How To Prevent Peel-And-Stick Decals From Falling Off Your Walls

Nowadays, you can find hundreds of wall decor options, ranging from ornate mirrors to framed art. If you're someone who doesn't want to deal with nails or wall adhesives, you can use peel-and-stick decals instead. A big drawback to decals, though, is that they don't always stay adhered to the walls. This can be especially frustrating after spending an hour applying the decal, or if it includes multiple pieces that get stuck together as they peel down toward the floor. The good news is, you can help your peel-and-stick decals stay attached by cleaning your walls first, and by warming the decals and ensuring that you press them firmly against the surface.

Although not all wall decals offer the same level of adhesion, the common factors that cause them to lose their adhesion are usually the same. These factors involve the texture and cleanliness of the wall, as well as the room's temperature. By making some adjustments to these factors, your peel-and-stick decals can stay on your walls until you choose to remove them, as opposed to the elements in the room removing them for you.

The first step to take when applying peel-and-stick decals is to clean your walls. Any dust or dirt can form a thin barrier between the decal and the wall surface, preventing the decal from sticking properly. You can clean the wall with dish soap, water, and a cloth or soft-bristle brush, which will result in better adhesion. Be sure to let the wall dry thoroughly before applying the decal.

The second step involves the temperature of the room. If you're applying the decal in a room with cool, dry air, you may want to warm the decal with a hair dryer before sticking it to your wall. The heat will help increase the viscosity of the decal glue. Some decal stickers even include this recommendation in the product description. Set the dryer to low and keep it about 6 inches away from the decal — and only hit it with the hot air for about 10 seconds.

After the decal has been placed on your wall, you'll need to firmly press every inch of it with your hands — especially the corners and edges — which is extra important if the wall surface is textured. While this may seem like an obvious step, it's often skipped. Some people don't press hard enough or forget to press the entire decal against the wall, leaving gaps and opportunities for the decal to separate. With these three easy steps, you can keep your peel-and-stick decals on your walls, and not on your floor.