Wall Decals Decorating Tips & Answers

How do I apply wall decals?

It’s easy: just peel and stick! When you open a package, you will find the designs printed onto a pre-cut liner (just like a package of regular stickers). Peel the design away from the liner and stick it to your surface of choice. Presto—you’re a decorator!

Remember to save your liners: if you want to take down your wall decals for an extended period of time, placing them back on the liner will keep them sticky and ready to re-apply whenever you’re ready to decorate again.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s always best to test the wall stickers in an inconspicuous area before applying. If the surface is textured, wet, dusty, or dirty, performance could be seriously diminished.

When applying wall decals to painted walls:

• Prior to applying the decals, clean the wall and make sure it is dry and free of dust or dirt.
• Freshly painted walls should be allowed to “cure” for 10 to 15 days prior to applying. Even if new paint feels dry, it may still need to settle and completely cure. Applying wall stickers to freshly painted walls may cause the adhesive to lose its effectiveness, which can then cause the design to peel or fall off.
• Larger designs, like giant wall decals or murals, may require the use of a wallpaper seam roller to ensure that all edges of the design make contact with the wall, and that the design will stick firmly without lifting away from the surface.

If applying wall decals to other surfaces:

• They are not recommended on ”orange peel“ textured walls.
• They will not work well on brick, cinder block, or other porous surfaces.
• They are not recommended for use on wallpaper or delicate surfaces.

If applying wall decals in a bathroom or around water:

• Wall decals can be applied to tiles as long as the surface is clean and completely dry during installation. Make sure the design does not overlap any grout, as water could filter beneath and compromise the adhesive.
• Wall decals can be applied to shower walls as long as they are placed tightly onto the surface so water cannot reach under the design. Smooth the decal out and be sure that water cannot flow behind the design. Once applied, wall stickers will not move even if sprayed by the shower.
• Do not place at the bottom or inside a bathtub. Water could filter beneath the design too easily and would compromise the adhesive.
• When cleaning the bathroom, please take care to avoid spraying any harmful chemicals on or near your wall stickers! Prolonged exposure could damage the decals, and direct contact can cause bubbling, running, or streaking.

How do I remove wall decals?

Simply peel them off the wall. That's it!

If removing an oddly-shaped design, or a giant wall decal (in multiple pieces), try to start with the largest end or piece first. And remember to go slowly: if you pull too hard or too fast, you might rip the design!

What shouldn’t I do with my wall decals?

• Do not place items decorated with wall stickers in a dishwater, oven, or microwave.
• Do not place them on rugs, fabrics, clothing, or any other textiles. Textile fibers may stick to the adhesive and cause it to become ineffective.
• Do not place the stickers in areas where they will be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Very high and low temperatures can compromise the adhesive and cause decals to peel, rip, fall off, or damage the surfaces on which they have been applied.
• Do not spray wall decals with any chemicals, cleaners, or fragrances. If the decals are dirty, they can be cleaned with a damp rag and a mild soap (if necessary).

How do I remove air bubbles?

When applying a wall decal, make sure you start from one side or the top of each element. Keep the rest of the element away from the wall or surface. Slowly go down over the design with your hand and smooth the element onto the surface, pressing out any bubbles as you go. Once applied, you should be able to move any remaining bubbles out by pressing/smoothing them out of the element. If the problem persists, you can punch a tiny hole with a pin to push the air out, or simply remove and re-apply.

What do I do if my decal sticks to itself?

When you're applying a wall decal (especially our larger designs), be very careful to keep the decal from sticking to itself, or sticking to another piece. If this does happen, though, just stay calm! Slowly pull the decal apart, taking care to avoid ripping the design. With a little patience and a steady hand, you'll be back to normal in no time.

What are wall decals made of?

Wall decals are made of a thin, flexible vinyl material. They are extremely durable and made to last for years, but are still flexible enough to be applied to a variety of surfaces.

Are wall decals safe for kids?

Absolutely. Wall decals we sell do not contain harmful chemicals like phthalates or lead. They are 100% non-toxic and fully CPSIA-compliant.

Will your wall decals remove paint from my walls?

Wall decals are designed to be completely safe for your walls, which means that they will not peel the paint, or damage other surfaces like sealed wood, plastic, or metal. However, we don't recommend applying them to freshly painted walls! Doing so could lead to some problems.

Will wall decals stick to textured walls?

Although we only recommend using wall decals on smooth, flat surfaces, our customers do occasionally report success with textured walls or ceilings. The less texture, the better.

My wall decals don’t stick! What happened?

Please carefully read our Decorating Tips above prior to installation to be sure that all criteria are met. Be sure that the walls or surfaces you are using are clean, dry, and haven't been freshly painted or otherwise sealed. If your decals aren't sticking, try wiping down the wall or surface with a dry cloth, then try again.

Can I clean my wall decals?

If dirty, wall decals can be wiped clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Take care not to get the adhesive backing wet, as the water can decrease the stickiness of your stickers. For splatters or stains, you can use some mild soap (like hand or dish soap) if necessary. However, please avoid spraying any other chemicals (like glass cleaner) on your decals. This can damage the vinyl and sometimes even cause the colors to run.

What's the difference between the ‘clear’ and ‘opaque’ materials listed on some of your products?

Wall decals are typically printed on two types of backing: clear (or semi-transparent), and opaque (or white). Decals printed on clear material are often softer, more subtle designs that are meant to blend in with the wall. Designs printed on opaque material will usually look less like stencils, and will ‘pop’ off the wall.

If you're picking a design printed on clear backing, keep in mind that these products are usually semi-transparent. If your walls are white, or another lighter color (like baby blue, yellow, or pink), you probably won't have a problem with these designs. However, if your walls are painted black or another dark color, you may find that the decals don't show up clearly. In that case, it's better to look for a design that is printed on opaque material, as they are suitable for walls of any color.