Wall vinyl decals are the latest in home decoration to start trending around the world, and are still rising in popularity. Though they have been in production for over a decade, these easy to apply graphics have begun to gain momentum in recent years. With all this in mind, it’s not hard to see why vinyl is currently the second highest plastic resin to be manufactured, and sold, in the world. With all the new attention, it’s easy to miss important information when you order your decals.
What is vinyl?
Vinyl itself is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, a type of durable plastic created by processing
chlorine, which comes from salt, alongside ethylene, a compound that is retrievable from crude oil, natural gasses and plants. It was first invented in 1920 to assist in the manufacturing industry by creating a durable but cheap, and easy to make material. Today, vinyl comes in a multitude of colours and types including solid, transparent and reflective. This makes vinyl a very versatile material in the production industry, with decoration just one of many uses for it.
How is wall vinyl different?
Due to the variety of uses for vinyl, many different types are created to suit the different criteria each use may have. This includes variations in thickness, durability and adhesiveness. Wall decals are created using a type of vinyl with a lower adhesiveness but higher durability than that of regular decal vinyl. This is done specifically to combat the negative effects that other types may have on walls and paint, such as chipping, cracking, or altogether removal of paint, and even drywall.
Will the vinyl affect my wall?
As stated above, wall vinyl is specially treated to reduce the risks to your walls.This is to ensure that minimal damage occurs to the paint, though it does not negate the damage completely, depending on the type of paint and age. For example, older paint may have a tendency to peel or flake when trying to remove the vinyl, as do newly painted walls that haven’t been left to set for a minimum of two to three weeks. However paint or wall type may affect the wall vinyl application process.
How can my paint/walls affect the Vinyl?
With the new ranges of ‘wash and wear’ paint on the market, having it on your walls may lead to extreme difficulties, and even a headache, when applying your decal. This is due to the ‘dirt repelling technology’ in the paint repelling the adhesive in the vinyl. Decals may also have trouble adhering to rough, textured, or porous walls due to holes, gaps, and sharp points that may pierce the vinyl. So, if you’re planning to put wall decals up around your home, it may be best to think in advance about whether you prefer easy to clean or easy to decorate walls. If you do have the patience, and manage to apply the vinyl to a wall painted with wash and wear paint, it is suggested to warm the vinyl slightly using a hair dryer, as this allows it to adhere more strongly to the surface, and last longer.
What if I want my wall decal printed?
Wall vinyl comes in a broad range of colours and types, as well as printable wall vinyl. This means you can have anything you wish made into a wall decal, wh
ether it be large, small, highly detailed, simple, printed and cut, or just vinyl cut. All these choices are up to you when you order your wall decal, and are easily made upon your request.
Where can I get wall decals made?
Here at The Art of Stickers, we make all kinds of stickers, including wall decals. Just let us know what colour, whether it’s printed or vinyl cut, the size, and give us your design, and we can make your custom decal. Your options are limited only by your imagination.