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How to Make Wallpaper Removable

March 2, 2016 By Erin Spain 86 Comments

How to Make Any Wallpaper Removable: No glue, no holes, no wall damage whatsoever!

You guys! I am beyond excited about this. As I recently showed you, I added this fawn wallpaper to our master bedroom closet (you can see the makeover reveal here) and I am in love with it. It’s glam and feminine and basically everything my husband hates, but it’s the closet, ya know?

I think it’s a decent compromise since I didn’t force our house to ooze femininity at every turn. The closet (or at least my half of it) was fair game as far as I’m concerned.

Anyway, I loved the wallpaper but I sort of hate the whole wallpaper removal process, and I change my mind a lot. (I have what is commonly referred to as decorating ADHD.) So I set out to find out how to make wallpaper removable, so that I could hang the exact wallpaper I wanted without using glue or making it permanent. And I found a way!

I had heard about this idea suggested in an old Lonny Magazine article a long time ago and always had it in the back of my mind, wondering if it would actually work. Yes, removable wallpaper exists, but the pattern choices are limited, and this method allowed me to use any wallpaper I wanted.

I have to say, this was a total experiment, but I’m so happy that it worked.

I’ve used thumbtacks to attach wallpaper to the backs of bookcases, and I’ve used just plain old double stick tape too, both of which can work depending on the situation. However, the method I’m sharing with you today requires no glue, no tacks, no holes, no wall damage, period. Here’s what you’ll need.

PROJECT SUPPLY LIST:

Disclosure: Affiliate links included. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I received the wallpaper for free from Walls Republic. All opinions are my own.

How to make any wallpaper removable: Supplies

  • Wallpaper of your choice (I used this Tan Fawn Wallpaper from Walls Republic.)
  • Painter’s Tape (Amount will vary based on how much wall space you have to cover.)
  • Double Sided Tape (Amount will also vary, but you will need A LOT.) I suggest shopping Amazon to find it in bulk, or check out the dollar store. I used a couple of different types based on whatever I could find at the store.
  • X-Acto Knife
  • Scissors
  • Ruler or Yard Stick (for a straight edge)
  • Pencil
  • Smoothing Tool

HOW TO MAKE WALLPAPER REMOVABLE

Step 1

First, create a grid on the wall with painter’s tape. This doesn’t have to be perfect by any means. Just slap the tape up there in a general grid formation—no measuring or straight lines necessary.

How to make any wallpaper removable

Step 2

Next, measure your wall and then cut a strip of wallpaper to the correct length, leaving a few excess inches. Set aside.

How to make any wallpaper removable

Step 3

Apply double-sided tape on top of the painter’s tape. This provides a barrier between the double sided tape and the wall, so that removing it will not damage the wall later on. If you stick the double sided tape directly onto the wall, it will damage it when you pull it off.

Work in sections, applying the tape just to the area where the first strip of wallpaper will adhere.

How to make any wallpaper removable

Step 4

Carefully position your first strip of wallpaper onto the wall, smoothing it out as you go. You may need to go in and add additional pieces of painter’s tape with more double sided tape on top as you go, especially under edges to make them less noticeable.

How to make any wallpaper removable

Step 5

When you get your wallpaper positioned on the wall, use your X-Acto knife to cut the excess paper off the top and bottom.

How to make any wallpaper removable

Step 6

Repeat the process, carefully matching up the pattern repeat on your paper (if there is one), all the way around the room. If any edges are not laying flat, stick some more tape under them until everything looks smooth and uniform. Then step back and enjoy your hard work!

How to make any wallpaper easily removable

Notes:

This is time consuming and a little bit tedious, but not difficult and definitely worth it if you don’t want to worry about having difficulty removing it later. This will peel right off whenever you want to change up your decor.

The most difficult part was applying the wallpaper around the window, but I just tried my best to smooth it and slowly cut it with the X-Acto. I’m sure this is the case regardless of application process.

If you’re covering a lot of wall space, I would make your grid quite large (to save both time and tape) and pay special attention mostly just to the edges. I found that that’s where I ended up needing the most tape anyway.

I used the same method for behind the shelves too.

How to make any wallpaper removable

Do you have a favorite wallpaper hanging tip? I’d love to hear about it!

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THESE POSTS:

  • Closet Makeover Reveal
  • Master Bedroom Makeover Reveal
  • How to Paint a Striped Wall
  • or check out my project gallery here!

