Thoughts in Vinyl offers a huge selection of unfinished craft kits and wooden letters, for any budget or style.  We also offer vinyl lettering for your home or business. Our decals are the ideal dêcor item because they are easy way to reflect your style and personality. 

To help you learn more about the products we offer, we have provided answers to our most frequently asked questions.  If you have a question that you don’t find here, please contact Janae at janae@thoughtsinvinyl.com. 

Q: Do the craft kits come finished?

A: No.  They will come sanded, ready for you to put your creativity into!  The fun part of our kits is that they allow you to be creative and be proud of the finished project because you made it! 

Q: What are Thoughts in Vinyl decals made of?

A: Our vinyl decals are made of a very thin, flexible, vinyl. They are backed with application tape (which is a light adhesive paper) for easy application to walls or other smooth surfaces.

Q: What types of surfaces can Thoughts in Vinyl decals be applied to?

A: Vinyl decals can be applied to just about any clean and smooth surface.  Decals may not adhere to heavily-textured surfaces, but can stick to lightly textured walls. We don't recommend installation of vinyl decals on certain surfaces such as brick, stucco, concrete block, suede paints, and sand paints.

In very rare occurrences, a surface may not release a decal without causing damage. Please contact us for a sample decal to test your surface before placing an order.

Q: Can I apply vinyl lettering to a newly painted wall?

A: Freshly painted walls should be allowed to cure for at least two weeks before you apply vinyl decals. 

Q: Will Thoughts in Vinyl decals damage my wall?

A:  Most people have no wall damage when decals are removed. Please be aware that, with any vinyl decal, there is potential for wall damage.

Q: I can't get my decal to transfer to my surface; what do you suggest?

A: Make sure the surface and decal are at room temperature. If a surface is too cold, gradually heat it to room temperature with a blow dryer on the low setting.

NOTE: Use care to avoid overheating the vinyl decal and/or wall to avoid damage.

For example, to apply an decal on your front door when the outside temperature is below freezing, use a blow dryer to warm the exterior surface of the door to room temperature before you apply the vinyl lettering. Then, once the vinyl has been applied, continue to warm the surface for awhile to allow the adhesive time to bond to the surface.

Tip: Depending on the temperature outside, sometimes the inside of an exterior wall can be colder than room temperature.

NOTE: Use care to avoid overheating the vinyl lettering and/or wall to avoid damage.

• Warm the surface to room  temperature before applying the vinyl lettering, and then warm the vinyl itself while burnishing it onto the surface. This technique makes vinyl a bit more flexible to the surface texture.

• Make sure your wall is free of residue (dust, grease, even cigarette smoke can cause a build up on your walls that will need to be wiped clean)

If you cleaned your wall, make sure there is no leftover residue and that the wall is completely dry. Often times the surface feels dry to the touch but moisture is still beneath the surface and can cause the vinyl not to bond to the surface.  It is recommended that you let the area dry for a few hours after you wash it.

• As you remove the transfer tape, try firmly pressing the decal on the wall with your thumb.

• Burnish/Rub the vinyl lettering onto the surface. 

• If a surface is heavily textured, some decals may not adhere to it as well as other surfaces. If this is the case, you may want to apply the expression to another surface that has less texture...maybe even purchase a board that has a smooth surface to adhear your vinyl lettering too.  May different sizes of boards can be purchased on our website here.

Q: I installed a vinyl decal but it is starting to peel off.  What do you recommend?

A: If part of your decal is starting to lift off of the surface, use washable glue, such as a glue stick or wallpaper paste or glue, to reattach it. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and test the adhesive on a before applying it to your expression.

Q: Can I wash the vinyl once it has been applied?

A: Yes.  Use a soft cloth or sponge dampened with cool water to clean your vinyl lettering.  Avoid using cleaners that contain alcohol, abrasives, citrus additives, or ammonias. When a decal is applied on a window or mirror, take special care to avoid glass cleaners that contain alcohol, ammonia, or citrus additives as it can start to break down the adhesive.

Q: Can vinyl decals be used outdoors?

A: Yes, our vinyl can be used outdoors. Make sure the surface is clean and dry and free of dirt and debris. When applied to exterior surfaces, expect a shortened product life due to exposure to weather and other elements. For product with longer outdoor life, contact us at sales@thoughtsinvinyl.com  for a price quote for your vinyl lettering using our Glossy Premium Outdoor Vinyl (colors are limited).

NOTE IF USED ON CAR WINDOWS: Use of an ice scraper will destroy vinyl decals applied on window exteriors.

Typically, windshield wipers and rear defrosters do not interfere with decals applied on glass. 

Q: Will my vinyl decals crack, peel, fade, or warp?

A: When a vinyl lettering is applied as directed and is protected from direct sunlight and extreme weather, you should not have problems with cracking, peeling, fading, or warping.

Q: How long will the vinyl lettering last after it has been applied to a surface?

A: Vinyl decals can last for months or even years depending on the surface and environment. Vinyl lettering applied indoors can last much longer than vinyl decals applied outdoors where they are exposed to weather and direct sunlight.

Q: How do I remove vinyl lettering?

A: When you are ready to remove the vinyl, warm it slightly with a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting.

NOTE: Use care to avoid overheating the vinyl and/or wall to avoid damage.

Hold the blow dryer about eight inches away from the vinyl, making sure you don't overheat your paint. Gently peel a corner of each letter or design with a fingernail and pull down slowly.

Q: When Thoughts in Vinyl decals are removed, does residue remain on the wall? If so, how do I remove it?

A: Typically, our vinyl lettering decals do not leave a sticky residue; however if some residue remains once the vinyl is removed, try using isopropyl alcohol or other residue removers to remove it. As always, follow the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid damage to your surface.