How to apply your wall decal
Vinyl decal installation guide
Your vinyl graphic will have 3 components:
- Transfer tape - Looks and feels like masking tape. Alternatively, this could be clear tape so you can see the design through it for small decals.
- Vinyl - The coloured part that is precision cut and applied to the wall/surface.
- Backing paper - Thick white paper that holds the cut vinyl in shape.
Some tools you may need:
Spirit level - masking tape - squeegee (included in with your order) - an extra pair of hands
***IMPORTANT***
We recommend waiting at least five weeks if applying to freshly painted walls to give enough time for the paint to fully cure. While paint can be touch dry in 24-48 hours, it can take weeks to be fully cured with no moisture remaining. Moisture will cause it to come off the wall.
Preparing your design
Dry wipe down your wall or surface – Use an old clean t-shirt or a lint-free cloth.
Unroll your design if we have sent it to you rolled. You may want to lay it flat somewhere warm until it no longer curls.
On a flat surface and with a smooth, firm action, use the included squeegee to rub over the back of the entire design, then flip it over and do the same on the front. This helps to re-activate the adhesive after shipping and will eliminate any air bubbles that may have occurred during transit.
Position & tape design
Decide where you want your design and use a spirit level and masking tape to hold it in place while you work out the exact positioning.
Use the tried and tested hinge method: Once your design is in the perfect position, put masking tape along the top edge. (You may need a couple of strips to stop the decal from slipping) The masking tape will act like a hinge when you flip up your decal. If you have a large decal we recommend the centre hinge method where you apply a strip of tape vertically down the middle of the decal and work from the one side then the other – YouTube has some great application videos.
Remove the backing paper
Flip the design up (or gently hold it back from the side if using the centre hinge method) carefully peel the backing paper from the transfer tape. If using the centre hinge method, you will need to peel the backing paper back and then cut off any excess before laying it against the wall. Avoid touching the actual vinyl itself. (The vinyl should stay on the transfer tape, with the backing paper left bare.) If you're having trouble with the decal not adhering to the application tape, repeat step one, by rubbing over the design again. I have a video on my youtube channel @adnilcreations if this happens and how to tackle this problem.
Gently, lay the application tape and decal back into position on the surface.
Applying your design
Starting from the centre and working outwards, firmly rub the entire design with the squeegee.
Remove transfer tape
Slowly peel the transfer tape away from the applied surface, leaving the vinyl behind. We recommend doing this by pulling the application tape from one corner and as close to the wall as possible at a low angle.
Enjoy the fruits of your labour
Put the kettle on, enjoy a cuppa and show off your new design to everyone!