Here is a list of various surfaces that work well with peel and stick vinyl adhesive. We will walk you through what to look for and how to prepare them for application. So let’s get into it…
9 times out of 10, our art is being applied to a painted surface. This is totally acceptable, but it’s important to note that the adhesive bond and future removal depends on the type of paint and the surface beneath it.
You will get the best results with smooth surfaces that are primed with a quality eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss paint. Matte finishes will work, but the adhesive might have a difficult time bonding to the Matte Paint and we might see some peeling on the edges and perhaps top and bottom as well this can be repaired with a little bit of spray adhesive applied to the back if this becomes a problem
While our product will work with most standard brands. Some modern wall paints can make self-adhesive (peel and stick) murals more challenging to install. Washable, durable, low-VOC and No-VOC paints may contain additives which can inhibit proper mural adhesion. Proper cleaning and dry time of the wall surface with a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water (50/50 mix) may improve adhesion. However, we highly recommend preparing the surface in advance using a primer/sealer product like Zinsser® Gardz® by Rust-Oleum®, which can be found at most hardware stores. Use this clear coat, matte finish sealant to cover the area where the mural will be applied to the wall surface. Wait at least 4 days before installing the mural. If applying to freshly painted walls, wait 2 to 3 week before installation. This gives the paint a chance to fully cure. Even though the paint might feel dry to the touch, it is still going through the process of out-gassing. That’s when you typically get that faint new home smell for a few weeks after you’ve freshly painted. Some paints cure faster than others, but if you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to wait it out. Unpainted drywall, or walls with inferior paint applications, may be problematic and need attention before beginning your mural installation. Contact Us if you have questions. If you’re not sure about your surface, we will be happy to send you a sample to test it out. Place the peel & stick ample on your wall and wait about 2 days. If the sample is still fully attached to the wall, you’re good to go!
Texture can be tricky. A smooth surface is best, but a light texture is also fine. You can start running into issues with heavy texture. Not only will the texture show through the art, it also doesn’t always create an even bond with the adhesive. If possible, consider smoothing out your wall texture with a skim-coating of drywall compound before priming and painting; this will give the ideal wall surface with few imperfections. If skim-coating is not an option, sand any rough areas and eliminate as many high spots and ridges as possible.
Let’s start with sealed plaster. The key word is “sealed”. Plaster typically has a smooth surface, which is ideal for your wall art, but it can also be very porous. This can create a very strong bond with the adhesive, resulting in damage from bits of the plaster pulling away, should you attempt to remove the vinyl in the future. On the flip side, porous materials can also hold condensation in certain environments, that could lead to peeling. So, just confirm it’s been treated with a sealant and you’re good to go.
As long as it’s clean of any dirt or cleaning solutions, this makes a great surface for attaching and removing wall art. Grout will not be as accepting, but this can lead to some very creative mosaic style artwork. You simply cut away the vinyl between the tiles, exposing the grout line.
This is another one of those porous materials that can have adverse effects with your artwork. It is recommended that the surface is treated with a polyurethane, lacquer or some other sealant.
These are the smoothest, flattest surfaces possible, and great for vinyl peel and stick. Our cut decals work best for this application. Just ensure the surface is clean and you’re all set!
Polished stainless steel is an ideal surface for our vinyl. Try to avoid using stainless steel cleaners before installing. They tend to leave a light film. We suggest finishing with water or rubbing alcohol and dry thoroughly.
Another extremely porous surface in need of a good sealant. There are varying qualities of concrete. Some even have additives to protect them from the elements, others are extremely dense and smooth polished. So, yes, there are some concretes that will bond well with our adhesive, but if you’re not sure, seal it.
Yes, you can put our wallpaper on top of wallpaper. As long as long as the current wall covering is in good condition. Check for any peeling or mold in corners, and clean it thoroughly. If the existing wallpaper overlaps at the seam. This could be visible through your new wall art. Find a less visible spot and attempt to peel back the seam. If it lifts easily, then we suggest cutting down the back of the overlap potion of the seam with a straight edge and removing the strip. This will give you a flat surface and a clean look!
Most likely when you remove the mural it will remove some of the wallpaper
This will definitely work, as long as you’re ok with any indented pattern from the seams in the paneling. It would also be a good idea to inspect all panels to ensure that they are firmly attached prior to installing your new wall art.