Wall Decals FAQ

On this page you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about RoomMates.

Some people call them wall stickers, others wall decals, some wall appliques. But we call them RoomMates—fast, easy, fun, non-committal decorating!

RoomMates are removable, repositionable, and reusable wall decals, peel and stick borders, murals, laptop skins, and more. They are the perfect cure for blank, boring walls, and can be used to decorate nearly any smooth surface you can think of. They’re easy to use: just peel and stick! With a wide variety of designs, we offer simple, worry-free decorating for kids, teens, and adults alike.

General Questions about RoomMates Products

What types of products does RoomMates make?

Decorating with RoomMates

Our line of peel and stick designs includes a variety of great-looking, easy-to-use home decor products:

Wall decals is the general term that applies to virtually all peel and stick wall decor. Some people refer to wall decals as wall stickers, wall graphics, wall art, or even wall tattoos.

RoomMates peel & stick wall decals are available in hundreds of designs suitable for many tastes, and for decorating every room in the house:

wall borders Peel & stick borders are a great way to add a new design element to any room. Sometimes called wallpaper borders (even though these are vinyl, not paper!), they are sold in long strips, and are typically applied along the top of a wall where it meets the ceiling.

wall borders XL Wall Murals are wall murals that make a real statement on your wall! More like wallpaper than a sticker, our murals are made of a special material called SureStrip that makes them both easy to apply and remove.

wall paper RoomMates Wallpapers allow you to transform an entire room or single wall. Our prepasted wallpapers are easy to hang and coordinate with hundreds of wall decals and decor elements. Don't miss our wallpaper FAQ, and our handy wallpaper hanging guide.

peel and stick mirrors Peel & Stick Mirrors are the perfect way to effortlessly add a mirror to bedrooms, bathrooms, lockers, dorm rooms, or just about anywhere! With many creative designs, these will suit children and adults of all ages.

chalkboard and dry erase wall decals Chalkboard and Dry Erase Wall Decals Easy on and easy off! Our chalkboard and dry erase wall stickers eliminate the need for holes in your walls. Simply peel and stick!

wall borders Wall pockets and wall frames are are a nifty way to post photos, kids artwork or to hold small odds and ends on your wall, refrigerator, bathroom mirror, or practically any smooth surface.

Are RoomMates reusable?

Yes! RoomMates can be reused over and over again, no matter how many times they’re applied to a surface. Unlike other wall decals, you don’t have to worry about getting things perfect the first time you put one of our products on the wall. If you make a mistake, just peel the decal away and place it in the correct spot. There’s no residue to clean from the walls, you won’t damage your paint, and you never have to worry about throwing away your used decals.

RoomMates can even be used for temporary decorating: spruce up your space with our seasonal wall stickers, then just take them down and re-apply them to their original liners for usage again next year. Perfect for holidays, parties, college dorms, apartments, or anywhere else a quick change may be needed!

Are RoomMates just for walls?

Use your imagination! RoomMates work on any smooth, dry and clean surface: walls, of course, but also mirrors, refrigerators, laptop covers, tiles, glass, lockers, furniture, accessories, or even automotive surfaces.

What are RoomMates made of?

RoomMates are made of a thin, flexible vinyl material. They are extremely durable and made to last for years, but are still flexible enough to be applied to a variety of surfaces.

Are RoomMates safe for kids?

Absolutely. Our products are tested against the highest safety standards, and are completely non-toxic. RoomMates do not contain harmful chemicals like phthalates or lead. They are 100% non-toxic and fully CPSIA-compliant. You can feel safe with RoomMates in your home. Our wall stickers are completely safe for children to play or decorate with.

Why do my RoomMates smell?

Occasionally, when you open a package of our wall decals, you may detect a slight "vinyl" smell. This odor is left over from the printing process, and will fade very quickly. Relax—it's not harmful! 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.

Where are RoomMates made?

RoomMates are proudly made in the United States of America.

Can you make the design I'm looking for?

If you want it, we need to know about it! Send us an e-mail with what you’re looking for, and be sure to select "Idea or Suggestion" from the drop-down menu. Who knows... we may just make it!

Where can I buy RoomMates?

