Stick it up

Vinyl wall art? Decals? Window stickers? If you’re looking for a quick way to update your interior, this could be the way to go. Vinyl stickers can liven up a kid’s room, or add a nice feature to a kitchen wall or guest bedroom. What’s more, they’re easy to apply and remove, relatively inexpensive and don’t leave a sticky residue, and come in hundreds of different patterns.

You could start with something small – a name on a door, a few birds in a loo – or go all out and turn an entire wall into a forest. And not all wall stickers are one colour; some of the more extensive online shopping sites offer customisation options and colour choices. There are also frosted vinyl stickers, which are great for glass windows and doors.

Where to buy

Online, look at www.fantastick.co.za for variety. Over and above your typical peel-and-stick wall stickers, you’ll find mirrored and 3D art, specifically South African-themed ideas and wallpaper. www.twiggy.co.za is another great local option – they also keep chalkboard stickers, which work well in kitchens and children’s play areas. Looking for something a bit different? www.superbalist.com stocks quirky tile decals, landscape cut-outs and more.

Decal dos and don’ts

First up, your surface should be smooth, clean and dry if you want any kind of vinyl art to stick. (Just painted? Rather wait. Paint can take around four weeks to cure.) Don’t ever attempt to apply a decal in humid conditions.

Vinyl wall art sticks to glass, tile, wood, plastic and ceramic. It will not stick to stones, fabric, bricks – any coarse-textured surface. This includes some paint techniques and suede paint.
They may be called stickers, but don’t just stick and go. Ensure that you rub the decal firmly to remove any surprise air pockets (using a strong ruler can help), and make sure you cover the entire surface, especially if you’re decorating with a different shape, so no bits are left behind.

Lastly – prepare! For the perfect placement, map the surface area, tape up the sticker if necessary and use a pencil to draw out where your wall stickers should sit (more so if you’re applying a small continuous pattern).