Has anyone done a large wall decal? I want to install one of a tree that is 9 feet tall by 6 feet wide.

Will this be challenging?
  23 answers
  • 3po3 3po3 on Feb 23, 2012
    You have probably thought of this but, depending on the look you are going for, one easy and inexpensive option would be to project an image of the tree onto the wall and trace it, then paint. I have seen some people do this and it looks great. In fact, it was also on a "Restaurant: Impossible" episode I saw (I'm addicted to that show, by the way, remodeling and food - what's not to love?).
  • Thank you Steve, I always enjoy hearing what you say, I have already ordered the decal & was wondering if I should try installing it or have it done.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Feb 24, 2012
    Lee Anne, I've done a few weddings with an event planner where we put up pretty large temporary wall decals. Something that large is definitely a two-person job. The complexity of the decal will affect how difficult it is: For example, if the branches on the trees get very narrow. We had a couple in fonts with very narrow serifs that were a nightmare. Be prepared for lots of rubbing.
  • Bernice H Bernice H on Feb 24, 2012
    Be sure to post a picture! I love tree decals and murals, and sunsets and ocean too!
  • Pedini of Atlanta, LLC Pedini of Atlanta, LLC on Feb 24, 2012
    They can be a challenge, make sure to get the right tools for smoothing out bubbles and be prepared to prick some with a needle to get the air out.
  • Haven't done one in forever....I window washing squeegie (sp) works...just put it on an adjustable painters pole
  • SawHorse Design Build SawHorse Design Build on Feb 24, 2012
    Whoever does you wallpaper would be a good resource since they already have the tools to install it.
  • Donna McCrummen Donna McCrummen on Feb 24, 2012
    I'm an avid DIY'er but I'd hire someone to do this.
  • Measure and tape, them measure and tape again! Douglas is right about it being a 2 person job. Go slowly at an angle rather than from top to bottom. Don't pull too much or you will get puckers. Some of them will stretch so you want to limit the distortion that can occur with too much tension. Smooth it with a stiff piece of polystyrene or plastic as you move across the wall. Bring a very sharp exacto knife in the event you get puckers. . . you can cut them out and smooth the edges. They are like the masking systems that we use for multi layered designs. It just takes patience.
  • Sherrie S Sherrie S on Feb 24, 2012
    Lee Ann, I recently looked at something like you are describing and found a place I really like. http://www.dezignwithaz.com/wall-decals-floral-c-44.html I watched the demo and liked what I saw. Is this the type of thing you are doing?
  • Harold M Harold M on Feb 25, 2012
    Lee Anne I've never done this, but I've seen it. Can hardley wait to see photos. I know it will be really nice if your involved. Sounds like a two person job or you'll have to grow an extre set of hands :)
  • I think the decals come in sections. The ones I've done are smaller but the sections help. You can rework them as you go if there are bubbles.
  • Therese C Therese C on Feb 28, 2012
    Lee Ann there are kits that go up much easier than wall paper. They can be costly, usually around $300 and up. Be sure it is EXACTLY what you want as these things can be a bear to take down! Go to this website, they have fantastic murals at affordable prices. www.wallies.com
  • Thank you all, it should come in sections. I am amazed that no one has installed one. I have made my mind up to try it and I will keep you posted.
  • Pedini of Atlanta, LLC Pedini of Atlanta, LLC on Feb 28, 2012
    I have installed several, one were quite that large but there have been some big ones. I have several in my dining room and some tall bamboo ones in a guest bath. I also installed a couple of dozen in a dentist office I designed. The ones I have installed were from a company by the name of whatisblik.com They have a great selection.
  • Whoa!!! You are the expert. Any tips for me. I am putting it on a painted sheetrock wall.
  • Pedini of Atlanta, LLC Pedini of Atlanta, LLC on Feb 29, 2012
    Map it out first, the hard part with the larger ones with thin parts (i am thinking your branches may be like that) is keeping them from folding over on itself. If yours comes on a backing then tape it up and try and stretch out the paper before you start rubbing the decal off. Work from the center out and try not to stretch the vinyl or it will start folding over. Keep a razor knife handy for stubborn bubbles or creases, you can sometimes cut them out. The photo attached is done with decals.
  • Pedini of Atlanta, LLC Pedini of Atlanta, LLC on Feb 29, 2012
    This is one we installed in a pool area of a Chicago condo building. I hired a guy that installs vinyl signs to install these for me as they are harder to keep bubbles out when doing large surfaces.
  • Thank you so much Pedini! (;
  • Sherrie S Sherrie S on Apr 11, 2012
    Lee Ann, I think I read everthing here. Tell me how your decal install worked please. I want to try this but ...... I'm not talented like you. My decal would be much smaller.
  • Thank you for asking! I just finished it 2 days ago. My client is "shy" & I cannot show pictures. It turned out well & was fun. A bit challenging because the tree limbs were thin & did not cling to the wall. It did not take talent Sherrie, just hard work & tenacity!!! LOL I watched a video & read the instructions twice & this prepared me.I found the video on line on a decal website on how to install. You can do it too!
  • Sherrie S Sherrie S on Apr 12, 2012
    Lee Anne, you will have to do another one that you can post. I will be trying a much smaller one soon.
  • I hope to, but it just depends on the needs of the client.