How To Reuse Wall Murals

Printed wall murals are fantastic, cost-effective ways to spice up your space. They are also incredibly customizable which means you can create the exact look you’re going for. But, if you’re worried about how much a wall mural costs, then let us put your worries to rest. You can actually reuse printed wall murals.

In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about how to reuse wall murals. So, if you’re feeling thrifty or simply want to save your best wall mural, here’s how to do it.

How To Reuse Wall Murals

Now, reusing a custom wall mural might sound complicated but all it takes is a steady hand and a lot of preparation.

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• The original backing paper or wax paper (if you’re thinking of reusing a wall mural, you must save the original backing paper)
• A blow dryer or heat gun
• Rubber bands
• A sturdy cardboard tube

These supplies can easily be found at your local hardware or craft store. 

If you no longer have the original backing paper, you could opt for wax paper. While this isn’t an ideal solution, wax paper works well if you’re in a pinch. Wax paper also works well if you’re working with smaller mural pieces or wall decals. 

Once you’ve gathered the supplies, it’s time to prep. 

The most important part of prepping is ensuring that you have all your supplies on hand. It also helps to have a couple of extra hands around too. 

Now that the prepping is complete, all that’s left is the removal.

Removal

Removing a wall mural can be a challenge, but the trick is to weaken the adhesive. Once the wall mural’s adhesive has been weakened, peeling it off becomes a breeze. 

Here’s what you need to do

Peel The Mural

Most printed wall art is designed to be easily removed without extra supplies. Tug at a corner of the mural and peel at a 45-degree angle downward from that corner. Most of the time, the mural should come right off. But, sometimes environmental factors can be at play that makes removal difficult. 

In cases like these, it’s time to bring out your hair dryer or heat gun. Heat the mural a bit at a time and tug. The heat from the hairdryer should weaken the adhesive and make it easier to remove. 

Make sure that your hairdryer is at a low temperature. You don’t want to accidentally melt your mural. Slowly work your way down the mural, removing it section by section. This should help save your mural and ensure it comes off in one piece. 

Store The Mural

Once you’ve removed your mural, you’ll want to carefully store it to avoid damage. If you still have the original backing paper, your job becomes a lot easier. Place the mural on the ground, front side down, and then carefully attach the backing.

Try to avoid touching the mural or getting any fingerprints, dust, or wetness on it since it can affect the adhesive. If you don’t have the original backing, the wax paper would work as well. 

Next, you’ll want to carefully roll the mural up for easy storage. Use the cardboard tube as a base and roll the mural around it, then secure it with rubber bands. 

Now, your mural might wrinkle or crease slightly during this process but it should flatten right out with time. 

Clean The Wall

The final step is to clean your wall. With printed wall murals, you’ll likely have some sticky residue left behind. Wipe your wall down with some warm, soapy water to get rid of the gunk.

If you’re having some trouble, you could also try some Zinsser Dif Ultra Spray to remove the last of the adhesive. 

Re-installation 

Now, once you’ve removed and stored your wall mural, chances are you’re going to want to use it again sometime in the future. The trick with redoing wall mural installation is to reactivate and strengthen the adhesive. This is vital if you want your mural to stick and look good as new. 

Here’s what you need to do:

Prep the wall

The first step when installing, and reinstalling, a wall mural is to prep the wall. You’ll want to wash off the surface and clean up any dirt or grime it might have. This step is important because having a clean, smooth wall will help the adhesive stick.

Remove the mural

Next, you’ll want to carefully remove your mural from its storage in one piece. The easiest way to do this is to use tweezers or some other tool to ensure your fingerprints don’t affect the adhesive. 

Strengthen the adhesive

Carefully place the mural right side down and brush some watered-down white glue onto the adhesive. 

This process strengthens the adhesive and ensures that your mural sticks well.

Install the mural

Once your mural has been prepared, carefully place it on the wall. The process is the same as when you first installed it. Our advice is to be careful and take your time. Use a flat stick to push out any bubbles and help the adhesive stick. 

Conclusion

Decorating with a wall mural is a fantastic way to brighten up your space, and reusing it can save you money. Be sure to take your time and give yourself the space to do things right. 

If reusing a mural is completely out of your wheelhouse, why not give us a call and order a brand new one! At Coastal Creative, we can handle your every mural need.

Did you enjoy reading our blog? Then consider checking other guides:

• What Is a Wall Mural?
• Best Removable Wall Murals
• How To Seal a Wall Mural?
• How Are Wall Murals Printed?
• Types Of Wall Mural
• Best Wall Murals for Bedroom
• Best Wall Murals for Living Room
• Does Mural Need Smooth Wall
• Outdoor Wall Murals
• Simple Outdoor Wall Murals
• Garden Wall Mural
• Waterproof Wall Murals
• Exterior Wall Elevation Wall Murals
• Wall Murals For Business
• Home Office Wall Mural