Not sure about your wall?
Is your wall good to go?
Don't guess. Do this quick check with something you already have at home — it'll tell you exactly how your wall will behave before the arch goes up.
1
Grab a piece of clear sticky tape
Sticky tape and our adhesive backing aren't the same thing, but tape is a reliable at-home stand-in for checking whether your paint surface is smooth and sound.
2
Wipe the wall and let it dry
Give your chosen spot a wipe with a barely-damp cloth to lift any dust, then let it dry fully. Dust is the number one reason adhesives underperform.
3
Press the tape on firmly — wait 30 seconds
Smooth it down well so it makes full contact with the wall, just like the arch will.
4
Peel it off slowly and look closely
If the tape lifts cleanly with no paint flaking away, your surface is smooth and sound — a great sign. If paint lifts or the wall feels chalky, we'd recommend choosing a different surface or location.
5
Feel the surface
Run your palm across the wall. Glassy-smooth is ideal. Sandy, bumpy or textured means the adhesive won't get the contact it needs.
Good to know: If you've recently painted, wait at least 30 days before applying — fresh paint needs time to fully cure. Applying too early risks damaging the paintwork when you eventually remove the arch.
Before you apply
Before you apply
Every home is different. Here's an honest guide to where the Magnetic Play Arch works best, where it's worth testing first, and where it's best to choose an alternative surface.
✅ Works beautifully
- ✓Smooth painted plaster — matte, satin or eggshell (fully cured)
- ✓Glass and mirrors
- ✓Painted timber and smooth doors
- ✓Laminates and melamine
- ✓Cupboards and wardrobe doors
- ✓Whiteboards and other smooth sealed surfaces
⚠️ Test a small area first
- △Stain-resistant or "washable/scrubbable" paints
- △Low-VOC or "air-purifying" paints
- △High-gloss or very slick finishes
- △Lightly textured or roller-stippled walls
- △Older paintwork you're not sure about
✗ Not suitable
- ✗Heavily textured, chalky or rendered walls
- ✗Bare or painted brick and concrete
- ✗Wallpaper, peeling or flaking paint
- ✗Wax-coated, oiled or greasy surfaces
- ✗Damp walls or high-moisture areas
- ✗Freshly painted walls — wait at least 30 days
Getting it up
How to install your Magnetic Play Arch
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Step 1
Lay flat first
Remove the arch from its packaging and lay it flat on the floor for a few hours before installation. This allows it to relax and flatten out, making it much easier to apply evenly to the wall.
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Step 2
Clean the wall
Wipe the wall with a dry cloth to remove any dust or debris. If you've recently washed the wall, wait at least 72 hours for it to dry completely. Do not use detergent — it can repel the adhesive and stop it sticking properly.
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Step 3
Peel & position
Starting from the bottom edge, carefully peel back the protective film about 5cm. Align the bottom edge to your desired position on the wall first, press firmly, then continue peeling the film off as you smooth the arch upward — working from bottom to top.
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Step 4
Smooth it flat
Using your hands or the included applicator, work from the centre outward in firm strokes — left to right, then top to bottom. This removes any air bubbles and ensures the arch adheres evenly across the surface. Pay particular attention to the edges and corners.
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Step 5
Done — hand it over
It's theirs now. Light-weight magnets work perfectly, and pair it with Arlo & Co Washable Chalk Crayons to draw, write and wipe clean. Keep the packaging and protective film for safe storage, should you need to reapply in future.
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Need to reapply?
Moving or repositioning
Gently peel the arch back and reapply following steps 3 and 4. If edges lift in cooler weather, use a hairdryer on low heat for one to two minutes to warm the adhesive first, then press firmly back into place.
Need a hand?
If something's not quite right
It's not sticking well
Nine times out of ten it's dust, a little moisture, or a surface that needs a once-over. Take the arch down, wipe the adhesive backing with plain water (no soap or detergent), let it dry completely, make sure the wall is clean and dry, then reapply. If your wall turns out to be textured or freshly painted, it may not be suitable — check our wall guide above before applying.
Taking it down cleanly
On a compatible surface in good condition, the arch should peel away cleanly. If it's gripping firmly, warm it gently with a hairdryer on low heat and peel back slowly from one corner. Take your time — slow is always best. Any residue left on the wall can usually be removed easily with a damp cloth.
Built to move with you ♻
The Magnetic Play Arch is reusable — reposition it around your home as needed, just don't make a habit of moving it daily (think three to four repositions over its life). Keep the adhesive backing clean and dust-free between moves and it'll keep holding beautifully. Perfect for renters and growing families who never stay in one room for long.
Once it's up — here's the good bit
The arch works with any standard fridge magnet — letters, numbers, shapes, magnetic tiles, you name it. If it sticks to a fridge, it sticks to this. Pair it with our Washable Chalk Crayons to draw, wipe clean, and start again. One wall. Endless afternoons.