Wall decals are all the rage for interior design these days. Manufacturers have created endless styles, colors, and patterns that will coordinate with anyone’s taste in decor. But did you know that it is really important to apply them correctly? Large wall decals can be quite an investment, so for your decor to look the best for the longest amount of time, you will be wise to keep these tips in mind when applying them.

 Consider carefully the colors of the decals and the paint. It would be best to put off buying paint until you have chosen your wall decals and can take them to the paint store. Ordering them on the Internet can save you some money and give you the best selection, but you may not have the most accurate idea of the colors of the stickers until you see them personally.

 Never apply decals to freshly painted walls. When you are excited about redecorating, it can be tempting to get it all done at once. But if you don’t allow the paint to “cure” for about a month after painting, you increase the chances of damaging the paint when you try to remove the decals later. The package may say that the decals will lift off easily, but allowing the paint to cure will increase the likelihood of this occurring.

 Clean your walls thoroughly before attempting to apply the stickers. A hidden layer of dust will make your wall decals fall off of the wall long before you are ready to redecorate. Wash the walls with warm water and let them dry completely. You can use a fan to speed up this process, but don’t get in a hurry. Doing so can ruin your expensive wall decals.

 Don’t attempt to apply wall decals on days that are extremely hot or cold. Either extreme can keep the adhesive from properly sticking to the walls.

 It may not be a good idea to attempt to use wall decals in high humidity areas like bathrooms. Likewise, using them in a kitchen might be a bad idea as well. Both high humidity and temperature variations can cause the stickers to prematurely peel off of the wall.

 Make sure of your design before applying them. Use masking tape and light pencil marks to ensure that the decal is level and centered before you try to stick it on the wall. Very large stickers are difficult to reposition once the base paper has been peeled off. It is always good idea to have a helper nearby just in case you need an extra hand when applying very large wall decals.

 Be sure you read and thoroughly understand the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to apply your wall art. Have all the tools you need handy: a sponge for cleaning the wall, fans or towels to help dry them, masking tape, pencils and measuring tape to aid in placement, and a squeegee to smooth any air bubbles in the decal.

Applying wall decals can be time consuming and take patience, especially if they are large, but they can really add to the beauty of your home. You can get the look of a custom designed home by simply buying and using wall decals. Remembering these tips will help you avoid wasting money spent on them by helping the decals to last as long as possible.