When installing a wall graphic or decal, the process involves transferring the graphic from the backing paper onto the transfer paper and then onto the wall surface.
In this guide, we'll show you how to prepare your wall surface, how to address potential issues that may arise, how to transfer the graphic quickly and easily, and how to remove the graphic.
PREPARE THE WALL SURFACE
Our self-adhesive wall graphics will adhere to most flat, smooth surfaces, but they may not stick well to surfaces that are too rough, textured, or porous. If you've recently painted your wall, allow the paint to dry completely before installing the graphic (we recommend waiting at least 3-4 weeks, depending on drying conditions). If you are having trouble getting your wall graphic to stick to your wall you may need to re-order the graphic with a high tack adhesive or paint the wall with a sealant such as Zinsser Gardz prior to installation. If you choose to re-order your wall graphic with a high tack adhesive please contact us for a discount.
Before starting the installation process, we recommend cleaning the wall with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or residue that may affect the graphic's application. Once you've cleaned the area where you want to apply your graphic, allow it to dry completely. Run your hands gently over the area that the graphic will be installed onto to check for any lumps and bumps on the wall which should be removed before installation. It's also best to clear the area of anything that may get in the way during installation (such as furniture).
PREPARE THE WALL GRAPHIC
The graphic will come rolled up, we recommend removing the graphic from the tube and laying it flat on a surface with weights on top to allow it to straighten out.
Make sure the graphic is kept at room temperature for around 24 hours before installation.
The wall graphic will be supplied to you in three layers:
The backing paper is the bottom layer.
The self-adhesive vinyl wall graphic is the middle layer.
The top layer is the transfer paper.
TO POSITION THE WALL GRAPHIC ON THE WALL:
To accomplish this step, you'll need a few strips of masking tape, we'll included some of these with your order.
Attach a small strip of masking tape vertically to the top corners of the wall graphic (for larger graphics, add additional strips to support them) and place it on the wall where you want it to be. Like this
You can use a tape measure to ensure the graphic is accurately aligned, or you can stand back any position it by eye.
Because some rooms have walls, floors, and ceilings that are not completely level, positioning it by eye is a good idea to ensure it looks right once installed.
Note: It's crucial to ensure that the wall graphic is correctly aligned before attaching it since you will be unable to reposition it later. Once you're happy with the placement, use two more strips of masking tape on the wall (one on either side of the graphic) and align them with the top. This will serve as your guide for realigning the graphic on the wall later. Like this
REMOVE THE BACKING PAPER FROM THE WALL GRAPHIC
Remove the wall graphic from the wall and remove the masking tape (but keep the additional horizontal strips of masking tape on the wall!). Like this
Place the graphic on a flat, clean surface with the backing paper facing upwards and use a squeegee or credit card to rub over the graphic. This will help the graphic to adhere to the transfer paper.
Next, take a corner of the backing paper and slowly and carefully peel it back. It's crucial to do this carefully to ensure the graphic remains on the transfer paper. Use an acute angle to roll it away from the transfer paper.
Like this
If any vinyl comes away from the transfer paper and remains stuck to the backing paper, press it back down with your finger and continue rolling the backing paper away. You may need to gently help the graphic onto the transfer paper with a knife, being careful not to damage the graphic.
Once you've completely removed the backing paper, set it aside to dispose of later.
INSTALLATION OF THE WALL GRAPHIC
Hold the transfer paper by the top corners and line it up with the two strips of masking tape that were left on the wall. Once it's in the correct position, press the corners onto the wall and then use your hand or a squeegee (credit card) to carefully smooth the top of the transfer paper onto the wall. Using overlapping strokes, move down the graphic, going left and then right, until all of the transfer paper has been attached to the wall. To ensure the graphic adheres properly to the wall and to remove any trapped pockets of air (bubbles) go over it with firmly with a squeegee or credit card, working from the inside out. If the wall has a texture, use your hand to firmly press the graphic down so it follows the shape of the wall. It's important to ensure that as much of the adhesive as possible makes contact with the wall.
ALLOW THE ADHESIVE TO BOND
Allow the wall graphic to sit for 30 minutes to give the adhesive time to form a strong bond with the wall. This will help minimize the amount of graphic that comes off with the transfer paper when it's removed.
REMOVE THE TRANSFER PAPER FROM THE WALL GRAPHIC
Similar to removing the backing paper, take a corner of the transfer paper and slowly and carefully peel it back on itself. Use an acute angle for the best results.
Like this
If any part of the vinyl graphic attempts to come off with the transfer paper, press it firmly back down with your finger until it sticks and then continue. You may need to gently help the graphic onto the wall with a knife, being careful not to damage the graphic. Once you've removed the transfer paper completely, you can dispose of it because it's no longer required.
FINAL TOUCH
Finally, remove the two tabs of masking tape left on the wall, and your wall graphic installation is complete.
USEFUL TIPS
The best advice for applying a wall graphic is to take your time to achieve the best results.
Ensure that everything is in place or within reach before you start, and it is helpful to have another person assist even with smaller graphics.
Remain calm. If something goes wrong, we may be able to assist you in resolving it.
If your wall graphic has bubbles after installation you can usually remove these with a small pin prick at the side of the bubble and some light pressure with your fingers. If your wall graphic has creases or wrinkles it's usually caused by not smoothing down the graphic during the installation process, you may be able to remove these by lightly heating the graphic and gently smoothing the graphic down.
If you do not feel comfortable installing your own wall graphic you can always ask a professional decorator for assistance.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR WALL GRAPHIC
To remove your wall graphic, use a hairdryer or heat gun to gently heat up the vinyl. The heat will cause the adhesive to loosen and make it easier to peel the graphic away from the surface. Our wall graphics are supplied with a semi-permanent adhesive but they can still remove paint and loose plaster from the wall especially if removed without heating first so please take care. Once the wall graphic has been removed, it cannot be re-used.