Is HiH Vinyl something new?
Yes. HiH Vinyl is part of our collection of products that allow you to create personalized home décor…easily! It is a thin, removable DESIGNER VINYL.
So, HiH Vinyl is designer vinyl…what does that mean?
HiH Vinyl is thin, applies sleekly to the wall and looks like custom graphics. This is very different from the thick, common vinyl wall stickers or decals you may be familiar with.
What else is different about HiH Vinyl?
HiH Vinyl has no ‘halo’…no border of clear vinyl around the design. Common vinyl stickers and wall decals are thick and typically have a ‘halo’ border. Halos are a dead giveaway that you have stickers on the wall, rather than custom graphics that look hand-applied. HiH designer Vinyl looks like custom graphics, while wall stickers look like…stickers.
What is the main difference in application?
HiH Vinyl comes ‘sandwiched’ between a paper backing sheet and a clear carrier sheet. You remove the backing sheet, press apply the vinyl to the wall, and peel off the carrier sheet. The carrier sheet protects the thin designer vinyl until you have applied it where you want it. Common vinyl stickers and wall decals typically peel off a backing sheet and have no carrier sheet.
What’s this about a sandwich?
HiH Vinyl comes ‘sandwiched’ between a paper backing sheet and a clear carrier sheet. The paper backing sheet protects the back/adhesive side of the Vinyl. The clear carrier sheet protects the front surface of the Vinyl. This is the sandwich of glorious décor, not the kind you eat!
Is HiH Vinyl easy to apply?
Absolutely! It applies easy as pie, but differently than wall stickers or decals. You can’t peel it off the backing sheet and wave it around like a thick rubbery pancake, er, wall decal. Just remember: you’re going for a hand-applied, custom graphics look! We’ve provided application tips below.
What surfaces can I decorate with HiH vinyl?
Smooth, hard surfaces that are clean and dry work best. Walls, doors, glass, plexi and metal are all suitable.
Any tips for painted surfaces?
Do not apply HiH Vinyl to freshly painted surfaces. It takes 2-3 weeks for paint to fully cure. If you apply Vinyl during this curing period, the adhesive will dry along with the paint. This means that when removing the Vinyl, flecks of paint may come with it!
What surfaces don’t work?
HiH Vinyl is not suitable for application to surfaces that are wet, dirty, or have a rough texture such as stucco. Also to be avoided are adhesion-resistant surfaces such as gloss enamel. And of course, HiH Vinyl is not made for soft or flexible surfaces such as fabric.
Can I use HiH Vinyl in the bathroom?
Yes. Just be sure to apply it when the walls are dry and the room is humidity-free…not right after a shower!
Woo-Hoo! What’s this thing in the package that looks like a really pretty credit card?
That’s not a credit card – that’s the applicator! Hip In A Hurry designer Vinyl is formulated to install quickly and easily, and this is the only ‘tool’ you need.
Is HiH Vinyl removable?
Yes, HiH Vinyl is designed to be easily removable…just lift the edges with a fingernail or craft blade and peel it off. If this seems the least bit difficult, you can gently warm the motifs with a hairdryer before peeling.
What makes it removable?
HiH Vinyl has a gentle adhesive. It is designed to cling, but not cure to a permanent bond. This means that for it to stick, you want to apply it to a surface that is clean, dry and smooth.
Is HiH Vinyl repositionable?
Mmm…not so much. HiH Vinyl is site-specific…made to be removed, not moved. This is because designer vinyl handles best when applied with its original ‘carrier sheet’. You might have success removing and reapplying a small motif, but you would have to be extremely careful not to stretch it, tear it, or let it stick to itself. Remember, HiH Vinyl is thin for a custom graphics appearance, rather than thick and sticker-like. By its nature it is ephemeral and will not impose itself permanently, so you can restyle your décor on a whim! How nice is that?!?
What’s the easiest way to apply HiH Vinyl?
We recommend the ROCK N ROLL method for smaller motifs, and the PRESS N PEEL method for larger pieces. Scroll down for complete application instructions!
What’s the ROCK N ROLL method?
