Top 10 Commonly Asked Questions

We believe that vinyl decal application should be a painless process, with a beautiful result. Whether you are a first-timer, or this isn't your first rodeo, we are always here to help. 

That being said, here's our top 10 commonly asked questions:

1. What if my decal isn't sticking to the wall (or other surface)?

A. Your decal has been subjected to extreme temperatures and has not yet recovered.
Solution: Allow your decal time to acclimate to the temperature of your home, while laying flat.

B. The paint you chose for your wall, while adorable, is a low (or no) VOC paint. Paints with no VOC are stain resistant, but they are also decal resistant.
Solution: Prior to purchasing a decal, double-check which paint was used on your wall. But, if it's too late for that, you can apply your decal to another surface, for an even artsier feel. We recommend finding a large mirror, or distressed window frame. Or perhaps there is another wall in your home just crying out for one of our decals. Either way you decide, we are here to assist.

2. When I applied the decal, there were a few bubbles. What do I do?

First of all, stay calm. This is a super quick fix.

Solution: Take a household item that is small with a pointed, sharp edge and poke into the center of the bubble; like a diaper safety pin, or sewing pin. Be careful to push only hard enough to break through the vinyl, but not enough to hit your wall. After that, take either your hand, or something with a flat, smooth edge (and safe) and push the air towards your little pin hole to allow the air to release.

For a detailed, how-to video on how to remove bubbles, check out our YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOtDZY8qhNU

3. So, I applied my decal to the wall, but it won't release from the application tape. Help!

This is an issue that comes up occasionally. Typically, the reason is the that application tapes vary a tad. Some release easily as designed, others need a little help.

Solution: If you notice the app tape is not releasing, then don't go any further just yet. Smooth the application tape back over where you tried to remove it. Run into your kitchen or office space and find a squeegee (or any hard, smooth-edged item that is safe). Rub the tool over decal; taking care with the corners of letters and edges.

Now, try removing the application tape once more. It should release easily.

4. My decal will not release from the backing paper.

During shipment, the application tape may have lost some of it's adherence to the decal; thus keeping it stuck to the backing paper.

Solution: Flip the decal (application tape and all) so that it is laying face down.
Rub the back of the decal vigorously with a squeegee; or another available item. 
Next, with the decal still face down, peel back the backing paper from the top, left corner diagonally. Keep the paper as flat as possible while doing this.
See Video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2Nc31N7KAQ

The backing paper should come up smoothly at this point. If any rogue letters don't comply, just smooth them down with your finger.

5. What surfaces will my decal stick to?

Our decals will stick to almost any surface. Glass, mirrors, walls, windows, cups, ceramic, finished wood, tile, plastic, metal, etc.

The only items our decals will not stick to are:
Low or no VOC painted wall and unpainted cement blocks, sadly. If you must have a decal on a cement block, simply paint it first.

To see how to apply a decal to your car window through the wet application process, check out our YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SXzUq-lEAE

6. I have applied my decal to the wall, but something must have went wrong. I am seeing wrinkles. What can I do?

Solution: If the wrinkle is over an intricate portion of the decal (a letter or scroll), peel back the section carefully, then re-smooth with your finger.

If the wrinkle is in a larger, solid portion, then a squeegee is a great option. Start in the middle of the wrinkle and work the wrinkle to the outer edge of the decal. Repeat in the other direction.

Wrinkles gone!

7. While applying my wall decal, I accidentally got some letters stuck to the application tape and can no longer use them. Do I need a new decal?

Your hard work is not in vain. So, now, you won't need an entirely new decal.

Solution: Provide us with a photo of the issue. We can send you replacement letters of parts individually.

8. My decal keeps peeling back at the edges.

The paint is the likely culprit here.

Solution: We recommend using a tacky spray. Aleene's Repositionable Tacky Spray has always given us great success.

This will keep the edges of the decal down and your decal looking professional and since the spray is repositionable, it can be removed later on.
 
9. Can these decals be used outdoors?

Yes! Any of our decals can be used outdoors. An outdoor decal can last 8+ years.
They can withstand many weather increments.

We even make boat decals. These are made in a glossy, more water-friendly vinyl unless requested otherwise.

*If you are going to be applying a decal outdoors, then make sure you have the right day for it. Generally, you just don't want extreme weather either hot or cold. More specifically, between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit is the best.

10. Is matte the only vinyl finish available?

While we love matte because of it's hand-painted look, we have a variety of other types and colors available.

For example, we offer metallic in Gold, Copper, and Silver. Frosted vinyl is available for an engraved look on windows. Reflective is currently available in White and Navy. Glossy vinyl (typically for outdoor use) is available in a large variety of colors.

We even have White Dry Erase vinyl and Black Chalkboard vinyl Decals available.

Upon request, other vinyl colors and types can be special ordered for your vinyl decal needs.

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*Disclaimer: This is not to say that these issues are common with our products. But after years of being in the business, you learn a few things. This is a compilation of tips that we hope helps make your decal application as easy as it should be.