How to Use Peel and Stick Wallpaper on Stairs

Applying peel and stick wallpaper to your stairs is an easy way to update their look. This guide on how to use peel and stick wallpaper on stairs will take you through each step, from gathering supplies and preparing your stairs, to measuring, cutting, and applying the wallpaper. You’ll also learn how to align patterns and ensure durability, giving your stairs a fresh, new appearance with minimal effort.

Key Takeaways

Gather all the necessary supplies beforehand to make the wallpaper application process smooth and efficient.
Properly clean and prepare the stair risers to ensure the wallpaper adheres well and lasts long.
Accurately measure and cut the wallpaper panels to fit each riser perfectly, and use a smoothing tool to remove air bubbles during application.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you start the application process, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. Trust me, having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. You’ll need:

Peel and stick wallpaper
Utility knife
Ruler
Smoothing tool
Cleaning cloth

Each of these items is integral for a successful wallpaper project. You’ll need:

Utility knife and scissors for cutting the wallpaper to fit perfectly
Ruler for making straight cuts and precise measurements
Smoothing tool for achieving bubble-free wallpaper adherence to the stair risers
Cleaning cloth – a clean surface is key to a successful application.

Imagine starting the project only to realize midway that you’ve forgotten an important tool. It can be frustrating and time-consuming. So, take a moment to gather everything you need and lay it out in your workspace. This way, you can dive into the application process immediately and keep the momentum going.

Preparing Your Stairs

Preparation is the first step to success in any DIY project, and this one is no different. Before you start applying the peel and stick wallpaper, make sure to prepare your stairs properly. The stair risers need to be clean, smooth, and dry to ensure the wallpaper adheres well and lasts long.

Begin by using a multi-surface cleaner to wipe down the backboards of the stairs with paper towels. Follow this by washing the steps with water and a household cleaner or deglosser. This step removes any dirt, grime, or residues that could interfere with the wallpaper’s adhesive. Let everything dry completely before moving on to the next step.

For an extra layer of assurance, apply a thin coat of wallcovering primer with sizing to each riser. This helps the wallpaper stick better and ensures it stays in place over time. This might seem like extra work, but it pays off in the long run by preventing peeling and ensuring a flawless finish.

Measuring and Cutting Wallpaper Panels

With your stairs prepped and ready, you can now start to measure and cut the wallpaper panels. Accurate measurements are key to achieving a professional-looking finish. Use a tape measure to determine the dimensions of each stair riser, as they may vary slightly. Measure both the height and width of each riser separately to ensure a perfect fit.

With your measurements in hand, mark the dimensions on the back of the wallpaper using a pencil. This will serve as your guide when cutting the panels. Using a sharp utility knife or scissors, cut the wallpaper along the marked lines. A straight edge or ruler can help you achieve clean, straight cuts.

For consistent results, consider making a template for each stair riser. This can save you time and effort, especially if you’re dealing with multiple stairs. Once all your panels are cut, you’re ready to move on to the exciting part – applying the wallpaper!

Applying Peel and Stick Wallpaper

This is where the magic happens! Start by holding the wallpaper panel against the riser to check the fit before peeling off the backing. Once you’re satisfied with the fit, peel off a few inches of the paper backing and start sticking it to the stair rise from the top down.

Using a plastic smoothing tool, press the wallpaper onto the riser, smoothing out air bubbles from the center to the edges as you go. This step is important to make sure the wallpaper adheres properly and looks smooth. Repeat this process, peeling off a little more backing at a time and smoothing it down until the entire panel is stuck to the riser.

One important tip is to make sure the edges of each strip are well-aligned to create a seamless look. This might require a bit of adjustment, but it’s worth the effort for a polished finish. Continue this process for each stair, working your way down the staircase.

Aligning Patterns and Seams

Choosing the right wallpaper pattern can make a world of difference in your living space. Opt for a forgiving pattern with a random or organic design to make seams less noticeable. Patterns with stripes or intricate designs can be tricky to align, especially on stair risers where the diagonal slope of the skirting board comes into play.

Ensure that the bottom half of the wallpaper panels is perfectly aligned, as they are more visible when walking up the stairs. This will create a cohesive and visually pleasing look. When you reach the next repeat of your pattern, line it up to match the first step you’ve completed and continue the smoothing and cutting process from top to bottom.

Aligning patterns might require some patience and a keen eye for detail, but the result is well worth the effort. A well-aligned pattern can transform your staircase into a stunning focal point in your home.

Trimming Excess Wallpaper

After all the wallpaper panels are applied, you can start trimming any excess material. Ensure that the wallpaper panels are cut slightly larger than the risers to allow for trimming. This gives you some wiggle room to adjust the fit as needed.

Use a sharp cutter knife and a ruler to carefully trim off any excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of each step. Be cautious not to cut too close to the edge to avoid damaging the wallpaper or the stairs. This step requires a steady hand and a bit of patience, but it ensures a clean and professional finish.

After the wallpaper has dried, trim around the edges of the stairs where the wallpaper meets the wall for a clean finish. This final touch will make your staircase look polished and complete.

Finishing Touches

For protecting your newly wallpapered stairs and making them last, you can apply a clear acrylic glaze or transparent latex paint over the wallpaper. This will shield the wallpaper from dirt and discoloration, keeping it looking fresh and new.

Use painter’s masking tape to protect surfaces adjoining the risers when adding the glaze. Position sheets of newspaper on the stair treads to protect them while you work. For any small gaps between panels, use the wall color closest to the wallpaper’s background color to hide them.

These finishing touches might seem minor, but they make a big difference in the overall look and durability of your house project. They ensure that all your hard work pays off and that your staircase remains a gorgeous feature in your home, creating a little nook of elegance and charm, perfect for displaying your favorite photos.

Maintenance and Durability

Maintaining a stable indoor temperature and ensuring adequate ventilation will help keep your wallpaper looking its best. High humidity can soften the adhesive, leading to peeling, so it’s important to avoid excess moisture in the stairwell area.

Rapid temperature changes can also weaken the wallpaper’s bond. By keeping the indoor temperature stable, you’ll prolong the life of your wallpaper and keep it looking as beautiful as the day you applied it.

Creative Ideas for Stair Riser Designs

Ready to take your staircase design to the next level? Here are some creative ideas to inspire you. Painting stair risers a contrasting color to the treads can create a classic and visually appealing look. Alternatively, try an ombre effect where the shade gradually darkens as you move up the stairs for a fun visual element.

Installing tiles on stair risers offers a variety of pattern options, such as Mediterranean, Mexican, or marble effects. These designs add a touch of elegance and can be a real showstopper. For outdoor stair risers, consider bright and bold designs with tiled patterns or custom-painted designs.

Another creative idea is to decorate stair risers with quotes from books or poetry, creating a unique and welcoming entrance. And if you have leftover wallpaper from other projects, use it to decorate stair risers and extend design themes throughout your home. These ideas show that stair risers have so much potential to be more than just functional parts of your home – they can be works of art.

Summary

Transforming your stairs with peel and stick wallpaper is a rewarding DIY project that can turn a plain staircase into a stunning focal point. By following these steps – from gathering supplies and preparing your stairs to applying the wallpaper and adding finishing touches – you’ll achieve a professional and lasting result. So, roll up your sleeves and let your creativity shine!