Photographs: iStock
Walls are the most visible portion of the house and offer great scope for decoration; witness the number of colours, textures and finishes available in the market. Available as art, quotes, phrases, symbols and graphics, vinyl stickers or decals are a simple and effective way to highlight walls. Garima Kulshreshtha tells us an easy DIY method of application…
1. It will take you not more than 10 minutes to stick a letter to your wall. The quote sheet is available in a roll with three layers.
Top layer: This is the wear layer, which does not allow dust to settle on the stickers. You can wipe this layer with a damp cloth.
Middle layer: These are the actual letters.
Bottom layer: This is white paper that creates a 3D effect.
2. If you are applying the graffiti on a newly-painted wall, allow the paint to dry completely before sticking it. If you are applying the art on an old wall, ensure that the wall is clean and free of dust particles, as they will interfere with the sticker’s glue.
3. Put the quote sheet face up, and rub gently on the surface to transfer the letters properly on to the transfer paper.
4. With a ruler or a spirit-level, mark a straight line using reference marks.
5. Align the top of the quote sheet with these marks and stick the top edge with pieces of tape. Leave the bottom edge free.
6. Grip the bottom free edge, and flip the quote sheet up. Thus, now the phrase is upside down.
7. Starting from one corner, peel the thick backing paper gently away from the transfer layer. Create a tight bend where the paper is being peeled back. Slide it downward and away.
8. Once the backing paper has been removed entirely, flip the paper down again such that the letters are resting lightly against the wall. Starting from the centre, press the letters on the wall, centre outwards. Do this twice. Use a credit card or a similar applicator for better results.
9. Remove the pieces of tape from along the upper edge. Start with a corner, gently pull away the transfer layer (in the same way as the backing paper). If a particular part hasn’t transferred properly to the wall, carefully press the lettering and transfer the sheet back to the wall and press firmly.
10. After the transfer sheet has been completely peeled off, examine the letters for loose edges or air bubbles. Loose edges should be gently pressed to the wall. In case of air bubbles, either push them towards the letter’s edge or burst them with a pin.