RoomMates are available in many locations, including major retail chains, decorating shops, and specialty stores. If you’re located in the United States or Canada, you can use our Store Locator to find a business nearby, or just make a purchase from this very website.

I don’t live in the US or Canada. Can I still buy from your website?

Unfortunately, we do not currently ship consumer orders internationally. Contact us with your city and country, as well as the product(s) you're looking for. If the product is available, we’ll direct you to your local distributor.

What's the difference between the ‘clear’ and ‘opaque’ materials listed on some of your products?

RoomMates are printed on two types of backing: clear (or semi-transparent), and opaque (or white). Decals printed on clear material are often softer, more subtle designs that are meant to blend in with the wall. Designs printed on opaque material will usually look less like stencils, and will ‘pop’ off the wall.

If you're picking a design printed on clear backing, keep in mind that these products are usually semi-transparent. If your walls are white, or another lighter color (like baby blue, yellow, or pink), you probably won't have a problem. However, if your walls are painted black or another dark color, you may find that the decals don't show up clearly. In that case, it's better to look for a design that is printed on opaque material, as they are suitable for walls of any color.

Questions about Decorating with RoomMates Wall Decals

On this page, you'll find all the tips you need to successfully apply your new RoomMates, as well as some helpful suggestions for removing tricky bubbles or creases.

How do I apply RoomMates wall decals?

It’s easy: just peel and stick! When you open a package of RoomMates, you will find the designs printed onto a pre-cut liner, just like a package of regular stickers. Peel the design away from the liner and stick it to your surface of choice. Presto—you’re a decorator! There's no rubbing, smoothing, or special tools required.

Remember to save your liners: if you want to take down your RoomMates for an extended period of time, placing them back on the liner will keep them sticky and ready to re-apply whenever you’re ready to decorate again.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s always best to test RoomMates in an inconspicuous area before applying. If the surface is textured, wet, dusty, or dirty, performance could be seriously diminished.

When applying RoomMates to painted walls:

  • Prior to applying RoomMates, clean the wall and make sure it is dry and free of dust or dirt.
  • Freshly painted walls should be allowed to “cure” for 10 to 15 days prior to applying RoomMates. Even if new paint feels dry, it may still need to settle and completely cure. Applying RoomMates to freshly painted walls may cause the adhesive to lose its effectiveness, which can then cause the design to peel or fall off.

If applying RoomMates to other surfaces:

  • RoomMates are not recommended on ”orange peel“ textured walls.
  • RoomMates will not work well on brick, cinder block, or other porous surfaces.
  • RoomMates are not recommended for use on wallpaper or delicate surfaces.

If applying RoomMates in a bathroom or around water:

  • RoomMates can be applied to tiles as long as the surface is clean and completely dry during installation. Make sure the design does not overlap any grout, as water could filter beneath and compromise the adhesive.
  • RoomMates can be applied to shower walls as long as they are placed tightly onto the surface so water cannot reach under the design. Smooth the decal out and be sure that water cannot flow behind the design. Once applied, RoomMates will not move even if sprayed by the shower.
  • Do not place wall decals at the bottom or inside a bathtub.
  • When cleaning the bathroom, please take care to avoid spraying any harmful chemicals on or near your RoomMates! Prolonged exposure could damage the decals, and direct contact can cause bubbling, running, or streaking.

How do I remove RoomMates wall decals?

Simply peel them off the wall. That's it! Once removed, you can use your RoomMates in a new location, or just save them again for the future.

If removing a giant wall decal, try to start with the largest end or piece first. And remember to go slowly: if you pull too hard or too fast, you might rip the design.

What shouldn’t I do with my RoomMates?

  • Do not place items decorated with RoomMates in a dishwater, oven, or microwave.
  • Do not place RoomMates on rugs, fabrics, clothing, or any other textiles. Textile fibers may stick to the adhesive and cause it to become ineffective.
  • Do not place RoomMates in areas where they will be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Very high and low temperatures can compromise the adhesive and cause decals to peel, rip, fall off, or damage the surfaces on which they have been applied.
  • Do not spray RoomMates with any chemicals, cleaners, or fragrances. If the decals are dirty, they can be cleaned with a damp rag and a mild soap.

