Why a Wallpaper Installer Beats Peel & Stick?

Peel & stick wallpapers promise a quick, no-fuss transformation of your space. But do they really deliver? Many homeowners in Anchorage discover too late that what seems like a weekend DIY project turns into peeling corners, bubbles, and wasted money.

If you're looking for a flawless finish that lasts, hiring a wallpaper installer in Anchorage AK is the smartest choice. Here’s why partnering with pros like Borealis Coatings can save time, hassle, and disappointment and why peel & stick just can’t compete.

The Truth About Peel & Stick Wallpaper

Peel & stick wallpapers have surged in popularity thanks to social media and big-box stores. But what’s often missing from the glossy photos are the challenges they bring.

Quick to Apply, Quick to Fail

At first glance, peel & stick seems ideal:

• No paste or special tools required

• Easy removal

• Lower upfront cost

But in reality, homeowners face:

• Corners that curl and lift, especially in humid or cold climates

• Visible seams and alignment issues

• Difficulty sticking to textured or painted surfaces

• Limited design options compared to traditional wallpaper

Hidden DIY Headaches

Peel & stick requires nearly perfect wall prep, which most DIYers overlook. Walls must be:

• Clean and dust-free

• Completely smooth

• Properly primed

Without this prep, the adhesive struggles to grip, leading to bubbling, slipping, or full detachment.

Why a Professional Wallpaper Installer Wins Every Time?

Hiring a wallpaper installer in Anchorage AK delivers professional-grade results that DIY products rarely achieve.

Expertise in Surface Prep

Professionals like Borealis Coatings know that flawless results begin before the first strip is hung:

• Patching and sanding imperfections

• Priming for optimal adhesion

• Ensuring walls are completely dry

Precision Installation

Skilled installers:

• Align patterns seamlessly, even around tricky corners

• Cut edges crisply for outlets, windows, and baseboards

• Use professional tools to smooth and bond wallpaper to walls

The result? A designer-quality look that stays beautiful for years.

Peel & Stick vs. Professional Installation: A Comparison

Here’s a quick breakdown of how peel & stick compares to hiring a pro:

Feature	Peel & Stick	Professional Installer
Lifespan	Often short-term (months to a couple years)	Long-term (years, even decades)
Surface compatibility	Limited; struggles on textured or painted walls	Works on almost any surface after prep
Finish quality	Prone to bubbles, wrinkles, and visible seams	Smooth, flawless appearance
Pattern alignment	Challenging for beginners	Expert-level matching
Removal	Easy, but may peel paint	Clean removal, often less wall damage

Common Questions About Wallpaper Installation

Will traditional wallpaper damage my walls?

Not if it’s installed and removed correctly. Professionals apply primer or sizing so wallpaper adheres properly but removes cleanly later.

Can a wallpaper installer help fix walls first?

Absolutely. Installers often patch holes, sand rough spots, and prime surfaces for the best results.

Is peel & stick easier to remove?

Yes, but it can still damage paint or drywall if walls weren’t properly prepared beforehand.

Real-World Challenges Peel & Stick Can’t Solve

Even if your walls seem smooth and ready, Alaska’s unique conditions add challenges:

Anchorage’s Climate

• Fluctuating humidity can cause peel & stick adhesives to fail

• Cold temperatures may stiffen adhesive, making it harder to apply smoothly

Textured Walls

Many homes have lightly textured drywall. Peel & stick struggles to grip these surfaces, leading to fast failure.

Large Spaces

Covering entire rooms is difficult with peel & stick:

• Seams don’t line up easily

• Weight of vinyl panels can pull them down over time

Benefits Only a Professional Wallpaper Installer Brings

Design Flexibility

With peel & stick, your choices are limited. Professionals can install:

• Textured papers

• Grass cloth

• Custom-printed murals

• Metallic and specialty finishes

Long-Lasting Results

A properly installed wallcovering can last 10–20+ years, maintaining color and integrity.

Hassle-Free Experience

You won’t need to:

• Measure and cut rolls yourself

• Handle ladders, pastes, or tools

• Fix mistakes if something goes wrong

Top Reasons to Hire Borealis Coatings

As an experienced wallpaper installer in Anchorage AK, Borealis Coatings offers:

✅ Local expertise: We understand Alaska’s climate challenges

✅ Precision work: Perfect pattern alignment and edges

✅ Comprehensive prep: Ensuring your walls are truly ready

✅ Access to designer and specialty wallpapers

Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring an Installer

Before choosing a wallpaper installer, ask:

1. Do you handle wall repairs and prep?

2. Can you install specialty wallpapers?

3. Do you guarantee your work?

4. Are you familiar with local climate-related issues?

5. Can I see photos of recent projects?

   
   

Tips to Prepare for Wallpaper Installation

• Clear the room or move furniture to the center

• Discuss design and pattern placement with your installer

• Plan for ventilation, especially if adhesive paste will be used

• Ensure the wall surface is accessible (remove nails, hooks, etc.)

Comparison Table: Peel & Stick vs. Professional Installation

Factor	Peel & Stick	Professional Installer
Skill level required	Beginner	Advanced, but handled by pro
Best for	Small accent walls, rentals	Large spaces, whole rooms, specialty designs
Longevity	Months to a few years	Many years to decades
Climate resistance	Poor in humid/cold conditions	Excellent with proper materials and prep

Frequently Asked Questions

Is professional wallpaper installation messy?

A good installer keeps the workspace clean. Adhesive pastes are water-based and typically wipe away easily.

Can I remove professionally installed wallpaper later?

Yes. With correct priming and adhesive, removal is clean and minimally damaging.

How long does installation take?

Most accent walls take a few hours; entire rooms might take a day or two, depending on complexity.

What’s the best time to install wallpaper?

Install when your home is at normal living temperature and humidity to ensure adhesive performance.

Conclusion:

Peel & stick wallpaper can work for a quick fix but it often leads to frustration and disappointing results. A professional wallpaper installer in Anchorage AK like Borealis Coatings offers craftsmanship, experience, and quality materials for a stunning finish that lasts.

Ready to transform your space the right way? Contact Borealis Coatings today and discover why professional installation beats peel & stick every time.