YDS Studio · Buying guide 06
How should I store wall decals before installation or moving?
Order your decals close to the time you plan to install them. We make to order and recommend installing within three months, with the artwork kept dry and protected while you wait.

Make installation part of your ordering plan
We make our decals to order so they arrive freshly produced, rather than spending a long time rolled in storage. If you are decorating a new room, allow time for the paint to cure before the decals go up. Allow at least four weeks after painting, or longer if the paint manufacturer requires it, before installation.
Standard orders usually take two to three working days to make. With courier delivery, a typical New Zealand order arrives within three to five working days, although busy periods and sales can take longer. If you have a particular date in mind, contact us before ordering so we can discuss the timing.
Keep the packaging and choose a dry place
The original tube is suitable for short-term storage. Keep it somewhere dry, away from damp conditions that could affect the backing or application tape. Protect the tube from being crushed, and leave the decal on its backing until you are ready to use it.
Do not roll it more tightly just to fit a smaller box. We choose the packaging and roll size with the material in mind. A tight fold or crease can make installation more difficult.

For a longer wait, keep the artwork supported
If you are storing the decal for more than a few weeks, laying it flat can help it relax rather than remain curled. Leave the backing and any application tape in place. Use a clean, flat surface and gentle, even support to hold the sheet flat without creasing or damaging it.
Keep the artwork dry and protected. Do not peel it off its backing to flatten it, stack sharp objects on it or put pressure on raised folds. If you do not have enough space for a large design, ask us about storage for that product.
Three months is a recommendation, not an expiry date
A decal kept longer than three months is not automatically unusable. With longer storage, you may notice bubbles or changes in the application tape that make installation less straightforward. The tape may also yellow without changing the printed artwork underneath.
Check the sheet before starting. If anything looks unusual, send us a photo rather than trying to fix it by pulling the tape or stretching the decal. We can help you work out the next step.
Storing a decal you have already used
This applies to our reusable woven fabric decals, not our detailed vinyl designs. Peel the fabric off slowly and protect the adhesive with the original backing sheet where possible. We have used clean baking paper for temporary backing when moving our own decals; test a small area first if you choose this option.
Support the whole piece and avoid stretching, sharp folds and exposed adhesive. Our removal guide explains the difference between woven fabric and vinyl before you begin.
Explore the designs
Watch a wall decal being installed
Follow Shayla’s wall decal installation demonstration. Check the instructions for the material used in your own design.
Watch the installation videoFrequently asked questions
How soon should I install my decal after it arrives?
We recommend installing within three months where possible. Buying close to your planned installation date helps avoid unnecessary storage.
Can I leave the decal in its delivery tube?
Yes, for short-term storage. Keep the tube dry and protected from crushing. For a wait of more than a few weeks, laying the sheet flat can help, if you have a suitable space.
Should I remove the application tape before storing it?
No. Leave the backing and application tape in place until the appropriate stage of installation. They help keep the artwork and separate pieces together.
Does yellow application tape mean the decal is ruined?
Not necessarily. Application tape can yellow during longer storage without changing the decal underneath. Send us a photo if you are concerned before installing.
What should I do if I see bubbles after storage?
Do not immediately pull apart the layers or stretch the artwork. Photograph what you see and contact us so we can advise on that particular sheet.
Can I make the roll smaller for moving?
Avoid tightly rerolling the decal to fit a smaller container. Keep it supported in suitable packaging and avoid folds that could leave a crease.
Should I order before painting the room?
Plan both jobs together. Allow at least four weeks after painting, or longer if the paint manufacturer requires it, before installation. If your project is still some time away, ordering nearer the installation date reduces storage.
What if my room will not be ready within three months?
Contact us with the design and likely timing. The three-month advice is not an automatic expiry date, and we can help you plan sensible storage or ordering.
Find artwork for your space

A space for your business?
From a single feature wall to a whole environment, tell us what you have in mind. YDS Studio designs and makes wall graphics for projects across New Zealand.
Explore commercial projectsTalk to the people making your artwork
Send us the design you are considering, a photo of the space and your question. We are here to help.
info@yourdecalshop.co.nz
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