Linking this post to:

Monday Funday | Merry Monday | Tips & Tricks Link Party | The Inspiration Board | Talk of the Town | Dream. Create. Inspire | The DIY Collective

 

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You can also connect with me here:

Thanks for visiting!

-Erin

Filed Under: Closet, Decorating, DIY, Home & DIY Blog, Popular Posts, Tips & Tricks, Tutorials, Wall Decor

« Closet Makeover Reveal
DIY Like a Boss Link Party #9 »

Comments

  1. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    March 2, 2016 at 7:26 am

    That is genius. I love that idea.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      March 2, 2016 at 8:12 am

      Thank you Marty! I was just so happy that it actually worked!

      Reply
  2. grammygoodwill says

    March 2, 2016 at 7:28 am

    What an ingenious idea. I couldn’t figure out the purpose for the painter’s tape until you explained it. Your closet looks fantastic

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      March 2, 2016 at 8:12 am

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Charlotte @ Ciburbanity says

    March 3, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    Genius. My friend was over today and LITERALLY talking about this! Can’t believe how legit it looks. 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      March 3, 2016 at 9:58 pm

      Thank you so much, Charlotte! I was a little bit shocked that it actually worked. Haha!

      Reply
  4. Alexis says

    March 7, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    This is SO smart!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      March 7, 2016 at 5:02 pm

      Thank you, Alexis! I was pleasantly surprised that this method actually worked!

      Reply
  5. cassie @ primitive & proper says

    March 8, 2016 at 7:21 am

    such a smart idea! and i just adore the look!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      March 8, 2016 at 8:02 am

      Thank you, Cassie!

      Reply
  6. Brynne@TheGatheredHome says

    March 8, 2016 at 11:21 am

    This is absolutely brilliant! Especially the layer of painter’s tape to prevent damage to the wall – I would have NEVER thought of that! And of course, the wallpaper itself is absolutely stunning!

    Reply
  7. Shelly@ConfettiStyle says

    March 8, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    I hadn’t heard of this technique before but will definitely be saving in my design files. Thanks for sharing Erin.

    Reply
  8. Jessica says

    March 8, 2016 at 9:28 pm

    I NEED to do this, I am dying for pattern over here in my rental! Thanks girl!

    Reply
  9. Brooke Riley~Re-Fabbed says

    March 11, 2016 at 9:33 am

    This is a great post! I am going to be saving this one for future reference! Thank you for sharing at The DIY Collective! And, I LOVE the fawn wallpaper and all of the other touches of feminine in the closet space- absolutely stunning!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      March 11, 2016 at 9:46 am

      Thank you, Brooke!

      Reply
    • Nancy says

      August 21, 2017 at 12:58 pm

      I would like to find the ‘faun’ wallpaper. Can you help me with sourcing this paper?
      Thank you….I love this idea and will use it for a mural that my grandaughter wants.

      Reply
      • Erin Spain says

        August 21, 2017 at 8:17 pm

        Hi Nancy. The wallpaper came from Walls Republic.

        Reply
  10. Sue at Blu says

    March 11, 2016 at 3:34 pm

    Wow! Genius! Most folks don’t wallpaper cause they don’t want to have to remove it eventually!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      March 11, 2016 at 7:20 pm

      Thank you, Sue! That’s definitely how I feel about it. Removal is a pain, but I love the look of it. Glad to have found a compromise!

      Reply
  11. Amanda @The Kolb Corner says

    March 12, 2016 at 9:18 am

    Oh my husband will be so happy to know that I can wallpaper every room of the house now! lol.
    Thank you so much for sharing with us at Merry Monday!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      March 13, 2016 at 7:47 pm

      Yes! You totally can. Haha. Thanks, Amanda!

      Reply
  12. Mary Taylor says

    March 17, 2016 at 10:58 am

    Wow that’s simply a brilliant idea erin. Who would have thought of painter’s tape technique? I need to try it soon. Will definitely share the experience with you. And also, the heels are great 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      March 17, 2016 at 9:23 pm

      Thanks so much, Mary! I would love to hear about it if you try it!

      Reply
  13. Stephanie @ Casa Watkins says

    March 22, 2016 at 4:27 pm

    Your closet is gorgeous!!!! I love the wallpaper and it is perfect for your closet. Great tutorial. Pinning and sharing.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      March 22, 2016 at 8:36 pm

      Thank you so much, Stephanie!

      Reply
  14. Kerianne says

    July 1, 2016 at 8:34 pm

    Awesome idea! Does this make the wallpaper reusable or would it get ruined when removing! Thx for this post!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      July 1, 2016 at 10:00 pm

      Good question, Kerianne! I’m really not sure since I haven’t tried to remove it, but my guess is that it should work. As long as you use heavy duty, good quality wallpaper and peel it off slowly and carefully, I think you could reuse it.

