How do Wall Stickers work?

Wall Stickers is a general term that applies to virtually any sticky wall décor. Some people refer to wall stickers as wall decals, wall tattoos, sticky wall art, or even vinyl wall decals and vinyl wall stickers. We easily interchange between all these terms but they are all essentially the same thing: Wall Stickers! It is more that Americans tend to use the term wall decal – whereas in Europe, they call them wall stickers or even wall tattoos.

So, how do they actually work?

Basically; we have three different types of wall stickers:

– Roommates Peel & Stick Decals (imported stickers like Disney etc): Made in the U.S.A. and printed onto clear matt material (some are opaque/white, but it does specify on each product). You simply peel it off the backing sheet and stick it on the wall. This material is repositionable so you can move them around as much as you like. The clear material works best on lighter coloured walls and the decals have a slight clear outline (where the printing ends there is a border of clear material where the sticker is cut) so you can kind of see where the stickers end. This differs from the stickers below which go straight from printing/colour straight to the wall, which can look better than seeing clear material.

– Peel and Stick Watercolour Wall Stickers: Printed in South Africa, on order, from ultra-sticky white matt material. The installation method is not as easy as Roommates, but it is still peel and stick. They are cut right to the edge so there is no outline at all (unless it is part of the watercolour design).

– All other Wall Stickers (vast majority of the range, we produce these in South Africa on order): Made from an very thin; glossy; self-adhesive vinyl material – they almost feel a little “plastic-y”. Think more of licence disc holders and car stickers rather than a normal paper backed stickers.

Q: Do Wall Stickers smell?
It depends on the the wall sticker type – the Roommates Peel & Stick Decals so have a little bit of a smell but it is more like a pleasant plastic smell – it does not stink and it is not unpleasant at all.

There isn’t really a smell for the South African produced wall stickers – but we do produce them on order so they are fresh and occasionally when you open the package, you may detect a slight “vinyl/plastic-y” smell. The smell will usually go away in a matter of minutes, but you can always speed up the process by placing the sheets outdoors in the fresh air, or in a well-ventilated room.

Removable – Leaves No Residue

Our wall stickers are specifically made for temporary wall décor (although last years) – so when you are ready for a change; you can simply remove them. Instructions are included with your order for removing your wall sticker- simply put: you just peel them off the wall!!

Removable Wall Stickers Questions

South African Produced Wall Stickers:

Q: How do you remove Wall Stickers?
Removing your temporary wall stickers is easy. Peel up an edge with your fingernail and slowly peel the decal off the wall. If they have been there for a number of years or to a less porous surface like glass, we recommend that you use a hair-dryer (set on low heat) to warm the decal, this releases the adhesive and makes it even easier to peel off. Please be extra careful when removing wall stickers, rather peel downwards flush with wall than pulling away from the wall. You may need to use a soapy solution to get rid of any excess glue.

Q: Are your Wall Stickers that are produced in South Africa re-usable and re-positionable?
As much as they are removable, unfortunately, the wall stickers we produce in South Africa are NOT reusable or re-positionable (see below for Roommates Decals, which are re-positional). The material is such that they can only be used once. We include a practice decal with every order to help you become a pro before sticking the real thing.

Q: Will Wall Stickers remove paint from my walls?
We’ve designed Wall Stickers to be completely safe for painted walls; which means that they will not peel the paint, or damage other surfaces like sealed wood, plastic, or metal. Just a note that in very some cases, depending on the age or condition of the painted surface underneath, we cannot say across the board that some paint flecking will not occur. You may notice paint flecks on the back of the decals when removed and some minor paint touch up may be required. For freshly painted walls, allow 2 weeks for the paint to cure. We know… it takes patience, but it’s better than applying to a wet wall. Also, to protect your walls – be extra careful when removing wall stickers, rather peel downwards flush with wall than pulling away from the wall.

Roommates Peel & Stick Decals are Re-positionable!

The Roommates Decor Peel & Stick Decals are produced in the USA and are Re-positionable – this means that you can re-use them! You can move them if you make a mistake or change up your décor (or rooms) whenever you like – so well suited to kids rooms! You can also take them with you if you move home, just keep the backing sheets or use wax paper.

Safe for Kids

Our wall tattoos are tested against the highest safety standards, and are completely non-toxic. They do not contain any harmful chemicals like phthalates or lead. They are 100% non-toxic, our wall stickers are completely safe for children to play or decorate with.

“…even my 3 year old enjoyed adding the little flowers to the lower branches.”

Easy to Install

A little worried about installing the wall stickers?

You can do it!!

Our wall stickers are designed for first time installers so no need to worry about the sticking – literally 99% of our customers have never installed a wall sticker. We would never give you something you would not be able to do. We give you detailed instructions and possible design ideas. You even get a practice sticker with the South Africa produced stickers. In fact, we always ask our customers for feedback and tend to get a response like:

“We absolutely love the stickers!! It was so easy to apply and looks stunning!!!”

Click here for more on installation.

Installation Questions

Q: I am really worried about the sticking, don’t you have an installer that can do it for me?

