Removing self-adhesive wallpaper: How to peel it off strip by strip
The feature wall in your hallway is ready for a change. To remove self-adhesive wallpaper, start with the strip that was applied last: it sits on top at the overlap. Loosen a corner and peel the strip off slowly and flat along the wall.
Residue-free removal: the wall surface matters
Our wallpaper can be removed without residue. On poorly adhering wall paint or woodchip wallpaper, however, paint or paper may come off with it. If paint or fibers come away or the wall surface lifts while you peel, stop and send us a photo of the spot.
The product page of our leaf wallpaper lists smooth, clean and dry walls as a suitable surface and recommends a sample test on woodchip wallpaper before applying.
Removing self-adhesive wallpaper: the top strip first
Our strips are applied with an overlap of about 1 cm. At that point, the strip applied later lies on top of the previous one. When removing, you therefore work in reverse order: applied last, removed first.
Look at the actual material edges. A printed line in the design, for example with a slat look, is not a strip edge. Start with the edge that lies on top at the overlap. “On top” refers to how the layers lie, not to the position near the ceiling.
Loosen a corner and guide the strip flat
Make the wall accessible and start at a corner of the top strip that you can reach easily. Lift it carefully with your fingers until you can hold the loosened part well. You don't need a blade for this.
Pull slowly at a sharp angle along the wall instead of pulling the strip straight away from it. Guide the loosened part with your hand and keep an eye on the point where it comes away. Avoid jerky movements.
Work your way along the strip. Once it is off, the previously covered edge of the next strip becomes accessible. That's how you go through the wall strip by strip; a fixed order from left to right only applies if the strips were applied that way.
After removal: plan your next design
Take a look at the bare wall before you cover it again. For the next design, prepare the surface so it is smooth, clean and dry again.
If you want the room to feel different afterwards, the shop photo shows our leaf pattern in beige next to a wooden dresser. For a warmer wood look, there's the Natural Walnut design. With an A4 sample for €1 plus shipping, you can check the material and color in advance.
Frequently asked questions about removing self-adhesive wallpaper
Where do I start with overlapping strips?
With the strip applied last. Its edge lies on top of the neighboring strip at the overlap. Remove it first and continue in the reverse order of application.
Which wall surface suits the new design?
Our product pages recommend smooth, clean and dry walls.
What should I keep in mind when moving out?
Start early with a small area so you can see the condition of the paint and plan any touch-ups. Take a photo of the wall after removal for your own records.
Conclusion: work in reverse order
The top strip at the overlap comes first, followed by the next one. Pull slowly and flat along the wall. For your next look, you'll find botanical designs in our collection of flowers and leaves and warm wood patterns among our wood-look wallpapers.
