Skip to content
🎁 Spend $200 or more and get a FREE gift plus FREE shipping — automatically applied at checkout!

The Heat Release Removal Guide

 

At Tiny Walls, we're all about honest decorating. Our decals are made with premium, removable adhesive, and for most of our customers, removal is seamless and damage-free. However, you often won't know if your wall's paint is a bit finicky until you go to remove a decal – and that can be a nasty surprise. That's why we're empowering you with our unique Heat Release technique. This guide will show you how to protect your walls during removal, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Understanding Paint & Adhesion: A Quick Note

You've probably heard 'no damage' before, but sometimes paint can still lift – and that's often due to the paint itself! Factors like low-quality paint, aged paint, insufficient curing time (especially on freshly painted walls), or improper wall preparation can make paint more vulnerable. Our Heat Release method is designed to significantly minimise this risk, but understanding your wall's condition is key.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Hairdryer (your key tool for Heat Release)
  • Soft microfibre cloth
  • Plastic squeegee or credit card (wrapped in a soft cloth – optional, for stubborn edges)

Step-by-Step: Our Heat Release Removal Process

This precise method is crucial for protecting your walls.

Step 1: Activate the Heat Release

  1. Plug in your hairdryer and set it to a low to medium heat setting.
  2. Hold the dryer 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) away from one edge of the decal.
  3. Slowly move the heat across a section of the decal, warming the adhesive for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  4. Important: Avoid high heat, as it can make the decal brittle or potentially damage sensitive paint. Gentle warmth is key.

Step 2: Begin the Peel – Down Against the Wall

  1. Once the section is warmed, use your fingertips to gently lift the warmed corner or edge.
  2. This is critical for minimising damage: As you peel, keep the decal as close to the wall surface as possible.
  3. Peel slowly and directly downwards (or horizontally, parallel to the floor), maintaining a very low angle (10-30 degrees) against the wall.
  4. DO NOT pull the decal straight out or away from the wall. Pulling away creates tension that can easily lift paint, even on well-cured surfaces.

Step 3: Continue Heating & Peeling in Sections

  1. Move the hairdryer along the decal as you continue peeling, always warming the next section just before you peel it.
  2. If you feel any resistance, pause, re-apply heat to that specific section for a little longer, and then continue peeling down against the wall.
  3. For larger decals, remove them in smaller sections, working your way across or down the decal, always using the Heat Release technique.

Pro Tips for Optimal Removal:

  • Patience is Your Best Friend: Avoid yanking or pulling quickly – a slow, consistent peel using Heat Release greatly reduces paint damage.
  • Test First: Always test a small, inconspicuous section of the decal and wall first, especially on delicate walls or surfaces with unknown paint quality.
  • Allow Paint to Cure: If walls were freshly painted, allow at least four weeks for the paint to fully cure before applying or removing decals. This is one of the biggest factors in preventing paint damage.
  • Clean Surface Matters: Ensure your walls are clean and dry before initial application. Dust or dirt can compromise adhesion, affecting both application and removal.

Important Disclaimer & Transparency:

While our Tiny Walls decals are crafted with premium removable adhesive and our Heat Release method is designed to provide the best possible outcome, we cannot guarantee damage-free removal in all cases. The underlying condition of your walls (paint quality, age, and application) plays a significant role in how decals adhere and remove, as well as your removal method.

By following these recommended Heat Release removal steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage. However, Tiny Walls is not responsible for any wall damage that may occur during decal removal, as factors beyond our control (e.g., paint condition) are at play. Always test a small area first before proceeding with full removal.