How to Install Woodland Wall Decals

Installing wall decals is easier when the wall is properly prepared, the material has reached room temperature and the design is positioned before the adhesive backing is removed. Follow the instructions below for a smooth, secure installation.

Important: Before installing your decals, follow our enhanced adhesion wall-cleaning instructions. Paint, cleaning residue, dust and wall texture can all affect adhesion.

Before Installing Your Wall Decals

• Wait after painting: Allow newly applied paint to cure for at least six weeks before installing wall decals.
• Test your wall: Paint formulas and wall surfaces vary. If you are uncertain about compatibility, order a wall vinyl and self-adhesive fabric test sample before purchasing or installing a full-size design.
• Check the surface: The wall should be clean, dry, structurally sound and free from loose paint, grease, dust or cleaning-product residue.
• Allow the material to acclimate: Keep the package indoors and allow the decals to reach room temperature for at least four hours before installation.
• Inspect the order: Make sure all pieces are present and undamaged before removing the backing paper.

If you are installing a large floral arrangement or a design supplied in multiple coordinated panels, also review our floral wall decal installation guide.

Tools You May Need

• Painter’s tape
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Clean, soft cloth
• Plastic squeegee or smoothing tool
• Scissors
• A helper for large decals or multi-panel designs

Identify Your Wall Decal Material

Vinyl Decals With Transfer Tape

Detailed vinyl designs—including many trees, flowers, names and quotes—may arrive in three layers:

1. Backing paper: The bottom paper protecting the adhesive.
2. Wall decal: The design located between the two outer layers.
3. Transfer tape: The clear or translucent top layer that holds the design together during installation.

Do not remove the transfer tape before installing the decal.

Self-Adhesive Fabric Decals

Self-adhesive fabric decals normally install without transfer tape. Carefully peel the fabric from its backing and position it directly on the wall. This material may be repositioned during installation, but avoid pulling or stretching it.

How to Install Wall Decals With the Hinge Method

Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Wall

Follow the enhanced adhesion cleaning procedure and allow the wall to dry completely. Do not install over dampness, peeling paint, loose paint or heavy wall texture.

Step 2: Plan the Layout

Before removing any backing paper, position the decal on the wall using small pieces of painter’s tape. Use a measuring tape and level when alignment is important.

If several separate decals are supplied on one sheet, you may carefully cut around the individual elements before arranging them. Leave enough backing paper around each piece to handle it safely, and do not cut through the decal.

Step 3: Create the Hinge

Once the decal is correctly positioned, apply a long strip of painter’s tape horizontally across the upper portion of the design. For a large decal, use enough painter’s tape to hold the design securely. This strip creates the hinge that keeps the decal aligned while you begin installation.

Step 4: Remove Part of the Backing Paper

Lift the upper section of the decal away from the wall using the painter’s-tape hinge. Carefully peel the backing paper away from the decal and transfer tape. For a large design, remove only a manageable section of backing paper at a time.

Do not allow the exposed adhesive to fold onto itself or touch the wall before you are ready to smooth it into place.

Step 5: Smooth the Decal Onto the Wall

Hold the decal slightly away from the wall. Beginning near the hinge, use a smoothing tool to press the decal onto the surface. Work slowly from the center toward the outer edges to reduce wrinkles and trapped air.

Continue removing the backing paper in sections while smoothing the decal onto the wall. Avoid stretching the vinyl during installation.

Step 6: Remove the Transfer Tape

After the entire decal has been smoothed onto the wall, slowly peel the transfer tape away at a low angle, keeping it close to the wall.

If part of the decal begins lifting with the transfer tape, stop. Place the transfer tape back against the wall, press that area firmly with the smoothing tool and then continue peeling more slowly.

Step 7: Press and Inspect the Design

After removing the transfer tape, gently press the complete design again—especially thin details, points, corners and edges. Check the installation during the first 24 to 48 hours while the adhesive bond develops.

Installing Self-Adhesive Fabric Wall Decals

1. Arrange the complete design on the wall with painter’s tape before removing the backing.
2. Peel a small portion of the fabric away from the backing paper.
3. Position the exposed section on the wall and smooth it gently with your hand or a soft cloth.
4. Continue peeling away the backing while smoothing the material onto the wall.
5. If the placement needs adjustment, carefully lift and reposition the fabric without stretching it.
6. Once positioned, press the entire design firmly, paying particular attention to the edges.

Wall Texture and Adhesion

Wall decals adhere best to smooth, clean and properly cured painted walls. Light texture may still work, but the decal has less surface area available for the adhesive to contact. Heavy texture, sharp peaks, loose paint or damaged walls can prevent a reliable installation.

Larger decal pieces also require a stronger adhesive bond because the wall must support more material. If you are uncertain about your paint, texture or wall condition, test a sample in an inconspicuous area before installing the complete design.

After Installation

• Allow 24 to 48 hours for the adhesive bond to develop.
• Check thin details, points, corners and edges for lifting.
• Do not stretch the decal or repeatedly remove and replace vinyl pieces.
• Avoid exposing the newly installed decal to extreme temperatures, steam or excess moisture.

Need Help With Your Installation?

If you notice bubbles, lifting or another installation problem, visit our troubleshooting and installation tips before attempting a repair.

You can also read what to do if a vinyl decal is peeling or lifting from the wall.

For assistance with your order or installation, contact us at motomomsdecor@gmail.com. Include a photograph of the wall, the complete installation area and the specific problem so we can better understand what is happening.

Share Your Finished Wall

We love seeing completed MotoMoms Decor installations. After your project is finished, send us a clear photograph of the entire wall for an opportunity to be featured on our website or social media.

Customer installation featuring our 4 Birch Tree Fox & Friends Woodland Wall Decal.