Vinyl wall stickers and decals have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s no surprise—they’re a simple, quick way to add a personal touch to your bedroom or living room without redoing the entire wall. But when the time comes, whether you’re moving house or just want to change up the décor, can you remove wall stickers without damaging the paint underneath? Here’s how to remove wall decals easily and without fuss.
The most important thing to keep in mind when learning how to remove wall stickers is the impact of the adhesive on the paint or wallpaper. This will depend on the quality of the adhesive and how long the sticker has been on the wall.
Many wall decals are not intended to be left up for extended periods. Instead of losing effectiveness as it ages, the adhesive can grow stronger and may even start to soak into the paint. This not only makes the sticker harder to remove but also increases the likelihood of leaving a residue on the wall. Therefore, removing a vinyl wall decal that has been on the wall for a long time will be easier if you first loosen it by applying heat.
Just remember to test in a small area first and to follow the instructions on the label.
Turn on your hairdryer at a very low setting initially.
Start with a small section of the sticker, holding the hairdryer between five and eight inches away from the wall. Test the temperature of the surface with your hand every few seconds. When it feels warm to the touch, turn off the hairdryer—overheating the adhesive can make it sticky and difficult to remove.
The decal should come away easily from the wall; if it doesn’t, bring the hairdryer back for a few more seconds and try again.
Continue peeling the decal off the wall, applying heat from the hairdryer to each section as needed.
Work slowly to avoid causing damage to the paint underneath—this is where that patience comes in, especially if you’re figuring out how to remove wall quote decals that may have a more intricate shape or design.