How to Apply Vinyl Wall Decals

Vinyl Wall Decals are the easy way to decorate!

Our designs and quotes are cut from a premium removable matte vinyl that provides the look of stenciling or hand painting in minutes. Available in 20 fashionable interior vinyl colors, they are easy to install and easy to remove. For one-time-use only. Vinyl Wall Decals are not repositionable. Please browse our Vinyl Wall Decals  for a repositionable option. 

VINYL DECALS COLOR CHART

We love colors and so we understand why the color has to be perfect! The color you see here will vary from monitor to monitor. Unfortunately, refunds WILL NOT be given if you are unsatisfied with the color matching of your vinyl decals. So, if you need an exact color, we recommending purchasing our Designer Vinyl Wall Decals Color Chart. We'll get it out to you in a few days and it will provide you with peace of mind when purchasing your wall decal!
Wallternatives Vinyl Wall Decals Color Chart

Vinyl Wall Decals: Pattern Packs

Simple shapes you just peel and stick to create an allover pattern or creative focal point.

Vinyl Wall Decals Quotes and Graphics.

  1. 3 layers: the vinyl art or typography decal itself sandwiched between the thicker, opaque Backing Paper and the clear Transfer Tape.
  2. The Backing Paper will be removed first to expose the adhesive side of the Vinyl Decal, while the Transfer Tape will remain in place until the Vinyl Decal is applied and burnished on your surface.
  3. Our Vinyl Wall Decals Quotes and Graphics include a 1/8” trim line, which our Production Department uses to trim your decal to a nice, clean shape. We leave it in place for YOU to use it to easily and accurately level your design and measure out your placement, if needed.

Grab These Tools

Wallternatives™ Squeegee (included FREE with your order)
Small Bubble Level
Painter’s Tape
Measuring Tape


Step 1-2: Unroll and Burnish

Lay your Vinyl Wall Decals Quotes and Graphics on a smooth, hard surface such as a tabletop, wall, or floor. Use the Wallternatives™ Squeegee to burnish the Transfer Tape to the vinyl graphic by rubbing over it with a very hard pressure.  Now, flip it over and repeat on the back side. This will adhere the Transfer Tape to the Vinyl Decal well so that the Backing Paper will remove easier.

Step 3-4: Position and Secure for the Top Tape Hinge Method
Eyeball where you want to place your Designer Vinyl Decal, or use a measuring tape to determine the correct position. Use Painter’s Tape to tack the vinyl decal in place on the top corners. If required, use a bubble level to check that the design is level by placing it on the 1/8” trim line (frame) that surrounds your decal. Adjust as necessary. Pssst! Once you have your Designer Vinyl Decal installed on your surface you will not be able to move it to another position, so take the time to double check that your design is level and EXACTLY where you want it to stay!

Run a strip of Painter’s Tape across the top of the design, with half of the tape on the wall and half of the tape on the front of the decal. This is your "tape hinge".

Step 5-6: Flip, Remove, and Roll
Flip the decal up (like opening a door) and carefully peel the Backing Paper off from the hinged edge. Pull the Backing Paper back slowly at a 180-degree angle, using the flat of your hand to push the vinyl down onto the Transfer Tape as you slide the Backing Paper off.

Once the Backing Paper is removed, slowly roll the Vinyl Decal down on to the wall from the hinged edge. Use the Squeegee or the palm of your hand to smooth and secure the decal from the center outward.

Step 7-8: Burnish and Peel
Use the Squeegee to burnish the Vinyl Decal securely to the wall or surface with the Transfer Tape still in place. Slowly peel back the Transfer Tape from the top down, again at a 180-degree angle, taking care that the Vinyl Decal stays securely on the wall.

How to: Center Hinge Method

The Center Hinge Method will be your best choice if your vinyl decal is larger (over 2’). Using this method will even allow you to install a design that is up to 6’ in length all by yourself (should you choose to accept this mission).

