To avoid any issues with wall graphics you should first take these steps:

  • Evaluate the surface
  • Is it smooth?
  • Has it been properly cleaned?
  • Any heating or a/c ducts blowing air directly on the graphic?
  • When was the wall last painted?

Top edge of only one panel has pulled back-

  • Possible Cause- if only one panel has failed, the most likely cause is an installer who repositioned the graphic multiple times until he degraded the adhesive on that panel. Usually occurs on unpainted wood panel that has not been properly cleaned before the installation.
    • Solution- apply a double sided tape along the top of the wall and reapply the graphic.

The top edges of a number of panels have pulled back.

  • Possible Cause- not applying enough pressure when installing the graphic.
    • Solution- apply a double sided tape along the top of the wall and reapply the graphic.

Graphic is failing on a newly painted wall.

  • Possible Cause- low VOC paints outgas for several weeks and prevent some adhesives from adhering.
    • Solution- apply a very high tack adhesive like Durvinyl 435, Barricade Vinyl which will adhere to almost any surface.

Graphic is failing at top and bottom on older painted wall

  • Possible Cause- older painted walls often have a slight texture (aka “orange peel”) that prevents standard 3.5mil calendared wall graphics from adhering properly.
    • Solution-  use a softer, thinner adhesive vinyl like 3.1mil  Duravinyl 454 (permanent) or Duravinyl 456 (removable) which will conform to the surface better which give them better adhesion. Use minimum heat when applying Duravinyl 454 or 456.

Graphic is falling down where a heating or a/c duct is blowing directly on.

  • Possible Cause- Cold air is not allowing adhesive to tack up.
    • Solution- use heat gun to activate the adhesive.

Graphic  is pulling up at the edges.

  • Possible Cause- this is usually a case where the laminate had too much brake pressure when it was applied to the graphic and consequently will shrunk and pulled back the edges.
  • Also, if the laminate was applied when the laminate roller was too hot, it could also shrink the laminate causing edge lift.
    • Solution- review laminator settings for unwind brake and top roller heat.

Graphic is pulling away at tile grout lines.

  • Possible cause- calendared vinyl was installed and heated to  conform with grout lines.
    • Solution – use a cast vinyl like Duravinyl 702 which can be stretched into grout lines and will not shrink back.