Do wall stickers damage paint?

Whether you're renting or owning your space, no one wants to deal with damaged paint on the walls after peeling off stickers. You proudly put them up to personalize your space, so taking them down and seeing peeled paint is a letdown.

Custom wall stickers can sometimes cause damage to wall paint and may lead to chipping. But it doesn’t have to. We're here to share expert tips and tricks on how to avoid damaging your paint, even before it’s time to remove your stickers.

Clean the wall before placing the sticker

Be sure to wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt. Particles stuck under your sticker can cause bubbling or affect how well it sticks.

If it’s your first time applying wall stickers, try placing your sticker somewhere low-risk—an area you can easily fix if paint comes off. These tips will help prevent that, but if you're new to using wall decals, it’s better to be cautious.

Removing the wall sticker

To remove the wall sticker, start by using a blow dryer on a low setting and slowly peel back the sticker. The heat helps loosen the adhesive and reduces the chance of paint damage. Keep peeling gradually while applying heat as needed.

Slow and steady wins the race

As mentioned above, patience is key when removing the decal. You're breaking the bond between the adhesive and the wall. The more force you use, the more likely the paint is to chip or tear. Going slowly also helps you keep the decal intact. It might take a little longer, but your paint will thank you.

Can I reuse my wall sticker?

Yes, and that’s one of the biggest benefits of wall stickers, just take care of them. After removing the sticker, keep it out of direct sunlight to preserve its stickiness and quality. If it comes off clean and in one piece, you can reuse it.

Fixing paint chips

If the sticker does chip the paint, don’t worry, it’s easy to fix. Just touch up the area with a bit of paint. Most wall decals are fairly small, so you likely won’t need to cover a large area.

In conclusion

You might run into some paint chipping when removing wall stickers, but there are ways to minimize it. Following the setup and removal tips above will help protect your walls. Learn more in our other articles about wall decals for textured walls and the difference between wallpapers versus wall decals in your home or office.