Troubleshooting

Our decals are designed to be simple and fun to apply, but occasionally you might run into issues like lifting edges, bubbles, or alignment problems. That’s completely normal and usually easy to fix. If something isn’t going right, we’re here to help you sort it out quickly and get the best result. 

Here are some examples of what might go awry and how to fix them;

 

Decals are peeling or not adhering to the wall:

Although our premium product adheres well to most walls and paints, there are some exceptions, so we always recommend checking your surface before ordering to help ensure the best possible result. That said, we cannot guarantee success on all surfaces, and in some cases results can be disappointing, with peeling occurring within weeks or months of application even when everything initially looked fine.

We understand that can be frustrating, and we’re always here to help if something doesn’t go as expected.

The most common reasons for peeling include:

*Wall preparation: Any dust, residue, or cleaning products left on the surface can affect adhesion. For best results, always ensure the wall is clean and dry before application. See our install guide for recommended prepping details.


*New paint: Fresh paint needs time to fully cure. We recommend allowing at least 30 days before applying decals. If applied during this time or shortly after and peeling presents (will be very quickly noticeable), allow more time and try again.


*Texture: Texture in the wall or paint reduces the contact area, which can decrease bond strength and lead to air pockets forming over time.

*Contamination on adhesive: Dust, oils, or debris on the adhesive side can reduce bond strength.

*Paint type: Contains repelling technology — these will be labelled as Teflon, Wash and Wear, Washable, Wipe Clean and so on. These finishes are designed with non-stick properties in mind, which can make it difficult for our product to achieve a strong bond.

For peeling there are some solutions that you can try (short of repurchasing in the higher tack), there's nothing more disappointing to us than you not being able to use your decals!

For textured walls, you can try re-activating the adhesive by gently warming it with a hair dryer (not a heat gun). Hold the dryer around 30cm from the decal and move it in a circular motion until it feels warm, not hot. This helps make the adhesive more pliable and tacky. Then, using clean hands, firmly press the decal back onto the wall.
The reason this helps is that the softened adhesive can better settle into the small pits of the texture. As it cools, the bond becomes firmer and has more effective surface contact, improving adhesion overall.

In instances where the paint is repelling the decal, this can be a little trickier due to the nature of the formulations in both the paint and the adhesive backing.

We have found that increasing the adhesive strength using a temporary mounting spray works very well as an alternative solution. These can be purchased from most craft or hardware stores, are cost effective, safe for use around children and pets, and are easy to apply.

Make sure the product you choose is labelled as low tack or semi permanent and has an acid free formula to prevent damage and keep removal easy. Apply a very light coat to the back of the decal (a little goes a long way), wait a minute or two until it becomes lightly tacky, then reapply the decal to the wall and press firmly into place.

*As this involves a third-party product, we recommend testing on a small, inconspicuous area first. While this method works well for many customers, we’re unable to take responsibility for any damage that may occur.

Decals have been creased;

The great part about our decals is their versatility! Even if they’ve been folded or creased, they’re designed to be forgiving and easy to work with. 

The woven polyester fabric and repositionable adhesive allow you to gently lift, adjust, and smooth them out without damage, as the adhesive is designed to stay repositionable.

Minor folds, bubbles, or wrinkles can usually be worked out with light pressure (felt squeegees are amazing for this), as the material is flexible and far more forgiving than traditional vinyl or paper decals.

Alignment Issues

For products such as arches, wallpapers and murals, we recommend checking all panels prior to installation. While we take the utmost care in printing and packaging, doing this upfront can save time, avoid unnecessary installation hassle, and help prevent disappointment if something isn’t quite right. This also allows us to resolve any issues much faster.

If everything lines up prior to install, proceed carefully and take your time. Avoid pulling panels too tightly during application, as stretching can slightly distort the design and affect alignment.
Ensure each panel is installed at the same angle as the previous one. This is especially important with wallpaper, where even a small shift can become more noticeable across the full width.

Please note that we cannot verify printing faults once panels have been applied. If you have any concerns about pattern or alignment, please contact us before installation and we’ll be happy to help.

For peace of mind, you can use painter’s tape to position panels before committing to adhesion. If something isn’t quite right, simply peel back and reset.

Important: Do not cut around sockets or fixtures until you are completely satisfied with the alignment.

Cleaning and maintaining

Our products are tough and versatile, but a little care will help ensure they go the distance and last you years of enjoyment.

    • Do not use any chemical cleaners on the decals
    • Do not wet the decals with water
    • To keep clean, gently dust the surface with a soft, dry cloth only
    • For longevity and safety, check the adhesion regularly to ensure the bond  remains firm over time