What Should I Know about Wall Decals?

What Should I Know about Wall Decals?
On this page, you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions about RoomMates wall decals.
What’s the difference between RoomMates and other wall decals?
Traditional stickers and wall
decals use a sticky backing that bonds to paint or smooth surfaces. When these stickers are removed, some of
the backing is left behind in the form of a sticky residue – or you may even find that some of the paint comes
off with the decal.
We do wall decals differently. RoomMates wall decals use a special adhesive that grips the wall tightly, but
doesn’t form a bond. When the sticker is removed, it lifts easily from the wall without residue or damage. This
technology also allows the decals to be used again at a new location without reducing the quality of their
performance.
Where can I apply RoomMates?
You can stick our wall decals to practically any smooth surface, including walls, ceilings, doors, windows,
mirrors, furniture, chalkboards, window shades, desks… even vehicles! As long as your surface is smooth to
the touch, and can be fully cleaned prior to application, our designs will work just fine.
A few things to keep in mind:
o
o
If applying RoomMates to furniture, please ensure the surface is completely finished. Unfinished wood may
render the decal ineffective or difficult to remove.
If applying RoomMates in a bathroom, or on top of tiles, make sure that the decal is completelysmooth prior to
any exposure to water. Humidity or even spray from a faucet will not impact the decal’s performance as long as
it is properly applied.
o
The lifespan of a RoomMates wall decal placed on the windshield or body of a vehicle exposed to heat, cold,
rain, or snow may be dramatically reduced based on the length of exposure. However, some employee testing
has shown that a single wall decal can last well over a year on a vehicle parked outdoors 24 hours a day. (No
kidding!) If you’re the adventurous kind, try it for yourself and let us know what happens…
Where shouldn’t I apply RoomMates?
Don’t apply wall decals to rugs, fabrics, clothing, or other textiles: the fibers can render the adhesive ineffective
very quickly. Canvas surfaces will work as long as they have been sealed and the surface is smooth. We also
don’t recommend applying wall decals to brick, cinder block, or other porous surfaces.
We highly recommend avoiding the application of RoomMates on any surface which may be exposed to
extreme heat or cold. Extreme temperatures may cause the decals to become chipped, brittle, or difficult to
remove. Never place items decorated with RoomMates in a dishwasher, oven, or microwave.
Can I apply RoomMates to textured surfaces?
This may very well be our “million dollar question.” Our customers report varying degrees of success with
textured walls, but experiences vary greatly. Typically, the fewer bumps and ridges your surface has, the better
the wall decal will work. The best way to find out if RoomMates will work for you is to contact us with a
description of your intended surface. In some cases, we may send you a sample to try.
Can I apply RoomMates to wallpaper?
Yes! Check out this blog post for a how-to guide and some tips on combining wall decals and wallpaper with
the greatest of ease.
Why can’t I apply wall decals in freshly painted rooms?
There’s a note on all RoomMates packaging that recommends a 2-3 week wait between painting and the
application of wall decals. We’re often asked “are you serious?” – and we want to reiterate that we are 100%
serious about this! In the past, we’ve found that nothing wrecks a wall decal faster than fresh paint. Even if
paint feels dry to the touch, it takes a very long time – sometimes several weeks, in fact – to “cure.” If
RoomMates are applied before the paint is completely cured, they may curl, peel, or fall off entirely… and it
may take some of your paint with it.
We know it’s hard to wait. Trust us – we’ve been there, too. But the last thing we want is for your brand new
wall decal to fall off after you’ve applied it. So sit back, relax, and let that paint do its thing for a little while. (If
you really want to see your new wall decal in action while you wait, you can always apply it somewhere else
and move it once the paint has dried!)
Can I clean my wall decals?
A slightly damp cloth and a little hand soap should do the trick for removing any dirt, dust, or other substances
that may end up on your wall decals. However, we do NOT recommend spraying any chemicals on or around
your RoomMates. Direct contact or prolonged exposure could cause bubbling, running, streaking, or fading.
How do I store my wall decals if I want to save them for later?
If there’s a possibility that you’ll need to remove your RoomMates, either to move them to a new location or to
save them for re-use at a later date, we recommend saving the liners that come in the original packaging. You
can re-apply the decals to the liners, roll them up, and store them wherever you please. In lieu of the original
liners, wax or parchment paper also works very well for this purpose. Check out this article from our blog for
more tips on safely and efficiently moving or storing your wall decals.
Are RoomMates safe for kids?
Our wall decals are 100% safe for children. The decals are non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals like
phthalates and lead. They are fully CPSIA-compliant, and have undergone many rigorous safety and
flammability tests. We want you to feel safe with RoomMates in your home, so we’re regularly undergoing new
tests to ensure that each and every one of our products remain safe for children (and adults) to decorate and
play with.