Traditional Wallpaper vs Peel & Stick Wallpaper
In the world of home decor, traditional wallpaper and removable wallpaper are often pitted against each other. Which is the superior option? Since peel-and-stick wallpaper entered the market, many consumers have found themselves weighing their choices. The best approach is to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type while reflecting on your personal needs. Here’s a closer look at both options, with our conclusion leaning towards traditional wallpaper.
Traditional Non-Woven Wallpaper
First, let’s clarify what we mean by traditional wallpaper. This refers specifically to non-woven wallpaper that isn’t self-adhesive. Traditional wallpaper requires a separate adhesive that you apply to the wall before hanging the paper. Non-woven wallpaper was developed to address the downsides of older types of wallpaper, which, despite its durability, was often difficult to remove, prone to issues like expansion and contraction, hard to clean and could even damage your walls.
The term “non-woven” describes the backing made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibres. This design allows for breathability, which significantly reduces the risk of mould growth. Additionally, it minimises expansion and contraction, ensuring a stable installation. Non-woven wallpaper can also be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. One of its standout features is the ability to remove it in large pieces without the headaches associated with older wallpaper types that would leave bits of stubborn paper that had to be scraped off.
Why Isn’t Traditional Wallpaper Labelled as Removable?
If traditional wallpaper can be removed easily, why isn’t it marketed as removable? This is mainly due to its intended purpose and historical reputation. Although traditional non-woven wallpaper can usually be removed with relative ease, it is primarily engineered for durability, capable of withstanding the demands of high-traffic areas and fluctuating indoor environments.
Despite its removable qualities, the historical perception of traditional wallpaper as difficult to take down lingers. Once it is removed, it typically cannot be reused as the material may suffer damage. Another benefit of traditional wallpaper is its eco-friendliness; it is produced without the harmful chemicals often associated with many older types of wallpaper.
Peel & Stick Wallpaper
Now, let’s look at Peel & Stick wallpaper. This type is often described as reusable and self-adhesive, commonly known as removable or temporary paper. The wallpaper industry introduced this alternative to cater to those who viewed traditional wallpaper as too permanent. The application process is straightforward—simply peel off the backing and stick it onto the wall, making it user-friendly for anyone. This type of wallpaper is particularly appealing to renters, hence the term “renter’s wallpaper.” However, how well does it perform? Let’s investigate further.
Installation: Traditional Wallpaper vs Peel & Stick Wallpaper
Both types of wallpaper can be removed, but their installation processes differ significantly. Traditional wallpaper requires adhesive and tools like a roller brush for application, resulting in a more involved process. Removable wallpaper, on the other hand, simplifies this by eliminating the need for those tools, leading to a cleaner installation.
Both styles require careful cutting, levelling, and marking to ensure a proper fit. However, traditional wallpaper has a key advantage: because you apply paste to the wall, you have some flexibility to adjust the paper during installation. This allows for easier alignment and smoothing out wrinkles.
In contrast, once peel-and-stick wallpaper is applied, the sticky back makes it nearly impossible to reposition without starting over. If you encounter misalignment or bubbles, you’ll need to peel it off and reapply, which can complicate the process. In addition, the more you need to pull it off to reposition it, the weaker the adhesion becomes.
Wallpaper Durability
When comparing durability, traditional non-woven wallpaper clearly outshines its removable counterpart. The adhesive on peel-and-stick wallpaper is less robust and can peel off over time, especially in environments with fluctuating temperatures and humidity. This makes it unsuitable for areas like bathrooms or kitchens. It’s not uncommon to find corners peeling away or entire sections coming loose.
Given these inconsistencies, we’ve decided to be cautious about recommending removable wallpaper. After experiencing its shortcomings, we removed it from our offerings. If it cannot maintain its place on your wall, it raises questions about its overall utility.
In the end, choosing between traditional and removable wallpaper boils down to personal preference. If you’re in a temporary situation or favour a more flexible option, removable wallpaper may be worth considering. However, if you plan to stay in your home for an extended period and want a dependable, high-quality product, traditional non-woven wallpaper is the clear winner. At this point, removable wallpaper technology still has a lot of room for improvement before it can be considered a reliable wall covering. For now, traditional non-woven wallpaper remains the top choice.
