Why it worked
The post offers practical, actionable advice for a common DIY task that many people find challenging. The relatable struggle and clear, step-by-step tips provide value, making it highly shareable and engaging for a home decor or DIY audience.
Summary
This photo post provides six tips for applying peel and stick wallpaper, emphasizing the importance of using a level, peeling backing gradually, matching patterns, avoiding stretching, using a squeegee and sharp blade, and having two people for the job. The creator acknowledges the difficulty and time commitment but concludes that the final result is worth the effort.
Structure
- 1Introduction to the difficulty of peel and stick wallpaper
- 2Tip 1: Use a level
- 3Tip 2: Peel backing gradually
- 4Tip 3: Match the pattern
- 5Tip 4: Do not stretch
- 6Tip 5: Use a squeegee and sharp blade
- 7Tip 6: Have two people
- 8Conclusion on effort vs. result
On-screen text
My #1 tip for peel & stick wallpaper:
Don't.
Okay, if you're gonna do it anyway...
Here are 6 tips we learned during our 4-hour struggle.
Use a level for the first panel.
Do not assume your walls are straight. If the first piece is crooked, every piece after it will be too.
Peel off a little backing at a time.
Only expose a few inches while you work your way down. It gives you way more control and helps prevent wrinkles.
Match the pattern before sticking it down.
Line up the next panel at the top first, then slowly work your way down while checking the pattern as you go.
Don't stretch the wallpaper.
It can stretch more than you think and make the pattern impossible to line up. Smooth it into place instead of pulling it tight.
Use a squeegee and a really sharp blade.
Smooth from the center outward to get rid of bubbles. A fresh blade makes trimming around ceilings, outlets and baseboards so much easier.
Have two people do it.
One person can line up the top and pattern while the other keeps the rest of the wallpaper from sticking where it shouldn't.
Did we complain the entire 4 hours? Yes.
Does it look amazing now? Also yes.