You’ve just moved or changed your wall decor and you’re wondering how to make your wall vinyl decals sticky again ? There are many different types of vinyl decals and the quality of each may or may not allow you to reuse them easily once they have been applied and removed from the surface where they were.
If you’re in the position of not wanting to part with a cool set of custom vinyl decals that don’t stick too well anymore (or you’ve bought a poorly performing ikea decal sticker) or simply don’t want to invest in new ones, there are a few things you can try to make them adhere to walls again.
In all cases : before applying a vinyl decal a second or third time, you should wash your walls so there is no dust that will diminish the adhesive capacity of your decal to begin with. Also keep in mind that when you are reusing a vinyl decal sticker that has lost some of its adhesive power, selecting a perfectly flat surface without any texture will make it easier for the decal to remain on it.
Other factors that enter into the equation include paint quality (eggshell paint is best, satin and semi-gloss should also be ok – glossy and textured paint are less ideal while newly painted walls are to be avoided altogether). Also avoid places where there is direct sunlight, a heat source or moisture.
Contact Paper : An Inexpensive Solution To Save Your Wall Vinyl Decals
If you have a simple set of wall decals without too many details and complicated contours, try applying clear (transparent) contact paper over your existing vinyl decal. You’ll need to cut the contact paper in the same shape as your decal but making it slightly bigger so the adhesive from the contact sheet will touch the wall directly all around the original decal.
Make sure you select an as thin as possible contact paper with strong adhesive power. Also make sure it is the repositionable kind (it usually says so on the package if this is the case). Otherwise, you may end up with an unsatisfying finish and an easily-seen sticky sheet visible from across the room.
Adding more sticky stuff…
Some people have used glue sticks with good enough results but the outcome can be a messy one if not done right. Whatever kind of glue (such as wallpaper glue) or sticky substance you use it will be necessary to apply a lot of pressure – possibly for an extended amount of time – in order to get best results. I would either go for a sprayed-on adhesive or the hot soapy water method first however. Simply sponge your wall vinyl decals lightly once it’s been applied to the wall. If this fails, the glue might do it.
More Wall Quotes:
Another suggestion for wall decals not sticking well anymore can be found at your local hobby supply store for about $5 to $8 dollars. Aerosol can of tacky adhesive for stencils works very well, and it doesn’t peel the paint. Just follow the directions on the can.