9 Best Wallpaper Stores In SG For Gals With An Eye For Style 

This is the number one concern for most homeowners. While Singapore is indeed very humid, wallpaper is perfectly fine as long as you choose the right material. Vinyl-coated or non-woven wallpapers are the best choices because they are moisture-resistant.

To prevent peeling and mold:

• Ensure the wall is dry: Professionals often use a moisture meter to ensure the wall’s moisture level is below 4% before starting.
• Use a primer: Applying a high-quality wall sealer or primer helps the adhesive bond better and acts as a barrier against dampness.
• Ventilation: Good airflow is key. If a room is constantly sealed and damp, mold can grow behind any surface, not just wallpaper.

In the short term, painting is almost always cheaper. A standard paint job for a 4-room HDB might cost significantly less than high-end wallpaper.

However, wallpaper is often viewed as a long-term investment:

• Lifespan: Paint typically needs a refresh every 3 to 5 years as it fades or scuffs. High-quality wallpaper can last 10 to 15 years if maintained well.
• Durability: Wallpaper is much better at resisting scratches and hides “hairline cracks” in the wall that often appear in older HDB units.

No, you do not need a permit from HDB for wallpapering. It is considered a non-structural internal work. However, there are a few minor guidelines:

• The total thickness of your wall finishes (including the wallpaper and any plastering) should generally not exceed 13mm.
• If you are doing a major renovation that involves hacking or significant plastering before wallpapering, your contractor must be HDB-registered.

In our tropical weather, you can expect a good-quality installation to last between 7 to 12 years. In air-conditioned rooms (like master bedrooms), it often lasts even longer because the humidity is controlled.

The main “enemy” of longevity in Singapore isn’t just the heat, but the fluctuation of temperature if you switch your aircon on and off frequently, which can cause the paper to expand and contract.

While “Peel and Stick” wallpapers are very DIY-friendly for small accent walls, traditional wallpaper is tricky for a few reasons:

• Pattern Matching: Aligning complex patterns across multiple rolls is harder than it looks.
• Air Bubbles: In our heat, adhesive can dry unevenly, leading to bubbles if not smoothed out perfectly.
• Seams: Professionals are trained to make the “joins” between rolls invisible. If you’re a perfectionist, a pro is worth the cost.

If the wall was primed correctly before the wallpaper was put up, removal is usually clean and shouldn’t damage the underlying plaster or concrete.

• Older Flats: If the wallpaper was applied directly onto a bare or poorly painted wall 20 years ago, removal might peel off some of the wall’s surface.
• Professional Removal: Pros use steamers and specific chemical strippers that dissolve the glue without you having to scrape the wall aggressively.

Most modern wallpapers sold in Singapore are “scrubbable” or “washable.”

• For Vinyl: You can use a damp (not soaking) microfiber cloth with a tiny bit of mild dish soap.
• For Paper/Fabric: Use a dry duster or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
• Pro Tip: Always wipe from the bottom up to prevent “water streaks” from staining the dry parts of the paper.

There are three main types you’ll encounter:

1. Vinyl Wallpaper: The “Gold Standard” for Singapore. It’s durable, easy to clean, and handles humidity the best.
2. Non-Woven Wallpaper: Very popular now because it’s “breathable,” which helps prevent mold from being trapped behind the paper.
3. Fabric/Textile: Beautiful and high-end, but best kept in the bedroom where there is less “heavy traffic” and lower humidity.

Yes, but with caveats.

• Kitchen: Only use heavy-duty vinyl. Avoid placing it directly behind the stove (backsplash) due to heat and oil.
• Bathroom: Avoid the “wet area” (shower). However, it works beautifully in the “dry area” (vanity/mirror area) of a condo or HDB toilet, provided there is an exhaust fan to cleared out steam.

If you just bought a resale unit, check for:

• Existing Mold: Never wallpaper over mold. It must be treated with an anti-fungal wash first.
• Hairline Cracks: Wallpaper is great for hiding these, but if the crack is deep, it needs to be patched with putty first so it doesn’t “telegraph” through the paper.
• Old Paint: If the previous owner used “chalky” or low-quality paint, the wallpaper adhesive might not stick well. A fresh coat of sealer is highly recommended.