Your Ultimate Checklist: Tools Needed for Successful Wall Decor Installation

Your Ultimate Checklist: Tools Needed for Successful Wall Decor Installation

Transforming your space with stunning wall decor is an exciting journey, and we’re here to make sure you have all the tools you need for a successful installation. From the simplest peel-and-stick decals to intricate floral designs and full wallpaper installations, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the ultimate checklist to set you up for success!

Prepping Your Walls

Before you even think about sticking anything to your walls, it’s crucial to prepare the surface. Here’s the first and most important step:

Clean the Walls

  • Damp Cloth: Always start with a damp cloth to wipe down your walls. Removing dust and debris helps avoid bumps and air bubbles, ensuring your wall decor looks flawless and lasts longer.
UW installed sheet

Wall Decals: Quick and Easy Installations

Peel and Stick

The easiest way to transform your room is with our peel-and-stick decals. No tools needed, just your hands!

Danielle peeling off wall decals off of the back of the decal sheet.
  • Your Hands: Simply peel the sticker off the backing and press it onto the wall. Use your hand to smooth out any bubbles and ensure it sticks well.

For the Type-A Personalities

If you like your decals to be perfectly aligned and symmetrical, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Painters Tape: For temporary placement.
  • Scissors: To cut out individual decals.
  • Level: To make sure everything is straight.
  • Tape Measure: For precise spacing.
  • Pencil: To make faint marks for placement.
Measured wall decals on wall.

Steps:

  1. Cut out each decal.
  2. Use a tape measure and pencil to map out your placement.
  3. Use painters tape to temporarily place decals on the wall.
  4. Once happy with the layout, peel the backing off and stick the decals on the wall.

Floral and Layered Decal Installations

For those who love to unleash their creativity and create a unique masterpiece, here’s your toolkit:

  • Box Cutter: For cutting decals and trimming edges.
  • Painters Tape: For temporary placement.
  • Squeegee: To smooth out decals and remove bubbles.
  • Scissors: For cutting out individual decals.
  • Smartphone: To snap a reference photo of your layout.
Girl installing floral vintage wall decals in room corner.

Join us as we transform a blank wall into a blossoming garden with our full floral wall decal installation.

Steps:

  1. Cut out each decal, being careful not to cut the design itself.
  2. Organize your decals into piles of large and small pieces.
  3. Use painters tape to temporarily place larger decals first, creating your design.
  4. Once satisfied, take a photo for reference.
  5. Peel the backing off and stick the decals on the wall, layering as you go.
  6. Use a squeegee to smooth out bubbles and a box cutter to trim excess at baseboards or crown molding.
Girl trimming floral wall decals along door frame.

Wallpaper Installation

For a seamless and stylish wallpaper application, these are your go-to tools:

  • Squeegee: To smooth out panels and remove air bubbles.
  • Box Cutter: To trim excess wallpaper.
  • Flat Head Screwdriver: For removing switch plates and outlet covers.
  • Level: To ensure your panels are straight.
  • Painters Tape: For marking straight lines.
Wallpaper tools laid flat on bed.

 Steps:

  1. Measure about 20-21 inches into the wall from where you will start, depending on the amount of bleed you are allowing.
  2. Use painters tape to create a straight vertical line along the height of the wall. This will serve as a guide for your first panel.
  3. With a level, ensure the painters tape is perfectly straight.
  4. Line up the right side of your first wallpaper panel with the painters tape to ensure it is straight. This will set you up for success for the remaining panels.
  5. Use the squeegee to smooth out each panel, working from the center outwards.
  6. Firmly press the wallpaper where it meets baseboards and trim off the excess with a box cutter, using the squeegee as a guide to keep your cuts straight.
  7. If your panel goes over a light switch or electrical outlet, use a flat head screwdriver to remove the cover plate. Carefully cut out the space for the switch or outlet with a box cutter, allowing it to poke through.
Danielle installing wallpaper panel using a vinyl squeegee.

Removing Decals and Wallpaper

When it’s time for a change, removing your wall decor is a breeze:

Hair Dryer

  • Hair Dryer: Use it to apply heat and loosen the adhesive. Slowly and carefully peel back the wall decal or wallpaper panel.
Danielle removing whimsy daisy from wall using hair dryer.

Interested in discovering how simple the removal process can be? View our removal video HERE!

Other Handy Tools

While the essentials are covered, here are a few extra tools that might come in handy:

  • Straight Edge: For making precise cuts.
  • Craft Knife: For intricate trimming.
  • Chalk Line: For marking straight lines on the wall.

Conclusion

Transforming your walls with our beautiful decals, wallpapers, and murals can be a fun and rewarding project. Whether you’re a minimalist who loves peel-and-stick ease or a creative DIYer who enjoys layering florals, having the right tools makes all the difference. Ready to start your decorating adventure? Grab your toolkit and let’s make your walls a stunning reflection of your personality! Need personalized advice or help choosing the right products? Reach out to us today!

Back to blog