When it comes to working with DIY products for home improvement the key to success is not only the quality of the product but also to know how to install and care for the product. When you're clued up on all the tips and tricks that we teach you, you will find that there's no need to engage a tradesperson to do the job. Knowing your DIY will save you dollars no doubt and what's more; it's fun and could be very addictive.
Our videos tutorials are categorised by product category.
Before you start a project we strongly recommend the following steps:
✓read our FAQ section
✓check out the video tutorials for your planned project
✓read the full product description for your selected product including the where to install, application, size and maintenance guide. This will give you an understanding if the product will work for your project
✓order a sample first and check the colour, texture and quality by putting it to the test
✓if unsure of anything please ask our friendly team. We're happy to help and suggest the correct product for your project. We are all about successful makeovers and will let you know if and why a product won't be suitable for your project.
✓find more inspiration on how to use our products by reading our blog, check out our mood boards, inspiration pages, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.
✓prep, prep, prep! The most critical point for success is to prepare your surface for the application. Make sure it's properly clean from dust and grease.
✓install self-adhesive products and products using any type of adhesive at the right temperature. That means room temperature. For best result put your products in the installation room 48 hours before application to allow them time to acclimatise. Make sure that your ambient temperature and temperature of the products are a minimum of 20°C before, during and after application. This is because glue has a higher freezing point than water and need heat to be activated. A glue that is frozen won't set. So if you live on the South Island and intend to install peel and stick tiles in your caravan over the winter months, you might want to delay the project. If you install during the colder months ramp up the temperature 48 hours before installation and keep it on until 48 hours after installation to make sure your walls and floor keep a temperature at 20 - 22°C that entire time.
✓measure your surface you intend to cover before you order. Add a minimum of 10% for spill, edges, overlaps, test cuts, errors etc. If unsure of how to measure and calculate the quantities required check out our size guide for the product you've selected. We are more than happy to help with calculations and guidance.
✓measure twice, cut once! We all know this rule and most of us have probably broken it several times. Don't skip this step or you may have to order more products to complete your project and risk delays.
✓get the start right. Make sure that you start your application at the right angle. If you get this wrong this will transfer to the rest of the project.
✓go slowly! Don't rush the application. If you get a bubble, crease, start on the wrong angle, go back and allow some time to fix it. Our glue is low tack so depending on the surface, in most cases you can go back.
✓ask for help. Sometimes four pair of hands can be better than just two, especially for our wider vinyls. If you don't have anyone to ask, you can use books and other props that may help the application.
✓follow our caring guidelines. This is particularly important when it comes to cleaning, water protection and distance to a heat source.
✓lift instead of shuffle items on the surface
✓only use none abrasive cleaning products
✓never exceed the heat that the product can withstand. A pot directly from the stove is too hot but a cup of coffee in a well insulated cup is usually fine on sticky back plastic (as long as it doesn't exceed 75°C). However if you pour your tea into a cup when the water is boiling hot, you'll probably end up with a ring on your vinyl. It is always best to use coasters and heat protection mats.
✓avoid anything with a strong pigmented colour to get in contact with the products (e.g. curry powder, turmeric, freshly grounded coffee, food colouring and similar)
✓avoid any sharp object close to the products. Use cutting boards at all time.
✓seal any edges closest to a water source with a silicon (e.g. around taps and sinks etc.)
Know your DIY. Watch these how to videos.
Listen to Martin Karlsson from Vinyl Home talking to Hamish Dodd and Stan Scott on Magic Radio
Olivia, Styling + Content Creator, has renovated her kitchen with the help of sticky back plastic. This is her guest blog she's written for us.
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