Research wall coatings before installation.

The coating of a wall can significantly affect the ability of vinyl film to adhere to it. Flat or matte paints, for example, are more difficult for adhesives to stick to than semi-gloss or gloss paints. Low- or no-VOC paints are also notoriously difficult to work with, as are “easy clean” coatings and paints with migratory agents like chlorinated wax or silicone. Walls coated with these paints will require a more aggressive adhesive than others. Be sure you find out when surfaces were last painted and how long their coating needs to fully cure before attempting any graphic installation.

Consider your environment.

Think about how the environment around your wall graphic might affect its lifetime performance. Will it be exposed to UV rays? Will there be humidity or other moisture exposure? Will there likely be chemical exposure or abrasion? All these factors can affect a graphic’s longevity and should be accounted for when selecting films and adhesives, as well as overlaminates in certain applications. Regardless of product choice, before you install your graphic, always apply test strips to ensure your graphic media performs as expected.

Never skip steps when it comes to prep.

Once a wall is deemed fit for adhesion, it should be cleaned. Wipe down walls with a 70:30 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water sprayed on a lint-free cloth, working from top down to remove dust and residue. Then position the graphic in place with painter’s tape and use a level to make sure everything is properly aligned. Ensuring proper placement before liner removal makes adjustments prior to final application much easier. You generally won’t need premask/transfer tape in wall applications, but if you do, use a low-tack option.

Avoid installation shortcuts.

Pay close attention to manufacturer’s installation directions to avoid headaches. For example, Avery Dennison recommends a ½” minimum overlap on wall mural panels (¾”–1” minimum for textured vinyl), as vinyl can shrink over time. You should also trim back 1/8”–¼” from openings to avoid edge lift from incidental contact. Squeegee strokes should be made by pushing, not pulling, at 45-degree angles with firm pressure to minimize stretch. Always use a “hinge method” to install each panel, adhering a portion of the vinyl to the wall before removing the rest of the liner for easier repositioning. These are just a few of the many tips you will find in manufacturers’ instructional bulletins for wall graphic installations.

Thinking through your application up front is just as important as perfecting the cutting and securing of vinyl on a wall. If you are ever in doubt of how to proceed on a project, don’t hesitate to call your graphic product supplier—they should be happy to help.