You have questions, we have answers!

What is vinyl lettering?

Vinyl lettering is pre-spaced letter or graphic designs made from very thin pieces of vinyl which are flexible, durable, and washable. Because of their extreme thinness and matte finish, the designs look as if they have been expertly hand-painted on your surface. Each vinyl piece is backed with a light adhesive for easy application to walls or other smooth surfaces. The designs stay in place until you are ready to remove them, and removal is easy.  This makes vinyl lettering an ideal decorating option for both homeowners and renters. With vinyl lettering you get the unique look of stencils without all of the hassle.

Are the designs similar to stickers?

Our vinyl lettering does not look like a sticker when applied to your surface. The designs are cut from a single color roll of vinyl and are not printed, which means there is no clear outline or backing to the design itself. When you receive your Beautiful Wall Decals design, simply peel off the backing paper and apply it to your surface. The expressions come as entire phrases and are perfectly spaced and aligned according to the design. The vinyl sticks to the surface directly with its own adhesive. Our designs are of a very high quality and do not resemble stickers as do some competitor products in the marketplace.

Can you explain the measurements to me?

The designs are generally measured in Length/Width x Height. So a design that is 24 x 11 would be 24" long, and approximately 11" tall. This measurement is for the overall design, with all lines included.

How can I order a color sample (aka, how will this color look on my wall?)

Order color samples and you will receive actual samples of the vinyl we use. You can choose up to 6 colors, as well as an optional Working Sample (a small decal to test on your surface).

What surfaces can I apply the designs to?

The designs can be applied to most smooth, hard surfaces such as wood, walls, windows, doors, and mirrors. You can even apply them to appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washers and dryers. For best results, apply the designs to clean non-porous surfaces. The lettering will not adhere properly to fabric, rough surfaces, dirty walls, some glossy paints, or to paint that is not well bonded with the underlying surface. Rough surfaces, brick, and heavily textured sandy stucco is not recommended. If you have any questions about whether the designs will work with a particular surface, please contact us before purchasing.

Decals may not adhere well to heavily textured walls. We strongly recommend that you test the surface using a working sample before applying your expression to a heavily textured wall.

1. Use the Hinge Method found in the Installation Instructions to position your decal. As you burnish your design, you may want to use a cloth or your thumb to press the vinyl into the grooves of the textured wall.

2. If your design is not transferring from the tape to the wall, before removing the transfer tape, get a spray bottle or a wet cloth and wet the back of the tape. Start to damp the tape and get it more wet if it is not releasing. This will help the decal release from the tape. Make sure your paint will not be damaged by excess water before you dampen your wall.

Can I reuse the designs?

Unfortunately, the designs cannot be reused. The vinyl lettering is extremely thin and will stretch and tear as it is being removed. By removing the designs, you will also lose the precise positioning of the letters as well as the adhesive.

Can the designs be used in rooms with high humidity like bathrooms?

Yes. Humidity does not affect the performance of the lettering. Just make sure you apply the designs to surfaces that are dry and clean.

Can I use the designs outdoors?

Yes. The designs can be used outdoors but do not apply them to your surface during freezing or very hot temperatures. For extra durability, consider purchasing our outdoor rated vinyl lettering which comes in black or white. This special lettering works extremely well on outdoor surfaces such as car windows, mailboxes, and front doors. If you need a design in the outdoor-rated vinyl, please contact us.

Can the designs be applied to tile?

Yes. The designs can be applied easily to ceramic or natural tile surfaces, but please note they have a matte finish which may contrast with a very shiny surface. However, the designs will not work well over grout lines.

I just painted my dining room and want to install the design. Is this a good idea?

 We recommend waiting at least three weeks before installing the vinyl lettering on a newly painted surface.

Can vinyl lettering be cleaned?

 Yes. To clean your design, use a mild household cleaner, a soft cloth or sponge, and a light touch. Avoid using cleaners that contain alcohol or rough abrasives.

What sizes do the designs come in?

 Our designs are generally measured in inches of the overall design, length/width x height. If the description states the design is 20 x 15, that means it measures 20 inches wide and 15 inches tall. Most of our designs have at least 2 sizes available. If you need a specific size that is not listed on our Web site, please contact us and we will let you know if the design is available in your requested size.

I need letters that are a specific height. How do you measure the letters?

Everybody says that, but we still haven't found anyone that really needed all their letters to be exactly 1.2456" tall yet. :) Our designs are measured in terms of overall width and height. Overall height means the height of all lines of text combined. Measuring by an individual letter size is difficult unless the font is an all caps, one size style which most designs are not. Overall size is used as the measurement to accommodate the variation between capital letters, lower case letters, and letters with hanging elements (e.g., g, j, y, etc).