We don’t offer it any more – for a number of reasons:
1.) It is very very expensive to get an installer – more than the cost of the actual wall sticker!
2.) Installers don’t always know how to install!! We had an interior designer who had to re-order her wall sticker as the installer stuck it incorrectly and it was completely skew. At least as a first time installer you will read the instructions properly and take the time and care that is needed.
3.) There are so many areas in South Africa and we had too many suppliers – and what we leant? Generally, installers are unreliable and our reputation is important to us. We concentrate on what we do best – designing wall stickers.
4.) If you are pregnant/have a physical disability/have no “crafting” ability/scared/overwhelmed/lazy (we really have heard it all!): we suggest a friend, life partner and even a domestic can help you put up the wall stickers. Even children are really good at wall stickers – make it more of an activity than a chore.
5.) It is something you are going to look at everyday – nothing better than knowing that you did it yourself with that bit of personal touch (no, that’s not really a reason, but we thought it may throw it in there to convince you!!).

You really can do it plus we are just a phone call away – and much like all the paragraphs we have written to convince you that you can install it yourself, our instructions are very detailed plus you get that all important practice sticker.


The Wall Stickers are extremely durable but are still flexible enough to be applied to a variety of surfaces.

Q: Can Wall Stickers be used for surfaces, other than walls?
Yes, they can be used on a variety of surfaces. They work best on smooth, dry and clean surfaces like walls, but work just as well on other surfaces like: glass (great for sliding doors, windows, shower doors on outside etc.), mirrors, bathroom/kitchen tiles (not on grouting), ceilings, fridges, washing machines, sealed concrete floors, smooth metal, tile, plastic surfaces, finished wood furniture, laptops and even cars! Think clean, flat and smooth surfaces. Do not place wall stickers on rugs, fabrics, clothing, or any other textiles. Textile fibers may stick to the adhesive and cause it to become ineffective.

Q: Can you put wall stickers in the bathroom?
Absolutely, just not under running water like inside a shower/in the bath etc. You can stick wall stickers to the walls, tiles and even – the toilet! Wall stickers will not adhere to the grouting between the tiles.


What about…Rough Walls?

Our Wall Stickers are NOT suitable for rough and bumpy surfaces (even walls) – think clean and smooth. The surface needs to be completely flat and smooth and clean (no dust or dirt). A good gauge is: imagine that “clear sticky stuff you used to cover your school books in”- if that will stick, then our wall stickers should stick. Examples of surfaces that are not suitable are: face brick, any type of textured plaster or paint, cinder blocks (or other porous surfaces),”orange peel” or textured walls, wallpaper and delicate surfaces. We do not guarantee our wall stickers on rough or textured surfaces.

Even though we don’t recommend it, we have had customers who have taken the chance and had success on their textured wallsclick here for the full details on what worked for them.

As much as wall stickers will not stick to rough walls, we do have wallpaper that will stick to slightly rough surfaces! Have a look at our Easy Premium, Standard Wallpaper and Soak and Stick Wallpaper options.


100% Guarantee – it’s about Integrity

The South African produced wall sticker vinyl is imported from Europe and is a very high quality with an ISO-9001 certification. Our Wall Stickers are guaranteed for 5 years but they stay up for much longer. The Roommates Peel & Stick decals are imported from USA and are extremely high quality.

Q: How long will the Wall Stickers stay up?
Our wall stickers can easily 5 years indoors – but are known to last much longer. The exact timing is dependent on how environment conditions such as direct sunlight, heat, moisture, quality of wall paint and texture of wall etc. Outdoors, they can last up to 1 – 2 years but just be careful of rougher walls outdoors.

“…Excellent instructions and fun to apply. Have used the Sticky Things products before and can vouch they are of a superior quality!”

Click here for more on our 5 year guarantee – 100% happiness!


Some more Wall Sticker questions….

Q: What preparation should I do and what tools do I need to install the wall stickers?

All that you need is stated in our detailed instructions – but in the mean time:

Paint first: the paint needs to cure for 2 weeks before applying wall stickers

The following tools will help when you install the wall decals:
– Scissors
– Masking Tape
– Old Credit Card/Store Card
– Pencil
– Spirit Level, Measuring Tape and/or Ruler
– A friend always helps (and makes it extra fun)

Q: Can your wall stickers stand extreme temperatures?
Wall Stickers are manufactured to withstand mild changes in heat and cold from sunlight. Officially, they can stand temperatures from -5 to 50 degrees centigrade but high heat or cold will lessen the life span of the wall stickers and can compromise the adhesive and cause stickers to peel, rip, fall off, or damage the surfaces on which they have been applied. Do not place wall stickers in direct sunlight or position them on temperature items like a toaster, oven, kettle, braai, hair-dryer etc. Do not place items that are decorated with wall stickers in a dishwater, oven, or microwave!

Q: How do I clean my wall stickers?
If the decals are dirty, they can be cleaned with a damp rag and a mild soap. Do not spray wall stickers with any chemicals, cleaners, or fragrances.