Damaging Paint is something you may worry about when hanging a poster in your bedroom, attaching your child’s artwork to the wall, or showing off some of your favorite photographs around your home. Although hanging up posters, drawings, etc. is relatively simple, taking down the paper after can be quite a challenge. The tape might have left behind sticky residue, or when you took down the paper, a little bit of the paint came off with it.

The positive aspect of this situation is that you don’t require the use of strong adhesive to secure the paper to the wall. There are several ways to accomplish this task, and all will allow you to make your space more decorative, yet still protect the paint on your walls. Which method works best for you depends upon what kind of paper you’re using, what kind of wall finish you have, and how long you intend to leave the paper on the wall.

Why Does Paper Damage Wall Paint?

The paper on the other hand typically doesn’t harm the wall. It is typically the type of adhesive that is applied to secure the paper. High-strength glues and standard packaging tapes can create a very strong bond to the paint. As such, when these items are removed from the wall, some of the paint may be removed as well.

There are still more factors to keep in mind. Even though a coat of fresh paint will feel dry to the touch, it could have some drying left to do on the interior. Other elements that can prevent you from removing your tape safely include dust, moisture, and weak or peeling paint.

Check the condition of your wall before applying anything. A mild adhesive may damage a wall that has loose paint.

5 Ways to Stick Paper on a Wall Without Damaging Paint

Use Painter’s Tape

Painter’s tape can be a good choice for light-weight paper, children’s artwork, and short-term posters. This type of tape was created to help with painting, so it will usually be less sticky than standard household tape.

Place the small pieces at the back corners of your paper. Gently press the paper onto the wall to ensure that it remains attached.

Select a low-adhesion tape that will work with the type of paint you used. Painter’s tape can damage delicate or newly painted surfaces; therefore, make sure to test the painter’s tape in a hidden spot before using it.

Try Removable Poster Putty

Poster Putty is an easy way to show off little things like small notes, photos, or other paper items without having to tape around the outside of those items.

Make a small ball from the putty and put it on the back of the paper. If necessary, use a small piece in each of the four corners.

Use sparingly. Putty may create oily stains on some types of paint such as flat or matte finishes. Refer to the manufacturer’s directions, and try the putty on a small, less noticeable part of your wall first, then proceed to apply to the entire surface if you are satisfied with the results.

Choose Wall-Safe Removable Adhesive Strips

Removable adhesives are good to use on posters, lightweight decorations, etc. Many of the products available will come off of a painted wall with no residue remaining behind after removal if used properly.

Read the back of the package prior to purchasing. Ensure that the strip is designed to be used on the specific type of wall in question, as well as being capable of holding the weight of the object that you wish to hang.

Follow the directions for cleaning the wall, putting on the strips, and letting the adhesive dry. For step-by-step application and removal instructions, read the manufacturer’s Command picture hanging strips guide. When taking the strips down, follow the instructions for how to remove them that are provided with the product instead of pulling the strips directly away from the wall.

Use Washi Tape for Decoration

You can use washi tape to create a visually appealing display of your papers. Washi tape is available in many colors and patterns, so it can be used on photos, drawings, and small poster displays.

You can also apply small sections to each corner of your paper, or you can even make a basic border around the outside edge of the paper. However, not all types of decorative tapes are compatible with every kind of paint finish. So, before you begin applying tape to the entire wall, take a few minutes to test a single section of the tape first. If you want to give your walls a different decorative look, explore our wall texture painting services.

Hang Paper Without Sticking It Directly to the Wall

The best choice may be to never apply glue to a painted surface.

A display of paper items can be made using a noticeboard, picture rail or string with clips. This is an ideal way to show off children’s art work, posters and photographs when they are changed on a regular basis.

The process of installing a board or rail on a wall will be more time-consuming, however, this will minimize how often the adhesive makes contact with the paint on your walls.

How to Remove Paper Without Peeling the Paint

When using an adhesive, such as a tape or glue, it is critical that you remove the backing paper from the adhesive carefully. If you attempt to rip or peel the backing paper off too rapidly, even a good quality adhesive may damage the surface to which it was applied.

Follow these steps:

Start at one corner and hold the paper gently.

Peel it back slowly rather than pulling it straight outward.

If the paper starts tearing, stop and loosen it gradually.

For removable adhesive strips, follow the manufacturer’s removal instructions.

If there are still remnants of the product left behind, clean them with a soft cloth and an appropriate cleaning technique. Make sure to try out the cleaning technique first on an inconspicuous part of the surface.

Avoid scratching the wall with pointed objects. In addition, some paints may be damaged by strong solvents and/or heat.

Mistakes to Avoid When Sticking Paper on Painted Walls

There are several common mistakes that can make what would have been a quick and easy decorating project into a costly repair.

Using super glue: It is difficult to remove and may damage the paint.

The adhesive on the back of packing tape could be too powerful for the finish of some walls.

Freshly painted surfaces can be affected by adhesives. Be sure to allow the fresh paint to fully dry prior to applying adhesives. You should also refer to the manufacturer’s suggested drying times for the product you applied.

Using too much adhesive: More adhesive does not always mean better results.

Never skip the patch test: Be sure to test a small, hidden area first prior to using the product on your visible walls.

Removing Tape after an Extended Period of Time: Many types of adhesives will be more difficult to remove cleanly from surfaces if they are left in place for an extended period of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest way to stick paper on a painted wall?

If you are hanging a lightweight paper, try using a low-adhesion painters tape or an appropriate removable poster adhesive. Before applying the adhesive to your wall, test it on a small section of your wall. This will ensure that the adhesive does not damage your walls.

Can I use double-sided tape on painted walls?

Yes, if the tape has been developed for use on painted surfaces and will be removed after a short period of time. Standard permanent double-sided tape may cause damage to the paint and/or leave a sticky residue behind.

Can tape damage newly painted walls?

Yes, the paint will need some time to “dry” or “cure,” so if you apply tape too soon, it could pull off the paint. Please read the paint manufacturer’s instructions before you attach anything to your painted surface.

What should I do if the paint comes off with the paper?

The area should be cleaned of any debris before checking if the surrounding paint is flaking as well. If there are only small damaged areas, then the area can be lightly prepared (surface preparation), primed, and painted with a color that matches. However, larger damaged areas would likely require professional assistance. If several areas of your home need repainting, learn more about our house painting services.

Conclusion

With the use of an appropriate temporary adhesive, checking the wall’s paint, and taking your time when you remove the item, you will be able to hang papers, posters, and pictures without causing damage to the wall.

If the current state of your wall includes loose/peeling paint, staining, and/or unevenness; repairing the surface prior to decorating is an improved long-term solution. Professional wall painting contractors will assist in restoring a uniform surface for you to enjoy a fresh look in your home.
For help with paint damage, surface repairs, or repainting, explore our painting services.