      Reply
  15. Sarah says

    August 8, 2016 at 8:47 pm

    Do you know if this will work over existing wall paper? We may be moving into an apartment with “not so attractive” wall paper in the kitchen and wanted to try!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 9, 2016 at 8:20 pm

      Hi Sarah! I would imagine that it should work, but I would test a small area first just to make sure the painter’s tape doesn’t mess up the wallpaper when you peel it off. Good luck!

      Reply
  16. Al says

    January 27, 2017 at 6:12 pm

    Hi! I just was wondering how well this has held up for you. Is there any peeling and such? Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      January 29, 2017 at 12:33 pm

      Great question, and thanks for the reminder that I need to add an update! There is some peeling from time to time, and I just press it back down as I walk by. I think if I did it over again, I would add a tighter grid and more tape. And I don’t think I would do a whole room, but an accent wall is the way to go!

      Reply
  17. Nicole says

    February 10, 2017 at 8:43 pm

    This is brilliant!! I’m so glad you shared! I’m for sure doing this in my living room!!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      February 13, 2017 at 8:18 pm

      Thanks, Nicole!

      Reply
  18. Meghan says

    June 6, 2017 at 9:34 pm

    What a great idea!! Thanks for sharing! I am wondering how this held up for you as the seasons changed from cold to hot? Was there any significant peeling? Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      June 19, 2017 at 7:58 pm

      It did peel some, and I just press it back down as needed. I think, to do it over again, I would add more tape. For a closet it’s fine as I can just press it down as I walk by sometimes. Not sure if I would do an entire room though.

      Reply
  19. Kalia says

    July 17, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    I love this idea and I’m about to do it myself. Does it stick okay with regular double sided tape? Or do I need something stronger?

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      July 27, 2017 at 9:06 pm

      It has peeled some, so if I did it over again I would definitely add more. If you can find something a little bit more heavy-duty, I would go with that!

      Reply
  20. Rachel Castro says

    October 21, 2017 at 9:13 pm

    I have the most hideous 80s wallpaper in my rental bathroom. My landlord is easy going and probably would let me remove it but I really didn’t want to do all that work! I found this beautiful wallpaper to cover it up but 3M strips didn’t work to hold it. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this post because I think this is my solution!! ????????

    Reply
  21. Jilly90 says

    January 2, 2018 at 8:53 pm

    Will the painters tape damage wall paint if left on for a number of years?

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      January 3, 2018 at 11:32 pm

      I would think it would take many years for that to happen, but if it does you can always just repaint.

      Reply
  22. Laura says

    January 29, 2018 at 8:02 pm

    I am trying to find a way to hang wallpaper in a rental, and this seems like one of the best techniques! I’m very curious if the painter’s tape has damaged your wall paint in any way, over the last 2 years. I don’t want to risk messing up the paint in my apartment, because it’s a brand new unit! Thanks so much 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      February 28, 2018 at 8:04 pm

      It hasn’t so far!

      Reply
  23. courtney williams says

    April 5, 2018 at 6:36 am

    Just checking in as i just ran across this post (in a rage over my water activated wallpaper not staying), is it still staying up on the wall? has any fallen or had to be redone? I’m desperate for a new plan for my wallpaper but dont want it to come crashing down on thee baby’s crib! 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      April 9, 2018 at 9:33 pm

      One of the strips did fall down but I think it’s because I didn’t put enough double stick tape behind it. I would just put a TON. Good luck!

      Reply
  24. Rebecca says

    April 28, 2018 at 6:25 am

    This technique is perfect. I’ve had a custom wallpaper made for my fine art degree final exhibition and have been hunting for ways to hang the wallpaper thats easy to remove

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      May 6, 2018 at 7:18 pm

      Thanks, Rebecca! Glad you found this helpful.

      Reply
  25. Kristyn says

    August 4, 2018 at 8:20 am

    Great idea! I’m just wondering, will the wallpaper be ruined when we take it off the wall? (I am in a temporary office right now)
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      August 15, 2018 at 9:56 pm

      Good question! I think if you removed it very slowly and carefully, it could be salvaged.

      Reply
  26. Caroline says

    September 23, 2018 at 7:24 pm

    You probably won’t see this but this is so fricking helpful you won’t believe! You are a goddamn genius!!! c:

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      September 23, 2018 at 8:50 pm

      Haha! Thank you! I’m glad you found it helpful.

