Read the lease first
Some leases are happy with anything that comes off. Others ban anything stuck to a wall at all. If yours says nothing clear, a short email to the landlord costs less than an argument at move-out.
Keep a photo of each wall before you start. It is the easiest proof of how the paint looked on day one.
Pick the right wall
The best wall is smooth, painted a while ago and dry all year. Satin and eggshell paint hold the adhesive well and let it go again. Flat matte paint is softer, so it is the finish most likely to lift with the paper.
Avoid a wall that was painted just before you moved in. Ask when it was done if you are not sure.
Run a test patch
- Cut a piece about the size of your hand.
- Stick it somewhere hidden, like behind a door or a bookcase.
- Leave it for two or three days.
- Peel it off slowly, low and close to the wall.
- If paint comes off with it, stop here and pick another wall.
Older buildings and old paint
Peel and stick paper goes on top of the paint, so hanging it does not disturb anything. The risk comes when a wall needs prep: scraping flaking paint, or sanding a patch smooth.
If your home was built before 1978, it is more likely to have lead-based paint.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Reduce the Risk of Lead Exposure at Home. Read 27 September 2026.
Fix small areas (under 6 square feet) of damaged paint as soon as possible without sanding.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Reduce the Risk of Lead Exposure at Home. Read 27 September 2026.
In an older rental with chipped or chalky paint, do not sand before you hang anything. Tell the landlord about damaged paint, and pick a sound wall for your paper instead.
Moving out
Start at a top corner and pull each strip down slowly, keeping it low and close to the wall. On a cold day, a hair dryer on low softens the adhesive and it lets go more easily.
Wipe any sticky patches with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Then take your day-one photos to the walkthrough.