If you need a design in a specific height, please let us know and we can try to accommodate your request if possible. Some fonts are easier to work with than others. The example below shows some of the variation in letters, and why it is confusing to ask for them all to be the same size.

How do you remove the designs?

Removal of the designs is easy. Simply place a finger under one of the design edges and peel up, much like you would remove a sticker from a flat surface. Designs that have been in place for a long time may require a little extra effort to remove. For these designs, simply heat with a hair dryer for a few minutes to loosen the adhesive before trying to peel the edges. Wipe clean any remaining residue with a soft damp cloth.

I purchased my designs a few months ago, can I still install them?

We recommend installing the designs when you receive them for best results. The designs get more difficult to work with over time, and may not adhere to the surface if they sit for more than 60 days.

Are the products made in the US?

Yes, all of our products are manufactured at our facility in Columbus, Ohio. We source our raw materials from companies that operate in the US as well. Heck, we even recycle--saving the planet one decal at a time! 

I installed the designs using your directions, but still have bubbles. Help!

Bubbles naturally form under vinyl, especially with glass and mirrors. The best way to remove little bubbles that don't press out under your vinyl, is by using a little straight pin or safety pin. Just poke a little hole, and press it smooth.

Any tips or tricks for applying decals to curved surfaces?

1. When applying decals to curved surfaces, remove any excess paper by cutting around the design.

2. With the backing paper still on, place the decal on the curved surface and mark the areas where the design doesn’t touch the surface.

3. Make relief slits along the paper so the decal easily wraps around the surface (be sure not to cut the design itself).

4. Slowly apply the design by starting at one end and moving to the other making sure everything lies flat. If the surface is glass, metal, porcelain, or any other smooth surface, take special care not to let the adhesive side of the decal touch the surface too soon, as these surfaces do not allow repositioning.

5. Burnish the decal onto the surface and then remove the transfer tape.

Is my credit card safe if I shop with you?

When you shop at Beautiful Wall decals, your credit card information is 100% secure. Each payment transaction is sent over an encrypted network using a secure (HTTPS) connection. The payment details are handled and maintained with the payment provider (Google Checkout, PayPal, or Authorize.net for credit cards and e-check transactions). Our own staff cannot view any credit card details, nor can any customer accessing our system. We do not retain any credit card information at our website or in any of our databases.

How in the world do I put up this giant tree?

First, you need to lay the pieces out and determine the placement of each. Choose where you want the tree to be placed. Begin with the trunk portion and tape the design on the wall where you want it. Be sure it is level and centered. Using the tape as a hinge, carefully peel the backing paper away. (*tip* - I actually work my way from the bottom up when applying the tree trunk). Carefully peel the top layer away and smooth down any bubbles or lifted areas with the installation tool.

Carefully line up the next piece, making sure it is properly aligned. Follow the same installation instructions as you used for the first piece. Repeat this process for each piece of the design. Once you have all of the tree pieces up place the leaves/blossoms where you want. The result should be a beautiful tree that will add lots of character to your home.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship within the U.S.A. but also have the option to ship internationally for a flat  fee. (customer pays all duties, VAT, customs, etc.). The shipments are originated through FedEx International and/or the USPS.

Bonus Points Program

Earn valuable bonus points every time you shop with Beautiful Wall Decals. These points can be redeemed for discounts, free shipping, free products, and even redeemed for Gift Certificates that you can keep or give as a gift. Points do not expire. For more information, see our Bonus Points page. 

How do I use my coupon code? 

When you are on the Checkout page, click the link that says "Referral code", underneath your order total.  A box will open for you to enter your coupon code.  Click the arrow to the arrow to the right to apply the code.  Be sure that your discount is applied to your order total before you submit your order.  Coupons cannot be added retroactively to your order, so if you have any questions or problems, please do call us or send us an email so that we can help you before you place your order.

What if my company is Tax Exempt?

You  will not be charged sales tax when ordering, unless you are located in our home state of Ohio.  If your business is located in Ohio, you can apply for tax exemption right at checkout!  Before proceeding to checkout, make sure that you are signed into your account.  If you do not have an account, simply click Register at the top right of the page.  Once you create an account and are signed in, go to your cart and click Checkout.  You will see a link under your Order Summary that says "Are you tax exempt?".  Once clicked, a Purchaser Certificate of Exemption will pop up.  Simply fill out the required information and click Save this Exemption Certificate.  Then verify in your Order Summary that sales tax is not being charged, and click Submit Order. Now you're all set up, and you will not be charged sales tax on any of your future orders as long as you are signed in!