Self-adhesive wallpapers may seem convenient at first, but they come with several drawbacks. Learn why we do not recommend them and why non-woven wallpapers are the better choice.
Self-adhesive wallpapers may seem convenient at first glance — no paste, no tools, no drying time. However, for high-quality and long-lasting wall designs, we generally do not recommend using them.
The reasons lie in durability, surface compatibility, and overall finish quality.
1. Limited Adhesion on Many Surfaces
Self-adhesive wallpapers require a perfectly smooth, clean, and silicone-free surface. Even light texture, mineral walls, or slightly porous surfaces can cause edges to lift or adhesion to fail over time.
In practice, only a few walls meet these conditions permanently.
2. Difficult to Adjust During Installation
Unlike non-woven wallpapers, self-adhesive wallpapers bond immediately. Once they touch the wall, alignment errors or air bubbles are difficult to correct — a major drawback for patterned or panoramic designs.
3. Shorter Lifespan
The adhesive layer can be affected by temperature, humidity, and UV exposure. Over time, this may cause the wallpaper to lose adhesion, bubble, or warp.
By contrast, non-woven wallpapers remain stable and smooth for many years.
4. No Breathability
Most self-adhesive wallpapers are made from plastic films that are not breathable. On mineral or untreated walls, this can lead to moisture build-up or tension in the surface.
5. Visual and Tactile Quality
Non-woven wallpapers offer richer texture, depth, and color intensity, which self-adhesive materials generally cannot match.
Our Recommendation
For a lasting and elegant wall finish, we recommend non-woven wallpapers applied using the paste-the-wall technique.
They are easy to install, dimensionally stable, breathable, and can later be removed cleanly in full strips.