Union Of Plumbers, Fitters, and Welders

Monthly Archives: August 2011

Removable wall decals – one of the simplest ways

Removable wall decals are one of the simplest ways to add a mural-like decoration to any room (or office). They are self adhesive, come with easy to follow instructions and can be removed later without damaging the wall surface or leaving behind any sticky residue. Decals are made from vinyl and can be used in any internal room of your home or office.

Wall decals are best applied to relatively smooth surfaces where the paint has fully cured. It is best to wait approx 2 weeks after painting before you apply a decal. Decals can be used on mirrors, windows, metal, plaster, gyprock walls that have been sealed, and some cement rendered surfaces. On cement render we recommend testing a small decal first because the textured surface may affect long term adhesion of the decal. Decals can also be used on furniture, tiles or anything where the surface has been painted or sealed and is reasonably smooth.

Step-by-step wall decal installation instructions

  • Ensure surface is dust and grease free
  • Clean with sugar soap and rinse if grime is present
  • Read instructions
  • Peel decal or sticker from backing and position lightly
  • If the decal is large having a second person will make it easier during installation
  • Apply and smooth over decal surface with a soft cloth

Wall decal installation steps

  • On some surfaces e.g mirrors, windows, or metals the decal may stick quickly. To avoid this and allow repositioning dampen the surface slightly and then apply your decal
  • Try to avoid handling the adhesive side too much and don’t drop onto a dusty surface e.g carpet. It will cause problems with adhesion.
  • Place your decal under heavy books for a few hours to help flatten it out before you remove backing and attempt application.
  • Mark your wall with some chalk lightly as a guideline on where you are going to place your decal. Alternately you can position it by using a small amount of low tack tape and then stand back to view and to ensure it’s exactly where you want it.

How to avoid problems:

  • Do not apply to fresh paint. The evaporating solvents during drying can make their way into the adhesive on the decal and render it useless. Wait 2-3 weeks for your paint to “cure”. Touch dry is not appropriate for application of your decal
  • Test on painted render surfaces and avoid using on some paint finishes like suede effects and render or stone effects. The texture will often cause edges to lift.
  • Do not apply to cold damp surfaces; e.g., a moist bathroom or laundry wall or tiles. Wait till warmer and surface is dry. Wall decals are suitable for using in these areas though.
  • Do not apply to walls in a home that has just had the floors coated with a solvent type sealer. As the floor coating is drying, some solvents can also affect the sticker adhering properly
  • Some Paint companies may add “Teflon” to their wall finishes enhancing durability for cleaning. These finishes may affect the adhesion of some decals.
  • Discourage young fingers from peeling back and touching. Eventually the sticker edge will curl and will not be able to be stuck back down
  • If you have a reusable wall decal and wish to use it later in another location, ensure you keep the packaging and original backing so it can be stuck back and transported easily. You can also use baking paper if original packaging is no longer available.

LubricateYour Squeaky Door

The two best lubricants to use on hinges are silicone spray and plumber’s grease (a light, odorless grease used to lubricate O-rings and other rubbing surfaces in plumbing fixtures). Silicone spray, if used properly, it is the least sloppy and fairly long lasting. Plumber’s grease is very light weight as greases go, and stable enough not to run off the hinge like 3-in-1 oil (which was my father’s favorite for EVERY lube job imaginable). It generally lasts longer than silicone spray, but is a little sloppier to use.  (Automotive greases will also work if you have some handy.)

Wait… I feel a rush of self-righteous indignation sweeping over me…

DO NOT USE GRAPHITE LUBRICANT ON DOOR HINGES! NEVER EVER!!

The person who recommends using graphite on door hinges must have never seen what that black powder can do to mess up a carpet!! I have seen beautiful white carpets destroyed because the contractor used graphite to silence a squeak. Did he think that the graphite was going to stick to the hinge and not drop to the floor, leaving a disgusting black stain on the carpet that is virtually impossible to remove?? Take a breath, now continue…

The way I apply the silicone is as follows, doing one hinge at a time

  • Determine which hinge is squeaky.
  • Tap out hinge pin. If you do this with the door closed and latched, you can remove the pin without the door falling off. Be sure that you have everything you need on your side of the door.  Most hinges with removable pins are open at the bottom, so you can gently hammer a nail or even a nailset up underneath the hinge pin to push it up enough to get a screwdriver or prybar underneath it.
  • Put the tube that comes with the silicone spray on the nozzle, aim the spray at the hinge, and gently press the nozzle till the spray just gently drizzles out. I also hold a paper towel behind the hinge to keep any over spray or dripping off the floor and paint. Just spray enough so that the interlocking sections of the hinge are damp.
  • Place the hinge pin loosely in the top of the hinge, and drizzle more silicone spray on the pin so that the lubricant drips into the hinge.
  • Tap the hinge pin partially in to engage the hinge, and again drizzle a little spray on it.
  • Tap the hinge in fully, and test for squeaks. If there is still some squeaking, you can apply a little more silicone spray to the seams where the hinge sides rub together.
  • When done, wipe any excess silicone from the hinges.

Using grease to lubricate the hinge pin…

To apply the grease, extract the pin, rub a light coat of grease on the entire length of it, and then also put a small glob on the “business end”. Tap the pin fully in. Work the hinge (by opening and closing the door over its full travel) to spread the grease, and then wipe off the excess. If there is still some squeaking, you can work a little grease into the seams where the hinge sides meet.

Squeak repairs are not permanent… SORRY!

This is because of the cause of the squeak- unusual friction in the hinge and/or parts that are not smooth (even though they may appear smooth to the touch). This friction can be caused by settling which puts pressure on the hinge, faulty installation, or both. Since lubrication does not solve the problem, but rather addresses the symptom, the squeak will probably recur after a time.