Wall Decal Installation Instructions

 

Our decals are designed for easy application and clean removal when used on properly prepped, fully cured walls. With the right surface conditions, they'll apply smoothly and stay in place — and in most cases, come off cleanly. Follow this guide to help ensure the best possible results.

1. Wall Prep: The Foundation of a Good Stick

For best adhesion, your wall should be:

• Clean, dry, and smooth to the touch
• Painted with two coats of quality acrylic paint over a separate primer
• Fully cured for at least four weeks — even if it feels dry

Skipping these steps increases the risk of bubbling, lifting, or paint damage during repositioning or removal.

2. Paint Type: Why Peeling Happens (Even on Fresh Paint)

Our decals use a medium-tack adhesive that works well on most washable, low-sheen paints — including many "wash & wear" or stain-resistant finishes.

However, paint can peel or lift if:

• A separate primer wasn't used
• The wall wasn't properly sealed, sanded, or cleaned before painting — especially when repainting over existing paint
• The paint was applied over old, flaky, or unbonded layers
• The surface has a Teflon-based or high-performance coating that resists adhesion and wasn't properly sanded and primed before top coats
• The paint is fresh but not fully cured, or it's older and brittle beneath the surface

In these cases, the issue isn't the decal — it's that the paint was never fully bonded to the wall in the first place.

3. Quick Test (Highly Recommended)

Not sure about your wall? Do a quick test:

• Apply a small piece of the decal to a discreet area
• Leave it in place for at least 48 hours
• Gently peel it off and check for paint lifting

If the paint stays intact, your surface is likely suitable. If it lifts, more prep may be needed.

4. Pre-Application Checklist

Before applying, make sure to:

• Wash your hands
• Wipe the wall with a damp microfiber cloth — surface dust is the most common cause of poor adhesion
• Let the wall dry completely
• Plan your layout using painter's tape if needed
• For large decals provided in pieces, lay them out on the floor or a clean surface beforehand to check pattern alignment and overlap before installation

5. Applying Your Decals

To apply:

• Handle decals gently and avoid scratching the printed surface
• Peel the decal from its backing
• Place it on the wall and press firmly and evenly with your hands or a soft tool
• Use consistent pressure to activate the adhesive
• For large designs, cut out elements separately and pre-position with tape
• If pieces overlap, rotate gently to align patterns

6. Repositioning Decals

You can adjust decals if needed:

• Ensure your hands and the wall are clean
• Lift slowly from a corner
• Reposition gently — avoid pulling or stretching

7. Removing Decals (Use Heat)

To reduce the risk of paint damage during removal:

• Use a hairdryer on low heat to warm the decal for 30–60 seconds
• Peel slowly from a corner, keeping the decal at a low angle — almost parallel to the wall
• Reapply heat as needed, especially for delicate surfaces

This method helps soften the adhesive and minimise disruption to the paint.

8. Storage & Reuse

For best results, decals should be installed within 3 months of purchase. Improper storage — including exposure to heat, humidity, or dust — can affect adhesive performance and cause premature failure. Store unused decals flat in their original packaging, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

If you need to store a used decal, keep it on the original backing paper or a clean Corflute sheet (available at most hardware stores), away from dust, dirt, and surface oils.

Please note: we cannot guarantee that the adhesive will fully adhere again after a decal has been removed and stored. If you reinstall a previously used decal, inspect it carefully to ensure it is fully secured to the wall before use — particularly in children's areas.

9. Safety Guidelines for Nurseries & Children's Sleeping Areas

Placement Near Sleep Surfaces
In line with guidance from Red Nose Australia and consumer safety recommendations from CHOICE, do not install decals on the wall directly above a cot, bassinet, or child's bed. Items above a sleep surface may fall or be pulled down, causing injury or creating a choking hazard. Decals should be placed out of reach of children when they are in their cot or bed.

Ongoing Inspection
Regularly check your decals for any signs of lifting, peeling, or curling edges. A partially detached decal can be pulled off by a child and become a choking hazard. Remove or re-adhere any decal that is no longer fully secured to the wall.

General Safe Sleep
Always follow safe sleep guidance for your baby's sleeping environment. For current recommendations, visit rednose.org.au or productsafety.gov.au.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which products are easiest to install?

All our decals are beginner-friendly! For first-timers, we recommend starting with our Australian Bird Trio or Half Wall Panels — they're single-piece designs that go up in minutes.

Can I see installation examples?

Absolutely! Browse our Nursery Collection and Australiana Collection to see real customer photos and styled room examples.

What if I make a mistake?

No worries! Our decals are repositionable during installation and completely removable if you want to change things up later. They won't leave residue.

Have fun with your new decals! Questions? Contact us — we're here to help.