      Reply
  27. Kate says

    September 27, 2018 at 4:34 pm

    I suspect you could also apply painters tape to the paper to help salvage it too, if you really wanted to. My question, though; Would this method be a disaster in a bathroom? I suspect with all the moisture and humidity I would be better to actually just apply it the proper way. Thoughts?

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      October 11, 2018 at 10:01 pm

      Yes I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for a bathroom. I think the humidity would make it peel off pretty quickly.

      Reply
  28. Pam I Am says

    November 26, 2018 at 12:40 pm

    I was searching for a way to do wallpaper behind my Christmas theme Mantle without ruining the drywall and your idea rocks!!!! You are now in my Genius Club!!! It turned out great! Thank you for sharing!!!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      November 29, 2018 at 12:17 pm

      Thank you! Glad you found it helpful.

      Reply
  29. Jasmine says

    December 28, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    Hi Erin! How do you know this worked? Did you test double-sided tape on the wall for a few weeks and then remove to see if it damaged the paint? Or, are you only referring to the fact that it held it to the wall when you say, “it worked.” I’ve read some articles online that say painters tape can damage the wall is left on for more than 24 hours. in the future, for these types of tutorials, would be helpful to show us to take down as well. Maybe do a wall in your home that you don’t plan to leave the wallpaper on, leave it up for a few weeks, and then show us the after photo. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Andrew says

      February 11, 2019 at 3:36 am

      @Jasmine – valid concern, but were those articles specifically saying that the wall will be damaged or that it’s bad to leave it too long when you are actually in the process of painting the walls? Because the latter is a thing, as you risk taking some of that new paint off with the tape if you leave it on for too long.

      Reply
  30. Mora says

    February 15, 2019 at 5:05 pm

    Thank s never thought of your idea????

    Reply
  31. Rachael says

    February 17, 2019 at 5:15 pm

    Would this work for Kitchen cabinets?! We are renting and our kitchen cabinets are hideous. Would love a temporary solution!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      February 19, 2019 at 8:00 pm

      I probably wouldn’t do this in a space with a lot of moisture or humidity.

      Reply
  32. Kim says

    July 1, 2019 at 12:18 pm

    I love this idea! Do you think it could work to hold fabric instead of wallpaper?

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      July 2, 2019 at 2:54 pm

      Possibly! Maybe starched fabric. The wallpaper I used was pretty heavy so it’s definitely worth a try!

      Reply
  33. Mark says

    July 20, 2019 at 12:58 am

    Fantastic idea! I’ve decided to do this to a bedroom. I’ll be covering one main wall, and partial coverage on two other walls. I got a brick pattern and I’ve spent a full day and a half just doing 3/4 of the main wall and 1/4 of another wall. The hardest part was transitioning the corner as I decided to not cut the paper at the corner but just let it flow through. I managed to stay perfectly level coming out of the corner. It looks FANTASTIC. Thank you for writing this article up. I would have never otherwise done this. It’s been a blast so far. I hope there are no long term effects from using painter’s tape should I ever remove this.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      July 31, 2019 at 9:40 pm

      That’s awesome! So glad this worked for you!

      Reply
  34. Erynn says

    August 20, 2019 at 1:32 pm

    Thank you so much! From a fellow Erynn! ???? I spent the last 90mins looking for a way to mount my beautiful wall paper and not ruin my apartment walls! Thank you!!

    Reply
  35. Jessica says

    October 22, 2019 at 9:56 pm

    Thank you for this post! I’ve been searching for a while on trying to hang wallpaper temporarily. We are going to sell our house in the next few months, so I want to take my wall mural with me, especially after paying so much for it. My question is, will this method tear the wallpaper when removing?

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      October 22, 2019 at 10:06 pm

      Nevermind I just read the other comments asking the same question
      This is a old post though. Did you ever end up taking it down? If so did it damage the wallpaper? The wallpaper I have is thick. I really hope this works!

      Reply
      • Erin Spain says

        October 23, 2019 at 11:58 pm

        I did take some of it down and no the wallpaper was not ruined. Mine was also heavy duty. If yours is thick then it should be fine! Just be gentle with it when removing.

        Reply
  36. Robyn says

    October 24, 2019 at 9:52 am

    While this is a great DIY project for those whom want the wallpaper look without the full relationship of it. Wallpaper hangers DO have Strippable wallpaper paste, Ask for it.
    If your walls are primer sealed properly, meaning no moisture can penetrate the paint and activate it, then using a strippable paste will create the wallpaper to strip off, nice and clean and NOT ruin your walls. As much as I like to see new things in the world, I want everyone to also be educated on what wallpaper installers can do for you in your home, office, or Rentals!

