Everything you need to know about Vinyl Wall Art and Vinyl Lettering
Are you thinking about purchasing vinyl wall art or vinyl lettering?
Do you have questions about a product that you have purchased and need to install?
Are you ready to take some art down and need some help or advice?
If you answered yes to any of the above this guide will help!
If you are interested in seeing some of the many products we offer please visit our store.
A Brief Description
Simply put, vinyl wall art or lettering is an inexpensive, artistic way to make any room, door, mailbox, window, mirror, at your home, apartment, car, laptop etc. come to life. If you cannot find exactly what you are looking for check with the manufacturer, most will customize so the sky is the limit.
Here are just some of the benefits:
- Creative
- Artistic
- Evokes Emotion
- Tells a Story
- Each Graphic is Custom Made
- Temporary
- Much cheaper than a painting or hiring an artist
- Easier than stenciling
- Professional Looking
- It can take some patients to install depending on complexity
- Paint underneath art or lettering will not fade with the rest of is surroundings (this is called sun fading). If art is in direct sunlight you may need to repaint after removal
- Most products out there are removable but not reusable. Be aware of manufacturers who use outdoor vinyl. This be very difficult to remove and may damage your wall. For wall graphics, Katazoom only uses indoor vinyl with removable adhesive.
FAQ’s
Q: What are they made of?
A: Most (if not all) are made of a very thin, flexible vinyl. They are backed with a light adhesive for easy application to walls or other smooth surfaces.
Q: How are they made?
A: Vinyl wall art or word art is precision cut from a machine called a vinyl plotter.
Q: Once applied will I see a clear background?
A: No, each piece or letter is cut out individually.
Q: Are the colors on the website exact color matches to the product I’ll receive?
A: No. Computer monitor colors are adjustable. It is impossible for anyone to guarantee that what you see on your screen is what you will get. If you are trying to get an exact match, it is best to request samples of the material from the manufacturer.
Q: What types of surfaces can I apply my graphic too?
A: Vinyl art or word art can be applied to just about any clean, smooth, and weather-resistant surface that is free of dust, grease, or other contaminates. They may not adhere to heavily-textured surfaces, but can adhere to lightly textured walls. Installation on certain surfaces such as brick, stucco, concrete block, suede paints, and sand paints is not recommended.
Q: Can my graphic be installed on wallpaper?
A: Yes. You can apply these graphics anywhere they will stick. Be aware that you are doing this at your own risk. If you are have a surface that you are concerned about send me an email and I will send you a test sample.
Q: Will my graphic adhere to all paints?
A: No. Most graphics out there will apply to any standard oil or latex based paints.
You may have some issues if you are trying to apply on faux, magnetic, sand or suede paints.
Q: Can I apply my graphic to a newly painted wall?
A: No. Freshly painted walls should be allowed to cure for at least two weeks before you apply any graphics.
Q: Will my graphic damage my wall?
A: When walls have been prepared as directed and properly maintained after application, most people have no wall damage upon removal. Please be aware that, as with any decorative medium, there is potential for wall damage.
Q: Will bathroom humidity damage my graphic?
A: Most products on the market right now should withstand the heat and humidity generated in a bathroom environment. Over time it is possible the adhesive will become weakened.
Q: How long will my graphic last after it has been applied to a surface?
A: Typical wall art or lettering is not intended for permanent application; however, they can last for months or years depending on the surface and environment.
Q: Can I wash my graphic once it has been applied?
A: Any type of wall art that is made from vinyl is washable. We recommend that you use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with cool water to clean. Avoid using cleaners that contain alcohol, abrasives, citrus additives, or ammonias. If you apply you art on a window or mirror, take special care to avoid glass cleaners that contain alcohol, ammonia, or citrus additives.
Q: I installed my art but it is starting to peel off. What do I do?
A: If a part starts to come off the surface, use washable glue, such as a glue stick or wallpaper paste or glue, to reattach it. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and test the adhesive in an inconspicuous place before applying.\
Product Removal
Q: How do I remove my graphic?
