Step one
Choosing your surface —
it makes all the difference.Our decals are designed to stick to most clean, smooth surfaces — and peel away cleanly when you're ready to move them. Getting the surface right before you apply is the single most important thing you can do for a great result.
The golden rule: if a surface is smooth enough to write on with a marker and clean enough to eat off, it's almost certainly good to go. The checklist in the section below will tell you more — but here's the short version.
Works beautifully
Smooth painted plaster, painted timber, glass, mirrors, laminates, melamine, tiles, and wardrobe doors. Matte, satin and eggshell finishes all perform well.
Worth testing first
Stain-resistant, low-VOC or "air-purifying" paints, high-gloss finishes, and lightly textured walls. Stick a small piece of clear tape first — if it lifts cleanly, you're good.
Not suitable
Heavily textured, chalky or rendered walls, wallpaper, peeling or flaking paint, brick, concrete, and freshly painted surfaces (wait at least 3 weeks after painting).
Step two
Cleaning & prepping your wall
1
Wash your hands first
The natural oils on your fingertips can transfer to the adhesive and affect how well the decal bonds. A quick wash with soap and water before you handle any decal makes a real difference — especially for smaller, more detailed pieces.
2
Wipe the wall with a barely-damp cloth
Dust is the number one reason decals don't stick well. A quick wipe over the area lifts dust, cobwebs, and light grime. You don't need anything special — a slightly damp microfibre cloth is perfect.
3
No soap, no detergent — water only
Cleaning products leave a residue that can stop adhesive from bonding properly. Plain water is all you need. If you've recently cleaned the wall with a product, rinse with a clean damp cloth and let it dry completely before applying.
4
Let it dry fully before you apply
Even a little moisture can affect adhesion. Wait until the wall is completely dry to the touch — usually 10–15 minutes. In humid weather or bathrooms, give it a little longer.
Freshly painted walls: Wait at least three weeks after painting before applying any decal. Fresh paint continues to cure and off-gas well beyond when it looks dry — applying too early risks the decal lifting the paint when removed.
When you're ready to move them
Removing & repositioning —
slow is always best.Our decals are designed to come away cleanly from walls in good condition. The key is patience — a slow, controlled peel is always better than a fast one. Take your time and the wall will thank you for it.
How to remove
Lift a corner gently and fold the decal back on itself as you peel — don't pull it straight out from the wall. Work slowly along the edge. If you feel any resistance at any point, stop, apply gentle heat, and continue slowly.
If it's gripping firmly
Apply gentle heat with a hairdryer on low for 30–60 seconds to soften the adhesive. This makes removal much cleaner and easier. Never force a cold decal off — warm it first and it'll come away much more willingly.
Large decals — two sets of hands
For larger decals, it's a good idea to have someone help. One person can manage the peeling while the other supports the decal and keeps it from folding or sticking to itself. Go slowly and communicate as you go.
Storing for reuse
The original backing paper is the best place to store a decal you plan to reuse. Stick it back on, keep it flat, and store away from direct sunlight and dust. Handle the adhesive side as little as possible — oils and dust both reduce adhesion over time.
A note on wall condition: Our decals won't damage a wall that's in good condition. However, if the paintwork is old, flaking, poorly prepared, or already damaged in any way, there is a risk of cosmetic damage on removal — this is a wall condition issue rather than a product fault. If you're unsure, test a small area first. Avoid removing decals in very cold temperatures — the adhesive is less flexible in the cold and the risk of paint lifting increases.
Having trouble? Call us.
If you're struggling with removal or just want to talk it through before you start, please get in touch — we're always happy to help and can walk you through the process step by step.
📞 03 9070 8156 · 📧 hello@arloandco.com.au · Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm AEST
📞 03 9070 8156 · 📧 hello@arloandco.com.au · Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm AEST