  1. Place your Vinyl Decal in the correct position on your wall. Don’t forget to measure and “level”, if necessary. Use small pieces of Blue Painter’s Tape to tack it into place.
  2. Run a strip of Painter’s Tape down the center of your design, reaching out onto the walls for several inches on either side so that the design will not move during installation.
  1. Remove the small pieces of Painter’s Tape and flip one side of the decal back. Beginning at the edge, carefully peel the Backing Paper back off the vinyl at a 180-degree angle. If the vinyl decal wants to come with the Backing Paper, simply roll backward a bit and push the decal back down onto the Transfer Tape using the flat edge of your fingers while you pull back. Continue until you get to your center hinge.
  1. Use one of the small pieces of tape to secure the Transfer Tape/Vinyl Decal to the wall. Use scissors to cut away the loose Backing Paper.
  1. Slowly roll the Vinyl Decal down on to the wall from the center hinge. Use the Squeegee or the palm of your hand to smooth and secure the decal from the center outward. Burnish the entire side with your Squeegee. Your Vinyl Decal is now secure on your wall so you can remove the center tape strip.
  1. Flip the other side back and peel/roll the Backing Paper off from the center edge, taking care as before not to bring any of the Vinyl Decal details with it. If your decal is super large you can peel and stick in stages to give yourself more control.
  1. After rolling the last of the exposed decal onto your surface, burnish it well overall while the Transfer Tape is still in place.
  1. Slowly peel back the Transfer Tape from one edge at a 180-degree angle, taking care that the Vinyl Decal stays firmly on the surface. Enjoy!!

Where to Apply Designer Vinyl Decals

Use on:

  • Smooth, non-porous INTERIOR surfaces, such as SMOOTH painted walls, ceilings and doors, as well as metal, glass, tile, and plastic.
  • Ideally walls should be painted with eggshell or satin latex paint.
  • You can use Designer Vinyl Decals in a bathroom, as the applied vinyl will not be affected by heat or humidity. Please be sure, however, that your surface is completely clean and dry before applying the decal.

Not for use on:

  • Textured and/or porous surfaces, raw wood, canvas or fabric, porous concrete, stucco or stone, and chalky, dusty, or damp surfaces. Even a small amount of moisture on the surface will prevent the adhesive from sticking.
  • Areas of your home that will receive wear and tear, and require regular cleaning-such as those near sinks and stoves.

Surface Preparation for Designer Vinyl Decals

Start with a Clean Surface! Use a dry cloth to wipe over your wall surface to remove any dust. If you walls are dirty, you can use a slightly damp cloth or Magic Eraser, BUT then let the wall dry overnight to make sure it is bone dry. Adhesive-backed vinyl will NOT stick to a damp surface.

Notes on Newly Painted Surfaces! If you’ve applied a fresh coat of paint to your walls you will need to wait a MINIMUM of 2 weeks before applying Removable Wallpaper. REALLY!! Here’s Why: Even though the paint seems dry, it actually undergoes and extensive curing period. If you are in a cold, damp, or humid environment you may even want to wait up to 3-4 weeks.

Installing Removable Wallpaper on a fresh, uncured painted surfaces may result in poor adhesion or the decal may damage the paint upon removal or cause a color shift in the pattern area.

Care and Cleaning Designer Vinyl Decals

Clean with a clean, soft cloth. Never use abrasive or alcohol, ammonia, or citrus-based cleaners on Designer Vinyl Decals. You can use a slightly damp sponge or cloth when cleaning, but avoid allowing water to seep under the edges of the vinyl, as this can loosen the adhesive.

Removing Designer Vinyl Decals
Our vinyl can be easily removed for up to 3 years by simply peeling it off the surface. It will generally come off very easily and will not leave any sticky residue. For smooth, shiny surfaces try using a hair dryer on low heat to slightly warm up the vinyl before peeling. Removing the vinyl within 3 years should never damage any properly prepared painted surface. Occasionally, on a poorly painted surface you may find that some small bits of paint may come off with the vinyl.  In that case, you can simply patch it lightly and repaint.