Can I remove and reuse my wall decals when moving house?

We choose the material to suit the artwork. Woven fabric is used for many peel-and-stick designs, mural dots and larger panels. Intricate designs with lots of separate pieces often use matte vinyl and application tape to hold the pieces together during installation.

That difference matters when you move. Woven fabric can be lifted and reapplied carefully. Once the application tape has been removed from a detailed vinyl design, keeping all those small pieces aligned for a second installation is difficult. If you are unsure which material you have, send us the product name or a photo.

Start at an edge and work a little at a time. Fold the lifted decal back towards itself, keeping your hand close to the wall, rather than pulling the artwork straight out into the room. This reduces the outward pull on the painted surface.

Support the loose fabric as you go. Although it is a strong material, a hard tug can stretch it and make it harder to lay flat again. Take extra care around narrow details. If the paint begins lifting or the fabric is becoming distorted, stop and contact us before continuing.

The original backing sheet is a useful place to put your woven decal while it is off the wall. Keep the adhesive clean and away from dusty floors, soft furnishings and packing materials.

We have also used clean baking paper as a temporary backing when relocating our own woven fabric decals. Check a small area first to make sure it releases cleanly, and ask us if you are unsure about your particular design. Keep the artwork supported and avoid sharp folds or tight rolls.

Gentle warmth from a hairdryer can make vinyl easier to remove. Keep the dryer moving, use gentle warmth rather than high heat, and peel slowly back towards the wall. Do not yank the decal away from the surface.

Removable adhesive does not guarantee that paint cannot lift. The condition of the paint, its original preparation and the way the decal is removed all matter. Paint that is poorly attached to the wall can come away with adhesive products.

Check that the new surface is suitable, clean and fully dry. Allow at least four weeks after painting, or longer if the paint manufacturer requires it, before installation. Reusing the same decal does not remove the need to prepare the new wall properly.

If you need a hand, call us or email a photo with the design name and a short explanation. We would much rather help while the decal is still in good condition than have you struggle through a problem.