Vinyl Application Instructions
Getting Started
Regardless of the size of your Wall Quotes® or wall art, here are some important tips on how to get started.
When preparing your wall for a Wall Quotes® decal, vinyl letters, or graphic wall art, it is important to understand that not all surfaces are suitable for vinyl application. Proper preparation will ensure the durability of your vinyl wall art. As the ancient Greeks said, "The beginning is half of the whole." Vinyl graphics are best applied to smooth, non-porous surfaces.
Each of the following items can cause either poor adhesion when you apply your graphic, or damage when you decide to remove it:
- Highly textured paint
- Poor initial paint bond or poorly painted edges (make sure your paint isn’t chipping or peeling)
- Patched areas that have not been primed
- Dust, dirt or other contaminants on the wall
- Freshly painted walls that have not had time to cure (We recommend at least 2 weeks, 3 weeks is best. If you have questions on how long it takes your paint to cure, contact your paint supplier). Vinyl graphics tend to bubble and release from the wall if the paint is still in the curing process.
Installing Your New Wall Quote
Items Required: | Items Recommended: |
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Photo application tutorials
This method is great for large wall quotes, multiple color graphics, and large wall art |
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This simple method is for small wall art,
small
wall quotes and small custom letter orders |
1. Before application, clean desired surface with a clean rag to remove contaminants and other debris. Use a measuring tape or ruler to determine the exact position where your new vinyl sticker will be placed and if you'd like, make a light mark with a pencil to use as a guide.
2. Before removing the backing paper, rub firmly with the application squeegee over the top of the transfer tape to reactivate the adhesive and ensure the vinyl will adhere to the transfer tape.
3. Place several 2-3 inch pieces of masking tape along the top edge of the design to attach your vinyl design to the wall. Use the level to make sure your wall decal is properly oriented (be sure to use the design as a guide, not the edge of the backing or transfer tape).
4. Using the tape along the top as a hinge (imagine opening a door) lift up your vinyl graphic so you can see the back (or grid) of the backing paper and hold it against the wall. Or, if you are applying a long quote, you can peel back the tape on the right side and fold the right side over to reveal the backing paper. To see a photo tutorial where the whole quote is turned up, see our entryway tutorial. To see a photo tutorial where one side is folded over, see our Paris skyline tutorial.
5. Starting on the right side, with the design face down, begin peeling the backing paper off. The adhesive backing of the graphic and the opaque transfer tape will be exposed. Remove approximately half of the backing paper and cut the separated portion (of the backing paper) with scissors.
**Go slowly, and if a portion of your design won't stick to the transfer tape, rub with the squeegee and try again or use your fingernail to gently release the design from the backing paper. Or you can crease the backing paper slightly which will also help the graphic to release from the backing paper.**
6. Again using the masking tape as a hinge, slowly lower the vinyl graphic back into the position where you can see it from the front, being careful to not let the exposed adhesive touch the wall. Beginning from the middle, and using the left side as an anchor, use the application squeegee to rub the graphic onto the wall.
7. Once the right side is applied, remove the masking tape from the left side. Gently fold the vinyl graphic to the right (do not crease the graphic as you fold it over) and remove the backing paper again with the design face down. Once the backing paper has been completely removed, use the application squeegee to finish applying the graphic to the wall, again beginning in the middle and using the right side as an anchor.
8. Once the graphic has been completely applied, rub over the entire design to make sure it adheres firmly to the wall.
9. Slowly remove the transfer tape from the top of the graphic making sure the graphic doesn't peel away as well. If a portion of the graphic does start to come off the wall with the transfer tape, stop. Lay the transfer tape back down in that area, rub firmly with the application squeegee and try again.
10. If you have a multi colored quote, repeat steps 2 through 9. Enjoy your new wall art!
