Prepping to Apply Wall Decals- A Quick Checklist for a Flawless Finish

Wall decal installations...indubitably one of the simplest and quickest ways to bring a breath of fresh air into the home without the commitment of painting or wallpapering. From customizing and revitalizing a nursery, personalizing your home office, to bringing a bit of fun into your living room, decals can provide an easy, DIY-friendly touch-up project to brighten up anyone's mood. But even before you throw away the backing and slap it on the wall, a few preparatory steps will contribute toward a well-placed application, ensuring that beauty and longevity go hand-in-hand.

Here's a step-by-step checklist to help you properly prep and apply wall decals with confidence.

1. Clear and Prepare the Area

Before you embark on your task, take a few moments to clear the space around the chosen wall for your decal placement. The clearing is crucial since a piece of furniture or plant may block full access or impede your perception of straight lines and right placements. An empty setting ensures alignment and also allows you to step back and admire your work from afar.

After cleaning the place, gather your tools for the job. While some decals come with everything required, it’s a good idea to keep the following handy:

• A measuring tape or ruler

• A level (or a smartphone with a level app)

• Painter’s tape or masking tape

• A clean cloth or paper towels

• A squeegee, credit card, or smoothing tool

• A utility knife or pin (for popping air bubbles, if needed)

The room temperature will also have to be considered. Most decals adhere well when the ambient temperature is below 80°F and above 60°F (15°C to 27°C). A very humid or cold atmosphere is not the best environment for decals to hold, as extreme conditions could influence the adhesive.

2. Clean the Wall Thoroughly

When it comes to wall decals, adhesion is everything. For a decal to bond properly and stay there forever, the surface must be absolutely clean.

Use a damp cloth with mild soap or better yet, rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth to clean the walls. Grease, dust, and other residues can prevent the adhesive from bonding properly.

If your wall is freshly painted, it is very important to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before applying decals. Newly painted walls tend to release gases that interfere with proper adhesion, and the decal could peel or bubble.

Once the wall is clean, make sure it is dry. You can almost be sure to be bitterly disappointed if some decals are applied on a damp surface.

3. Lay Out the Decal on a Flat Surface

With this side facing up, remove the decal from its packaging and place it on a clean table or floor. Some decals tend to curl or wrinkle from being rolled up-do not worry. If so, place a couple of heavy books or flat objects over the decal to keep it flat for a few hours. This will make it easier to manipulate during the actual application process. 

If this is already a part of a bigger design, this is the perfect time to cut some pieces out of it. This procedure will help with placement and make it easier to visualize whatever is going to be the final layout.

4. Position the Decal on the Wall

Using painter’s tape, hold the decal against the wall in your chosen location. Step back to see if it truly appears centered, straight, and where you want it. Use a level to check alignment once again, especially if it is text or geometric patterns. Never rush this stage; the more time spent here, the better the end result.

Once satisfied with the position, make a hinge by taping along the top edge of the decal. This will let you flip the decal up and remove the backing without misaligning it.

5. Apply the Decal

The application steps can be fun!

Peel the backing off slowly while pressing the decal gently onto the walls from top to bottom or center outward, depending on the design. This will smooth the decal out with even pressure to avoid any air bubbles. For large decals, working in small sections is preferred. Take your time. 

Follow the instructions that come with your decal closely, as installation techniques can vary from design to design-especially if it is a multi-piece or layered decal.

6. Smooth It Out

After the decal has been placed, take your smoothing tool (a squeegee, credit card, or even a soft towel) and place gentle pressure on it, moving from the center outward, to remove any bubbles or wrinkles.

Should any bubbles stay behind, puncture them very gently with a pin or a sharp utility knife, and then press the air out. Some words of caution: be careful not to damage the decal while using those sharp objects, and applying too much pressure might even scratch or tear the design itself.

If the decal has a layer of application tape, carefully peel away the tape at a low angle to reveal the finished look.

The Conclusion

The Wall Decal Installation Process is not something that requires professional skills, but just a little bit of patience and attention to detail. This simple checklist will take you away from the most common pitfalls like crooked alignment, poor adhesion, and bubbling. The end-result is a stunning, personalized wall that looks like it was done by a pro. 

The decal is now waiting for you. Take a few careful steps in transforming your home with every peel. Happy decorating!