You COMPLETELY remove the paper backing sheet before applying the Vinyl to the wall. The ENTIRE adhesive surface of the Vinyl is exposed. This is accomplished with a ROCKING-ROLLING motion. ROCK N ROLL is the application technique perfect for smaller motifs as well as extremely complex motifs.
What’s the PRESS N PEEL method?
You PARTIALLY remove the paper backing sheet, exposing only SOME of the adhesive surface of the Vinyl. This is accomplished by folding back a few inches of the backing sheet. You then PRESS the motif to the wall, and PEEL off the remaining backing sheet.
This application technique is perfect for large vinyl motifs and long strips such as borders and word art.
O.K., but when does the CARRIER SHEET get removed?
The clear carrier sheet protects the front surface of your Vinyl until after you have press applied your Vinyl in place. You will have completely removed the paper backing and the entire adhesive back of the Vinyl will be in contact with your wall [or other desired surface]. Then – and only then! – is it time to peel off the protective carrier sheet!
Any special tips for applying HiH Vinyl to glass or plexi?
As always, it is important that the surface be clean and dry. The vinyl will cling a bit more aggressively to ultra-smooth surfaces such as glass and plexi, so the PRESS N PEEL method is especially suitable.
How do I clean my HiH Vinyl wall décor?
Typically, designer vinyl is more durable than the surface to which it is applied! Just clean GENTLY and use a little common sense in choosing your cleaning method: a dry cloth, a damp sponge, soapy water, a cleaning wipe…these are all good. As long as you don’t go all exotic with the chemicals or go for a major workout, you – and your HiH vinyl – will be fine.
Can I overlay HiH Vinyl motifs?
We certainly hope you will! It’s a lovely way to personalize your HiH Vinyl application.
Can I cut HiH Vinyl designs into pieces?
Yes. We call this ‘slicing’ the Vinyl. It is best to leave both the backing sheet and carrier sheet intact when you slice Vinyl. Note: You can use this technique to decorate furniture, when you want to place the vinyl motif over a drawer seam. You can see an example of this in our Dino Mania video and in the Dino Drawers project.
Does HiH Vinyl work in corners?
Yes. You can easily apply HiH designer Vinyl into corners. You can also easily apply it around corners! In both situations, the carrier sheet and thinness of the Vinyl will help you achieve a nice, precise fit.
Can I use HiH Vinyl on HiH Shapes?
Yes. All HiH products are designed to use both independently and interactively. Just remember that the surface to which you apply HiH Vinyl must be smooth, clean and dry.
Can I use HiH Vinyl on furniture?
You can use HiH Vinyl on many types of hard-surfaced furniture. It is not suitable for application to soft or upholstered surfaces.
Can I use HiH Vinyl on fabric? Do I iron it on?
No and no. Emphatically no! HiH Vinyl is not intended for this sort of use.
On what other surfaces can I use HiH Vinyl?
Almost any smooth, clean, dry hard surface will work…doors, mirror, glass, metal. Kids especially like HiH Vinyl Minis. They can be used to personalize computers, electronics, skateboards…any surface where removable custom décor is desired [and allowed!]
Can I apply HiH Vinyl to my Porsche?
Typically, Vinyl you put on a vehicle is thicker, to stand up to abuse. It also has a more aggressive adhesive, so the Vinyl doesn't come off at the car wash, etc. So, yes, it is possible to apply HiH Vinyl to a vehicle, but it might be somewhat less durable than desired. Like walls, cars have different paints, finishes, sunlight exposure, etc. For that reason, although there should be no problem, we do not guarantee perfect removal. And note that depending on the age / finish of the vehicle, there is the possibility that the surface may fade/oxidize, leaving a 'new' spot when the vinyl is removed! The best solution might be to give us your Porsche.
If I only use part of a sheet of HiH Vinyl, can I save the remaining motifs?
Yes. Just be sure that both the paper backing sheet and the clear cover sheet are in place. Store your motifs flat, preferably in the self-seal bag they came in!
How temporary is Hip In A Hurry Vinyl?
HiH vinyl can be removed at any time…after a day, a month, years, or never! You may wind up loving your design and leaving it in place longer than, say, the average piece of framed art.
Does heat affect HiH Vinyl?
