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Peel-and-stick wallpaper is designed to be removed without damaging walls, making it a good choice for renters or temporary design changes. However, damage to paint or drywall can occur under certain conditions. To prevent issues, the wall surface must be properly prepared before application—it should be clean, smooth, dry, and correctly primed or painted. Applying wallpaper to a freshly painted surface can cause the paint to peel off during removal. Additionally, removing the wallpaper too quickly or aggressively can also cause damage. For best results, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for both application and removal.

While peel-and-stick wallpapers require no time to cure, the adhesives for other types of papers will take a day or two to dry and up to three weeks to fully cure. The differences are the type of paper, the type of adhesive, and the humidity and temperature in the space. 

To layer wallpaper over wallpaper, inspect your existing wallpaper for problem areas. Damaged wallpaper should not be covered. If it’s okay to proceed, prep by turning off the electricity and removing any outlet and switch covers. Dust your walls and lightly rinse them to prevent the existing paper from peeling. Apply primer, then apply your new wallpaper.

It is less costly to paint than wallpaper when you only consider the upfront cost. Wallpaper costs $320 to $820 when applied by a pro, while paint only costs $200 to $700 per room. However, when comparing wallpaper versus paint, consider the long-term as well. Wallpaper can save you money over time since it has a much longer life span than paint.