STUDIO BLOG: THE COLLECTIVE WALL

Wallpaper Materials & How to Install Them with Confidence

Learn the different types of wallpaper, from peel and stick to traditional, and get beginner-friendly installation tips so your DIY wallpaper project feels easy and stress-free.

STEP 1: Understand Traditional vs. Peel-and-Stick

Discover which wallpaper type fits your installation style, durability needs, and space set up

TRADITIONAL

APPLICATION

Applied with paste; allows easier repositioning during installation since the paste stays workable for a short time. This makes aligning seams and patterns more forgiving than peel-and-stick options, as the paper can gently slide on the wall before the paste sets

BEST FOR

Textured walls / long‑term / Areas with less traffic prone to scuffs or marks

REMOVABILITY

Easily removable (with prep)

CLEANING

Avoid harsh cleaners and scrubbing; lightly dust regularly and spot-clean only with a barely damp, soft cloth when needed.

PEEL & STICK

APPLICATION

Self-adhesive. Applies like one large sticker, which can make precise placement and pattern alignment more difficult. Requires careful handling and tools (such as a smoother and level) to achieve a seamless finish compared to traditional pasted wallpaper

BEST FOR

Rentals / low‑commitment / Kids' rooms / Playrooms / hallways

REMOVABILITY

Easily removable

CLEANING

Low-maintenance; gently wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and a tiny amount of mild soap, then dry with a clean towel—avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals

STEP 2: Explore Materials by Wallpaper Type

Experience the difference of luxury wallcoverings—materials that embody the essence of luxury, quality, and unique design.

PEEL & STICK

Caviar

Medium stipple texture mimics sandpaper—versatile for any design. Rough, low-gloss surface on Tru-White base; self-adhesive and repositionable

TRADITOINAL

Linen

Linen wallpaper offers durability in high-traffic areas. Its refined, woven texture delivers subtle sophistication with a natural linen look and superior impact resistance.

TRADITIONAL

Satara Pearl

- Embossed surface with a pearl coating for a refined, luxurious sheen.
- Fabric-like appearance with the durability of commercial vinyl.
- Light texture, smooth feel, and subtle gloss finish.

TRADITIONAL

Satara Steel

Features proprietary embossed surface and pearl coating for a subtle, luxurious sheen. Delivers light texture, smooth high-gloss finish that mimics fine fabric—while performing as durable commercial vinyl.

TRADITIONAL

Suede

Suede-like texture with light stipple surface. Random natural texture does not interfere with any print. Medium-depth; matte finish

TRADITIONAL

Grasscloth

Natural grasscloth finish with rich, woven texture.
Offers an organic, hand-crafted look that adds depth and character. Evokes a timeless, sophisticated aesthetic inspired by natural fibers.

TRADITIONAL

Silk

Silk-inspired texture with subtle horizontal lines for a fabric-like appearance. Medium-depth embossing with a slightly rough surface and variable gloss.

TRADITIONAL

Prisma

Multi-color glitter on a scrim-textured surface for a prismatic, eye-catching sparkle. Versatile texture complements a wide range of graphic designs. Medium texture with variable gloss and a slight off-white printable surface.

TRADITIONAL

Black Flash

- Highly reflective, smooth, and high-gloss surface with a striking visual impact.
- Deep black base creates a dramatic special-effect finish.

TRADITIONAL

Gold / Silver Flash

High-gloss silver inkjet media with mirror-like reflection.
Sparkles under ambient light for visual impact.
“Drop outs” reveal silver or gold base for extra depth.
Non-textured surface.

ECO-Friendly Alternative Material | TERRALON

Terralon is a premium, PVC‑free wallcovering made with 31% post‑consumer recycled content, transforming discarded plastic bottles into beautiful, durable walls that support a healthier indoor environment. Breathable and low‑VOC, allow water vapor to transfer freely through the material to helps reduce the risk of mold.

*Contributes to LEED Credits for Designers*

TRADITIONAL

Terralon

Lightly textured with an orange-peel stipple look—subtle depth for added dimension without overpowering prints.

TRADITIONAL

Terralon Regatta

Light canvas weave, less pronounced than standard canvases—medium-depth, rough surface with very low gloss

STEP 3: Understanding Install Instructions

Installing something new can feel intimidating for your clients, especially if they’ve never worked with wallpaper before. Share the guides below as a reference so they have clear, step-by-step instructions and a suggested tool list to support a smooth installation.

Each client will also receive these details with their order, but they’re available here so you can review them in advance and feel confident guiding your project from specification to install.

Before starting any project, ensure your clients measure walls accurately to order the precise number of rolls. Direct them to this step-by-step guide:

How to Measure Walls for Wallpaper Like a Pro

Installation Instructions | Peel & Stick

Click the image to preview the full installation guide. A link to this guide will be included with every order.

Installation Instructions | Traditional

Click the image to preview the full installation guide. A link to this guide will be included with every order.

PRO-Tips Before Getting Started

Purchasing a sample is highly recommended to visualize the colors and pattern scale on your wall

Once you’ve measured, add a bit of overage so you have spare wallpaper for pattern matching, tricky cuts, and first-time mistakes—many pros suggest at least 10–15% extra

Consider using a floor laser level that projects a vertical laser line onto the wall. This gives you a perfectly straight reference for your first panel especially in older homes where walls and ceilings may not be perfectly square

Change your knife blade often so cuts along ceilings, baseboards, and corners stay clean and don’t tear the paper

Dry-fit a panel or two, think through corners and obstacles, and lay out your pattern before you commit with paste or adhesive backing

STEP 4: Keeping It (or Letting It Go): What to Know About Removal

While the hope is that your wallpaper feels like a forever piece, life and style can change—here’s what to expect if you ever decide it’s time for a new look, so you can remove it confidently and protect your walls.

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Traditional

Removing traditional wallpaper installed with Roman 880 is usually a “slow and steady” process, but it can come off cleanly when you take your time.

Start in a low‑visibility spot and gently loosen a seam or corner with a putty knife to see how easily the paper releases.
Lightly score the surface if needed, then apply a wallpaper remover solution or warm water with a sponge so it can soak through and soften the paste.
After letting it sit for several minutes, peel or scrape the wallpaper off in sections, re-wetting any areas that feel stuck.
When all the paper is down, wash the walls with clean water (and a bit of remover if needed) to remove any leftover paste so your surface is ready for fresh paper or paint.

Peel & Stick

Peel and stick wallpaper is designed to be the easiest to remove—perfect if you like to switch things up.

Begin at a top corner, using your fingernail or a plastic scraper to gently lift the edge without gouging the wall.
Peel the panel back slowly at about a 45‑degree angle; if you meet resistance, you can warm the adhesive slightly with a hair dryer to help it release.
Continue working in sections until the entire panel comes down in as large of pieces as possible.
Check the wall for any remaining tackiness and wipe it with a soft cloth and mild soapy water so it’s clean, smooth, and ready for whatever you want to do next.