Application Instructions
Artistick vinyl wall art is supplied in DIY kit form, complete with a print-out of how your design should look. Assemble your pieces as per the supplied design, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, change things up a little and plan your own layout.
The vinyl wall art is suitable for application on clean, smooth surfaces only, such as painted (enamel and water-based egg shell), dust-free walls, glass, mirror, appliances, doors, boxes and so on. Remember that the vinyl can only adhere to a clean, dry and smooth surface. It cannot hide damaged surfaces or imperfections, and won’t adhere to rough or textured surfaces such as those with chalk paint or rough plaster. Please note that vinyl decals should not be applied to newly painted surfaces as the solvent in the paint will affect the adhesion of the vinyl – allow for one month after painting before application.
Follow the easy application instructions for best results.
How to apply your vinyl wall art
- Your wall art decal comes in three layers – a top, semi- transparent application/transfer tape, the cut-out vinyl layer, and the backing sheet.
- Ensure the application surface is smooth, clean, dry and dust-free.
- If preferred, you can cut up your design into smaller, more manageable pieces to make application easier. In some instances, designs are fitted to the vinyl sheet to optimise layout and cutting, and are not necessarily in the correct positions. This is especially likely with designs of varying letter sizes and colours.
- Lay your design down on a flat surface and run a credit card or squeegee over the design to ensure that the vinyl adheres to the transfer tape.
- Flip your decal so the transfer tape is face down, and slowly peel the backing sheet away, ensuring that your vinyl adheres to the transfer tape.
- Use a spirit level/ruler to determine the precise position on your wall and make markers to guide you. Position your transfer tape according to the markers on the wall.
- Working from the top left corner and outwards to the opposite corners, ensure that your design is properly applied to the surface. Rub it down with a soft cloth, and then using a plastic bank card or plastic squeegee, firmly press and smooth the sticker down onto the surface, pushing out any air bubbles as you work.
- Gently peel the application tape away, rolling it off the vinyl artwork rather than pulling it straight off.
- Once you have removed the transfer tape, firmly rub down your vinyl decal by hand or with a cloth to ensure it is firmly applied to the wall. Don’t run a card over the letters without the protection of a protective sheet to prevent any hooking of corners or scuffing of your vinyl surface.
- Voila! Enjoy your Artistick inspiration.
- Please note Artistick cannot be held liable for any faulty application.
Removing your stickers
- Use a hairdryer to loosen up the vinyl glue and make removal easier.
- Gentle lift edge of the decal and slowly life away. Use a gentle soap to remove any glue residue.
- Remember that the decals cannot be re-used – but it’s the perfect time to order some new inspiration.
How to apply fridge & door wraps
- Remove the handles on fridge/door if possible. Ensure the surface is clean and grease-free and dry.
- Get the necessary tools ready – a squeegee applicator (or a credit card will also work), masking tape, scissors, a scalpel or cutting/stanley knife.
- Align vinyl sheet with the top fridge edge and ensure it is straight and centred. Leave enough vinyl to wrap around the side door edges.
- Secure and tape your vinyl sheet in place with masking tape on either side.
- Cut away any excess vinyl sheet along bottom of the door.
- Put a strip of masking tape across the middle of sheet and ensure that tape reaches from one side of fridge/door to the other. Remove tape from step 4.
- With your vinyl hanging down and away from the surface, peel the top of vinyl sheet off from the application backing for about 20cm. and then cut away the backing sheet.
- Take hold of the vinyl sheet by the top left/right corners, and pull upwards, keeping the vinyl taught to avoid creases and stick down at the top edge of the fridge door.
- Rub down the vinyl from left to right using the applicator, being careful not to trap any air or creases in the vinyl. Don’t stress about small air bubbles if they do occur – these are easily removed afterwards with a needle by making a small pin prick in the air bubble and then rubbing/ pressing out the bubble.)
- Reach up behind the vinyl and holding the vinyl away from the fridge, slowly pull down more of the backing sheet for another 10-15 cm, and then rub down onto the fridge surface, working from left to right with the squeegee/card. Work downwards in manageable sections of about 10-15 cm, and then rub down the vinyl with the applicator from left to right. Continue until the length of vinyl is applied.
- Wrap vinyl around the side edges. For a split door (top and bottom), measure and cut vinyl sheet into correct lengths for each section. Then apply to each door section as explained above.
- Trim the edges of the vinyl away with the cutting knife/scalpel, taking care not to cut or damage your fridge surface or rubber seals.