A: When you are ready to remove your wall art or lettering warm it slightly with a blow dryer. Use the low setting and kept it 6 to 8 inches away. Start at one corner and peel back slowly. Do not pull the graphic out towards your body. Instead pull it at an angle parallel to the wall. The removal process can take some patients.
Q: What do I do if a residue remains on my wall?
A: If some residue remains upon removal try using isopropyl alcohol or other residue removers to remove it. As always, follow the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid damage to your surface.
Application Instructions
Your vinyl graphic will have 3 components:
1)Transfer Tape looks and feels like masking tape, and is placed over the top of the actual art.
2)Vinyl The part that is precision cut and applied to the wall.
3)Backing Paper Thick white paper that holds that art in place.
Some tools you may need
Level
Yard Stick or straight edge
Blue Painters Tape
Pencil
Credit card or similar to burnish the material onto the wall
Step One: Prepare Graphic
- Wash your wall or surface – Use an alcohol-based all purpose cleaner or glass cleaner. Rubbing alcohol also works well. Dry wall completely.
- Unroll your graphic. (You may want to lay it flat somewhere warm until it no longer curls.)
- Rub over the entire surface of your graphic with your credit card. This reactivate the adhesive after shipping
Step Two: Position & Tape Graphic
- Decide where you want to apply your graphic and use two pieces of blue painter’s tape while you work out the exact positioning.
- Use Hinge Method: Once your graphic is in the perfect position, place several pieces of painter’s tape on the top of edge. These pieces of tape will be like “hinges” when you flip up your art. Space them a few inches apart (between 2 and 6).
Step Three: Remove Backing Paper
- Flip the graphic up
- Carefully peel the backing paper from the transfer tape. Avoid touching the actual lettering of the graphic itself. (The vinyl should stay on the transfer tape, with the backing paper left bare.)
- Lay the graphic back down into position on the wall.
- Step Four: Burnish Your Graphic
- Firmly rub the entire statement with credit card.
Step Five: Remove Transfer Tape
- Slowly peel the transfer tape
Installation Trouble
Q: I can't get my art to transfer to my surface; what do you suggest?
A: There are a number of things to consider.
1)Is the art at room temperature?
Make sure the material is warm enough. If not it can become brittle and the adhesive will be weakened.
2) Is the surface you are applying it to too cold?
If so, gradually heat it to room temperature with a blow dryer on the low setting.
NOTE: Use care to avoid overheating the vinyl and/or wall to avoid damage.
3) Is it too humid?
High humidity can affect the art’s ability to adhere. If you are applying outdoors try to do it when it is not raining or there is low humidity
4) Is your wall clean and free of residue?
Grease, smoke, soot, dirt can all affect how your graphic adheres.
After cleaning your wall, make sure there is no leftover residue and that the wall is completely dry. Often, a wall surface feels dry to the touch but moisture has been absorbed into the wall material beneath. This moisture is released to the surface as the wall continues to dry, breaking the adhesive bond and pushing the statement off the surface.
Tricks and Tips
- Transfer tape won’t release. Once you have removed the backing and applied art to the surface but before you have removed the transfer tape, using a sponge, dampen the back of the transfer tape then peel it away. This will help the graphic release from the tape.
- I am applying to a moderately textured surface. If the surface is lightly to moderately texture and it seems like the graphic should be able to adhere to it, try using a blow-dryer on the low heat setting.NOTE: Always use caution when applying heat. Run dryer on lowest setting.
- Art is curled from shipping and difficult to handle. This is common. Allow art to “relax” on a flat surface. Put objects on top to speed up the process.
- Art is sticking to the original backing and not the transfer tape. Lay it on a flat surface with original backing side down and use a credit card of similar tool and rub over the transfer tape. This will reactivate the glue tape after it has been shipped.
If I have helped you in any way please let me know by clicking yes below.
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