How to Install Your Wall Decal

Prepare your wall

Important: to make sure your Wallums decal or mural sticks and to prevent peeling after it's applied, prepare the wall first, especially if it's painted with low-VOC paint.

Use the 3M Enhanced Adhesion Cleaning Method:

  1. Mix a cleaning solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and 30% water in a spray bottle.
  2. Soak a clean, lint-free cloth with the solution until it's dripping wet.
  3. Clean the application area with overlapping strokes. You may see some paint particles on the cloth the first time.
  4. Soak another clean, lint-free cloth and wash the wall again. Cleaning twice can greatly improve how well the decal sticks to painted walls.
  5. Let the wall dry. It will feel cooler than unwashed areas because of the alcohol. When it no longer feels cool, it's dry and ready.
  6. Use the test decal included with your order to check adhesion on each wall before installing.
  7. For large walls, divide the wall into sections with masking tape and prep one section at a time so you don't miss any spots.

More detail from 3M: Installation prep for low-VOC painted walls (PDF)

Printable instructions

Video instructions

Installing a hello decal on your front door

Installing a large solid wall decal

Installing a large multi-piece wall decal

Installing a wall mural

Installing a printed tree wall decal (peel and stick)

Installing a printed birch trees wall decal (peel and stick)

Installing a peel and stick decal

Removing your wall decal

When it's time to take your decal down, you can do it one of two ways:

  1. Use your fingernail to start peeling at a corner, then pull the decal back on itself at a sharp angle (close to 180 degrees, not 90). Peel slowly to avoid tearing the decal or damaging your paint.
  2. Press a piece of masking tape on top of the decal and slowly peel up the tape. The decal pieces should come up with it. Tapes vary in stickiness, so test it on the wall in a hidden spot first.

Animation of a hello decal being peeled off a door, starting at a corner and pulling back at a sharp angle

The decal shown is our Hello Door Decal.