Times have changed, and quality peel-and-stick wallpaper now easily lasts five to seven years. With proper installation and care, peel-and-stick wallpaper can last over a decade. Some of these wallpapers can even be removed and reinstalled multiple times.
Because it’s so cheap and easy to install, many people use peel-and-stick wallpaper to spruce up flooring. While it’s a good way to change things up with minimal effort and investment, the wear and tear from foot traffic dramatically reduces the wallpaper’s life span.
Expect cheap, thin peel-and-stick wallpaper to peel, crack, fade, or rip in less than a year. Thicker, more durable peel-and-stick wallpaper may last around three years. For best results, add an acrylic sealant to help protect it—this way, your temporary flooring solution could last up to 10 years.
| Wallpaper Type | Average Life Span |
|---|---|
| Thin, old, inexpensive, low-quality, or improperly installed peel-and-stick wallpaper | 3–5 years |
| High-quality, modern peel-and-stick wallpaper that was installed correctly and cared for | 5–7 years or more |
| Thin peel-and-stick wallpaper used as flooring | 1 year |
| High-quality peel-and-stick wallpaper used as flooring | 3 years |
| Peel and stick wallpaper protected with an acrylic sealant before being used as flooring | 10 years |
How to Improve Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper’s Longevity
You can do many things to improve the life span of your peel-and-stick wallpaper. First, buy high-quality wallpaper from a reputable brand—wallpaper from a no-name brand may rip or fall off easily if it’s too thin or has poor adhesive.
Choose the Right Wallpaper for Your Space
Check the manufacturer's recommendations before purchasing peel-and-stick wallpaper, as some products are only designed to adhere to eggshell, satin, and semigloss paints. If you have the wrong type of paint, you may need to find a different peel-and-stick wallpaper or upgrade to traditional wallpaper instead. And if the installation process for regular wallpaper is too involved for you to DIY, consider working with a local wallpaper pro.
Consider Your Installation Area
Some peel-and-stick wallpapers are designed to be moisture-resistant, meaning they are safe for kitchen and bathroom installation, while others are not.
Similarly, buying wallpaper labeled as “washable” is typically a good idea unless you’re installing it somewhere where it is unlikely to get dirty.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Installation Instructions
Always clean the walls according to the instructions before installing and allow the surface to dry completely—overnight if possible.
Some wallpaper companies will instruct you to overlap the paper, while others should be placed side by side. When installing, take the time to remove the bubbles from the wallpaper to increase its adhesion and improve its appearance.
Clean the Wallpaper
Once your paper is installed, clean it according to manufacturer recommendations, usually with a mild dish soap and a soft sponge.
Beyond that, try to keep your home at a consistent temperature, which can help keep the wallpaper in place longer. Regularly fluctuating temperatures can weaken the wallpaper adhesive.
What to Do if Your Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Starts to Come Off
Usually, peel-and-stick wallpaper falls off for one of three reasons—the wall was dirty, the wallpaper was installed improperly, or the adhesive has started to wear off.
While there’s not much you can do to fix the wallpaper if the adhesive begins to fail, if it was only recently installed, try cleaning the wall with a mixture of two parts of isopropyl alcohol and one part of water. Let the wall dry thoroughly, then try to reapply the wallpaper.
If the wallpaper loses its adhesion ability, you’ll need to use a new sheet.