How do I remove air bubbles?

When applying a wall decal, make sure you start from one side or the top of each element. Keep the rest of the element away from the wall or surface. Slowly go down over the design with your hand ,and smooth the element onto the surface, pressing out any bubbles as you go. Once applied, you should be able to move any remaining bubbles out by pressing/smoothing them out of the element. If the problem persists, you can punch a tiny hole with a pin to push the air out, or simply remove and re-apply.

How do I remove creases?

Sheets of RoomMates may be slightly creased upon removal from their packaging. These sheets will flatten out naturally over a short period of time: simply unfold them and place them on a table or floor. To flatten out a sheet of wall decals quickly, or repair a creased decal, place it beneath a flat, heavy surface (like a large book) for a few hours.

What do I do if my decal sticks to itself?

When you're applying a wall decal (especially our larger designs), be very careful to keep the decal from sticking to itself, or sticking to another piece. If this does happen, though, don't panic! Slowly pull the decal apart. With a little patience and a steady hand, you'll be back to normal in no time.

Will RoomMates remove paint from my walls?

We've designed RoomMates to be completely safe for your walls, which means that they will not peel the paint, or damage other surfaces like sealed wood, plastic, or metal. However, we don't recommend applying RoomMates to freshly painted walls! Doing so could lead to some big problems. Check out our Decorating Tips for more information on how and when to apply your RoomMates, and how to be absolutely sure they won't peel away the paint.

Will RoomMates stick to textured walls?

Although we only recommend using RoomMates on smooth, flat surfaces, our customers do occasionally report success with textured walls or ceilings. The less texture that is present on the walls and under the surface of the decal(s), the better. If you're not sure that RoomMates will stick to your walls, send us an e-mail—in some cases, we may be able to send you a sample to test before you make a purchase.

My RoomMates don’t stick! What happened?

Please carefully read our Decorating Tips page prior to installation to be sure that all criteria are met. Be sure that the walls or surfaces you are using are clean, dry, and haven't been freshly painted or otherwise sealed. If your decals aren't sticking, try wiping down the wall or surface with a dry cloth, then try again.

If your decals are still falling off the wall, and you feel that you followed the instructions correctly, let us know and we'll help you out.

Can I clean my RoomMates?

If dirty, RoomMates can be wiped clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Take care not to get the adhesive backing wet, as the water can decrease the stickiness of your RoomMates. For splatters or stains, you can use some mild soap (like hand or dish soap) if necessary. However, please avoid spraying any other chemicals (like glass cleaner) on your RoomMates! This can damage the vinyl and sometimes even cause the colors to run.

How do I save RoomMates after I've taken them off the walls?

Check out this helpful how-to lesson on safely saving and storing or moving your RoomMates. We recommend placing removed wall decals on the original liners, but we've found that wax paper works just as well.

How do I hang RoomMates wallpaper or XL wallpaper murals?

We've got plenty of helpful tips for applying these larger designs to the wall. You can read our wallpaper FAQ here, and our handy wallpaper hanging guide here.

Website Customer Service Questions

Do you ever have specials or sales?

We occasionally offer coupon codes or free shipping offers to our email subscribers. You can sign up right here to receive email from RoomMates. We send an email every few weeks with special offers, new products, and other cool info. Also, you can join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, where we sometimes offer fan and follower-exclusive deals.

How do I check the status of my order?

You can check on an order you've placed with us by visiting our Order Status page. You will need your order number (from your confirmation email) and billing ZIP or postal code to view your order status.

Where can I find your shipping policies, return policy, etc.?

Visit our Customer Service section for all the answers to your questions about shipping, returns, our privacy policy, and more. We’re doing our best to make all this pertinent information available online for you!

I need help! How can I reach customer service?

Simply call us at (800) 236-4520, or use our contact form to get in touch with us. Our office hours are 8 am to 6 pm EST, Monday through Friday (holidays excluded). If you're calling about an order, please have your order number ready when you call or e-mail us.

 

Still scratching your head? Send us an e-mail, or call us toll-free at (800) 236-4520. If we think your question is a good one, we might even add it to this page!