    Reply
    • Phillip Knoll says

      January 18, 2020 at 10:06 pm

      Thanks, Robyn! I was wondering about that.

      Reply
  37. Carrie Cole says

    December 14, 2019 at 5:50 am

    Thank you for the tip! 🙂 I actually ended up using double-sided, removable tape that is sold to be used for keeping rugs stuck to a hardwood floor (so the rug doesn’t slide around). The brand I used is “Tesa.” The tape is thin enough so that it doesn’t show through under the wallpaper, and it’s about 2 1/2 inches wide and is really easy to use, as it has a backing that is easily peeled off after being stuck to the wall. It also removes very easily and cleanly (and can be re-used afterward). So this eliminated the need for two separate steps, with the painter’s tape, because it only required one kind of tape. It worked really well — all inspired by your page here. Thank you again for the tip! 🙂

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      January 10, 2020 at 3:14 pm

      Awesome! That is great to know. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
  38. Sharin says

    January 24, 2020 at 5:29 pm

    I have wallpaper that you can see the painters tape underneath so I used masking tape since it was lighter in color. I bought the Removeable scotch double sided tape but it doesn’t stick well to the masking tape, any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      January 31, 2020 at 11:25 am

      Hmm. You could always use super glue on the side that you’re trying to stick to the masking tape.

      Reply
    • Alli says

      April 3, 2020 at 4:33 pm

      I just read about a starch method that you can use to also temporarily put wallpaper on–search for that (I found a tutorial on a blog called The Homes I Have Made). I’m trying to decide which of these methods I should use for my project, which is papering the panels of a painted wooden door. It has a white background like yours, so I may try the starch method first.

      Reply
      • Erin Spain says

        May 1, 2020 at 4:36 pm

        Awesome! Let me know how it goes.

        Reply
    • Nicole says

      April 27, 2020 at 6:41 pm

      I just hung the first row of paper I bought and you can see the blue painter’s tape through it. Any remedy as I love the pattern? I couldn’t find white painters tape, only masking tape that I was afraid would harden and be difficult to remove over time. I’ve already put a grid on the whole wall😩

      Reply
      • Erin Spain says

        May 1, 2020 at 4:35 pm

        Hmm, I’ve never seen wallpaper that is sheer enough to see the tape through it, so not sure. Aside from painting the tape, which you could do, but it would be tricky because you would either have to try not to get the paint on the wall or paint the tape before adhering it to the wall. If you do find a solution that works, please let me know!

        Reply
  39. Leah says

    April 10, 2020 at 1:24 am

    I want to try this but am wondering how it went upon removal, if you’ve taken it off? Wondering if there were any issues with the painters tape not coming off / leaving any residue.

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      May 1, 2020 at 4:36 pm

      I haven’t taken it off, but I don’t foresee it being a problem.

      Reply
  40. salem says

    June 4, 2020 at 1:20 pm

    Hello,

    Do you think this would work with anagalypta wall paper? It’s thicker and more textured…

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      June 9, 2020 at 9:45 pm

      I’m not familiar with that type of wallpaper, but the wallpaper I used is pretty thick and textured so I would think so. You just might have to use more tape. I would try a small section first and see how it holds up for a few days.

      Reply
  41. Katie says

    July 10, 2020 at 8:15 am

    I wonder how your wallpaper has held up now that it’s been a few years?

    Reply
    • Katie says

      July 10, 2020 at 8:22 am

      Never mind I see others have asked… thanks for the option, maybe I can talk my husband into this now!

      Reply
  42. Siobhan says

    November 22, 2020 at 10:04 am

    Omg this is the most perfect solution!! I’m going to try this ASAP!! Thank you so much for sharing

    Reply
  43. Tricia says

    November 16, 2021 at 11:30 pm

    OMG … I am so thrilled to find your website! 2 years ago I had put up peel-and-stick wallpaper all over my apartment. I went away and came back after 7 months, to find that much of my wallpaper is curling on the edges, and a couple panels have fallen down (including the ceiling). That’s where I’m at now. I was seeking help online for how to repair wallpaper in a rental. I think you’ve saved my bacon. all I have to do is buy enough tape to make repairs, and I’m good. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Erin Spain says

      January 15, 2022 at 9:30 am

      So glad you found this helpful!

      Reply

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