How to Prepare Walls for Peel-and-Stick Wall Decals

A few minutes of wall preparation can make a big difference in how well your wall decals adhere.

Before installing Lollistix fabric wall decals, make sure your wall is painted, fully cured, clean, and completely dry.

Proper preparation helps the adhesive make good contact with the wall and reduces the chance of lifting or falling later.

Start With a Properly Primed and Painted Wall

Lollistix decals should be applied to a finished painted surface.

We do not recommend applying wall decals directly to bare drywall, unfinished cinder block, raw wood, or other unsealed porous surfaces.

Primer is also important.

When drywall has been painted without first being properly primed, the paint may not be strongly bonded to the wall underneath. In those situations, removing an adhesive product can sometimes lift the paint itself.

Lollistix is designed to remove cleanly from properly prepared walls, but we cannot guarantee the condition or adhesion of the paint underneath it.

How Long Should You Wait After Painting Before Applying Wall Decals?

We recommend waiting at least 30 days after painting before applying Lollistix decals.

Fresh paint may feel dry within hours, but that does not necessarily mean it has completely cured.

Paint can continue releasing moisture and gases as it cures. Applying a wall decal too soon can interfere with the adhesive and may cause the decal to lift or fall.

If your paint manufacturer recommends a curing period longer than 30 days, follow the manufacturer's recommendation.

Clean the Wall Before Applying Your Decals

Dust is one of the easiest adhesion problems to prevent.

Even when a wall looks perfectly clean, a thin layer of household dust can create a barrier between the decal adhesive and the painted surface.

Before installation, wipe the application area thoroughly with a clean cloth dampened with plain warm water.

Then allow the wall to dry completely.

The surface should feel completely dry before you begin applying your decals.

Avoid Windex and Household Cleaning Products

Try not to clean the wall immediately before installation with glass cleaner, furniture polish, all-purpose cleaner, or similar household products.

Many cleaners leave behind an invisible residue.

That residue can interfere with the decal adhesive and make it more difficult for the material to properly grip the wall.

If you need to use soap because the wall is particularly dirty, use only a small amount. Then wipe the area again thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap.

Allow the wall to dry completely before installation.

What If My Wall Is Textured?

Lollistix decals can adhere to many common painted wall textures, including orange peel, knockdown texture, and painted cinder block.

Wall texture varies considerably, though, so extremely rough or deep textures should be tested before installing a large decal.

If textured walls are your main concern, read our complete guide: Do Wall Decals Stick to Textured Walls?

Make Sure the Wall Is Completely Dry

Do not apply your decals while the wall is still damp from cleaning.

Moisture between the wall and adhesive can reduce the amount of contact the decal makes with the painted surface.

After wiping your wall down, allow enough time for it to become completely dry before starting your installation.

Check the Surface Before You Begin

Before applying your wall decals, run your hand across the application area.

The wall should feel clean and dry, with no visible dust, grease, loose paint, or cleaning residue.

If the wall was recently painted, make sure the paint has had enough time to fully cure.

Once those conditions are met, you're ready to install your Lollistix decals.

Not Sure How Your Wall Will Perform?

Because paint formulations and wall textures vary from home to home, testing your surface can give you additional peace of mind.

Apply a small Lollistix test piece to the same wall where you plan to install your decals and leave it in place for several days.

This is particularly helpful if you have heavy texture, eggshell paint, stain-resistant paint, or another unusual wall finish.

[GET A WALL TEST SAMPLE]

Ready to Apply Your Decals?

Once your wall is properly prepared, Lollistix decals are designed to make decorating simple.

Peel, position, smooth into place, and transform your wall without paint, paste, or traditional wallpaper.

And if you change your mind, Lollistix fabric decals can be repositioned and reused a few times when they are handled carefully and kept clean.