How to Install Wall Decals

Wall decals are one of the easiest ways to transform a nursery, bedroom, playroom, or accent wall. Whether you are decorating with woodland animals, florals, personalized names, or statement wall art, proper installation will help your decals look smooth, stay in place, and last longer.

Before you begin, make sure your wall is clean, dry, smooth, and fully cured if it was recently painted. For best results, decals should also be at room temperature and laid flat for a few hours before installation.

If you are still choosing a design, browse our wall decals collection, explore floral wall decals, or shop our woodland wall decals for baby rooms and children's spaces.

Before You Start

Apply decals only to a clean, dry, smooth surface
If your wall was recently painted, wait 4 to 6 weeks before applying decals
Let decals rest flat at room temperature for a few hours before use
Make sure the wall is free of dust, grease, and cleaning residue
Be extra cautious on textured walls, humid rooms, or specialty paint finishes

Some of our more intricate decals include transfer tape. This is the clear top layer that holds the design together while you move it from the backing paper onto the wall. Transfer tape is often used on personalized decals, quotes, trees, and more detailed vinyl designs.

Step 1: Clean the Wall

The wall must be smooth, dry, and clean before installation. Dust, residue, oils, or leftover cleaning products can interfere with adhesion.

Wipe the wall with a soft cloth and plain water if needed, then allow it to dry fully. A final wipe with rubbing alcohol can help remove any remaining residue. Let the surface dry completely before applying the decal.

If the wall was painted recently, allow plenty of cure time. Paint can feel dry to the touch long before it is fully cured, and early application can lead to lifting, bubbles, or weak adhesion.

Step 2: Plan Your Layout

Before removing the backing paper, plan the design placement on the wall. This is especially important for larger decals, name decals, tree decals, and grouped sets.

Use painter's tape or low tack tape to temporarily position the decals on the wall so you can check spacing, height, and balance. Step back and view the arrangement before making it permanent.

This step is especially helpful when placing decals above a crib, dresser, bookshelf, or reading corner.

Step 3: Cut Apart Pieces if Needed

If your decal sheet includes multiple separate elements, cut loosely around each piece before applying. This makes placement easier and gives you more control over the final arrangement.

Leave a small border around each decal rather than trimming too close to the design.

Step 4: Prepare the Decal

Place the decal on a flat surface with the graphic facing up. Using the included squeegee, gently smooth over the transfer tape to help the design bond firmly to it. Work from the center outward to reduce any air pockets formed during shipping.

Then begin separating the white backing paper from the decal very slowly. If any part of the decal remains stuck to the backing paper, stop, press it back down, and continue peeling slowly.

This step is especially important for delicate designs with thin branches, script lettering, small leaves, or fine details.

Step 5: Apply the Decal to the Wall

Once the backing paper has been removed, carefully position the decal on the wall. Avoid letting the adhesive side fold onto itself.

For larger decals, it helps to have a second person assist. Start by placing one edge of the decal onto the wall, then smooth it outward and downward gradually. Press firmly with your hand first, then use the squeegee across the full design.

Take your time during this step. Slow, even pressure produces the best result.

Step 6: Remove the Transfer Tape

Once the decal has been firmly pressed to the wall, slowly peel away the transfer tape at a 45 degree angle, pulling it back along the face of the decal rather than outward from the wall.

If any part of the decal begins lifting with the transfer tape, stop immediately, press that area back onto the wall, and continue more slowly.

Do not rush this step. Most transfer issues happen when the tape is removed too quickly.

Step 7: Smooth and Inspect

After the transfer tape has been removed, inspect the decal closely. Press down any edges that need extra attention and smooth the surface one more time with your hand or a soft cloth.

If you notice a small bubble, gently work it outward with your fingers. For stubborn trapped air, a very fine pin can be used carefully to release the air, followed by gentle smoothing.

If your decal keeps lifting after installation, the wall surface may be the issue rather than the decal itself. You can read our guide on what to do when wall decals are peeling off for troubleshooting tips.

Best Wall Surfaces for Wall Decals

Wall decals perform best on:

Smooth painted drywall
Clean, fully cured walls
Low texture surfaces
Walls free of dust, grease, and residue

They can be more challenging on:

Freshly painted walls
Heavily textured walls
Walls with stain-resistant or washable paint additives
Rooms with frequent moisture exposure

Shop Wall Decals by Style

Looking for the right decal style for your room? Browse our full wall decals catalog to discover designs for nurseries, kids rooms, bedrooms, and more.

Our most popular categories include Fairytale wall decals, Animals wall decals, and themed removable wall decals that help create a finished focal point without the commitment of wallpaper.

Need Help?

If you have questions about installation, textured walls, paint cure time, or choosing the best decal for your room, please contact us here. We are happy to help.