When it comes to home decor or setting up your business space, personalisation is key. What better way to personalise a space than with printed graphics (wall wraps) that reflect your personality or brand?
Before we go ahead and install vibrant decals or custom graphics onto your wall, we need to consider if it’s ready to do so. How were the walls painted? Are they painted with a Wash and Wear paint?
Wash and Wear is a great product for wiping away stains on your wall, it repels stains but unfortunately it also repels wall graphics so when it comes to installing them you need to make sure you have prepared the surface correctly or they will simply fall off!
Unfortunately due to the speed of our industry not all applications such as short term events and trade shows allow the perfect preparation so in this post we’re including a couple of solutions that will get you out of trouble when it comes to sticking decals onto walls painted with wash and wear or teflon based paints.
Understanding Wash & Wear Paint
Wash and Wear paint is a type of paint specially formulated to withstand cleaning and to repel common spills and stains. Its resilience makes it a popular choice for rooms that see a lot of activity and possible mess, like kitchens, kid’s rooms, and hallways. This type of paint often has a slightly glossier finish to repel moisture and resists the soaking in of oils and dirt.
The Challenge with when applying Adhesives Onto Wash & Wear Paints
The same properties that make Wash and Wear paint so easy to clean can also make it difficult for adhesives to bond with the surface properly. At times they can appear to be on there perfectly but 24 hours later they are on the ground in a heap! The slick surface is designed to repel substances, so adhesives may not stick as well or for as long as they would on a regular matte or eggshell finish.
Tips for Applying Printed Graphics onto Wash and Wear Paint when you have time on your side.
If you’re gifted the task of installing graphics onto a wall with Wash & Wear there are ways and like all signage installation preparation is key to a long lasting quality finish.
- Clean the Wall Thoroughly: Any dirt or oil can prevent the adhesive from bonding correctly. Make sure there are no imperfections so you are installing onto a nice flat surface. Imperfections will be visible through the printed vinyl graphics even when they are laminated.
- Apply a prep coat to the wall: Prep coat is the best solution for Wash & Wear painted walls We use and recommend Viponds prep-coat available through quality signage supply distributors. Paint the prep coat onto the walls you want to wrap and allow 24 hours to dry. Its best to reapply if you have the time 2 coats are better than one!
- Install Your Wall Graphics: Before committing to placing the entire graphic, apply a small test piece to the wall using the same material. If you have a good adhesion you’ll feel it tack, leave the test piece on the wall and head to the shop for a coffee! When you get back if there are no bubbles etc start installing your printed drops.
- Apply Pressure: When applying the graphic, using a soft cloth or soft squeegee, by exerting more pressure you can improve the bond onto the wall. You can also apply some heat from your heat gun warming the adhesive slightly and improving the bond. This will help the adhesion process speed up.
- Always Hire a Professional: For large or complicated graphics, hire a professional installer who has experience with challenging surfaces and can get the job done right!
Tips for Applying Printed Graphics onto Wash and Wear Paint when you “don’t have time” on your side.
Very often in the event space, brand activation space and the like time is not a luxury you have and you just need to get the grapghics on the wall and make shit happen!
- Clean the Wall Thoroughly: Any dirt or oil can prevent the adhesive from bonding correctly. Make sure there are no imperfections so you are installing onto a nice flat surface. Imperfections will be visible through the printed vinyl graphics even when they are laminated.
- Apply an adhesion to the wall: Viponds Prep coat is the best solution for Wash & Wear painted walls but you need 24 hours to get it installed. If you don’t have time you need to think outside the box and this is a good time to bring out the spray glue! We recommend you apply a thin even coat of glue to the top and edges and if you have a nice mist on the can get it accross the surface of the wall. Don’t go over board with it, its there to help it stay on the wall, its not there to replace the adhesion on the vinyl.
- Install Your Wall Graphics: Before committing to placing the entire graphic, apply a small test piece to the wall using the same material. Start installing your printed drops and try to avoid repositioning as your material will stretch when it connects with the glue.
- Apply Pressure: When applying the graphic, using a soft cloth or soft squeegee, by exerting more pressure you can improve the bond onto the wall. You can also apply some heat from your heat gun warming the adhesive slightly and improving the bond. This will help the adhesion process speed up.
- Always Hire a Professional: For large or complicated graphics, hire a professional installer who has experience with challenging surfaces and can get the job done right!
Is it Possible Then?
Yes, anything is possible you just need to be smart if you want to keep them on the wall. It’s possible to apply printed graphics to walls painted with Wash and Wear paint, but extra care and preparation are necessary. The key lies in surface prep, selecting the right materials, and being meticulous during the application process.
For those wanting to circumvent the potential issues with adhesives altogether, there are alternatives, such as magnetic paint or hanging systems that don’t rely on direct adhesion to the wall. The best method for branding onto wash and wear painted surface is by VHB & mechanical fixing, your can’t go wrong!
Conclusion
Personalising your space with printed graphics on a Wash and Wear painted wall can be a bit challenging, but with the right approach, it’s undoubtedly achievable. With thorough preparation, the correct type of material, and careful application, your walls can be just as unique and dynamic as you envision them.
Remember, the longevity of your décor investment depends on the prep work and the attention to detail during the application. Whether you’re branding your business environment or injecting some fun into a family room, understanding the nature of Wash and Wear paint ensures your visions stick – quite literally.
Now that you’re armed with this information, it’s time to transform those walls into your personal canvases, if you get stuck you can always call 1800 Projects and we’ll come and save the day!