Yes, prolonged heat will cause the adhesive to release from the surface to which the Vinyl is applied. This is why a hairdryer can be used to aid removal! Normal ambient warmth is fine.
After the designs have been on my wall for a year, can I remove them?
Yes! The adhesive we use on HiH Vinyl does not 'cure' with age. It is designed to be as removable in a month, a year, or longer as it is when it is first applied. It is designed to have no effect on the surface. This said, be aware that it is impossible to formulate a removable adhesive that works perfectly on every type of surface and with every combination of variables! For this reason, we cannot guarantee perfect removal…a bit of paint touch up may be required. In most cases, though, you will be able to simply lift an edge of the vinyl with your fingernail or a craft blade, and peel off the vinyl. Another method is to very gently heat the vinyl with a hair blow-dryer, and then lift and peel it.
How do I clean the wall if any residue remains when I remove HiH Vinyl?
Don’t worry! HiH Vinyl should not leave adhesive residue.
Can I order a custom Vinyl design from HiH?
We’re sorry, but the answer at this time is no. You CAN, however, create a truly custom look by combining your choice of the hundreds of HiH motifs that are available!
DETAILED APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR HiH VINYL:
- Choose a suitable surface and prepare it. Clean, dry, and smooth! [And remember, if your walls are freshly painted, do NOT apply HiH Vinyl. Allow 2-3 weeks for the paint to cure!]
- If you are cutting multiple motifs from a single sheet, cut loosely, leaving the border around each shape as simple as possible.
- Use blue tape or masking tape to position the motifs you are using on the desired surface. Move them around until you absolutely LOVE your arrangement!
- Remove one motif from the surface, marking its place with tape. Grab your applicator! [That’s the thing in the HiH Vinyl package that looks like a pretty credit card.] Lay your motif on a table with the paper backing sheet facing up. The backing sheet says HiH all over it, so you’ll recognize it for sure! Use the applicator to firmly squeegee all over the backing sheet. What you’re doing is releasing the vinyl from the backing sheet and making sure it is stuck to the clear carrier sheet!
- Fold a corner! Fold back one corner just a bit. This will separate the paper backing sheet from the carrier sheet. You want to grab a corner of the backing sheet so you can start removing it.
- Now, choose one of the following two methods application methods. You’re either going to ROCK N ROLL or PRESS N PEEL.
- ROCK N ROLL! If you have a small motif or one that is extremely complex, you may wish to remove the backing sheet entirely. This will expose the adhesive back of the Vinyl motif completely, before press-applying it to the desired surface. With your motif lying face down on the table, simply roll back the backing sheet, rocking it as you go to release any wisps or bits of Vinyl clinging to it. You want all the Vinyl attached to the clear carrier sheet!
- PRESS N PEEL! If you have a larger Vinyl motif or one that is long and skinny [such as a border or word art], you may prefer this application method. What you will do is fold back just a few inches of the backing sheet, exposing just enough adhesive to PRESS your Vinyl motif to the desired surface. Holding your motif in place, you will then PEEL away the backing sheet.
- Whichever method you chose, your motif is not applied to the surface. It’s time to remove the clear carrier sheet that protects the front of your Vinyl. Use your HiH applicator to gently squeegee a bit. This time out, you’re smoothing the Vinyl off the carrier sheet and onto the surface! Then, grab the upper corners of the carrier sheet and slowly peel it away from the Vinyl. If a bit of Vinyl clings to the carrier sheet, roll your carrier sheet back a bit so you can repress the Vinyl to the surface. Then, continue peeling away the carrier sheet.
- If any air has been trapped between the Vinyl and the surface, you may see a tiny bubble. Use a sewing pin or somesuch to prick the bubble. You’ll be able to smooth the Vinyl to the wall and the pinprick will ‘self heal’.
- WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!? We’re sure it’s amazing and we hope you’re now sitting there feeling TOTALLY artistic and admiring your new custom graphics installation! [Please send a pic our way when you can.]
- Time for a change? Removing your HiH designer Vinyl is easy! Just lift an edge with your fingernail or a craft blade and peel off. For Vinyl applied to glass, plexi or other less-porous surfaces, gentle heating with a hairdryer will speed removal.
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