By signcraft
Posted on Monday, March 23rd, 2026
Shortly after a reader applied a cut vinyl logo on a customer’s office wall, the graphics began to peel off. The sign maker then learned that the area for the sign had been painted with a “stain and dirt resistant paint.” She explained to the customer that the paint was also resisting the adhesive.
She advised the customer to prime the area then paint it with gloss or semi-gloss paint. After the paint had cured for two weeks, she would apply the graphics. They repainted the wall with Behr Premium Plus interior semi-gloss enamel.
When the installer reapplied the graphics, he squeegeed it down thoroughly, used a heat gun to warm the graphics, then squeegeed again. But within a few days, the graphics were peeling. The reader would like to know if others have encountered this and how they dealt with it.
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We received this comment from Stuart Wright, Sign Related, Queanbeyan NSW, Australia, via email:
I see two problems here. First, the wall is very rough. The texture will cut down the amount of surface area for the film to apply on. Second is the choice of film. If they’re using normal cast film, it will only have a 50/50 chance of good adhesion—regardless of the wall. It would have a better chances of it sticking if the surface was both glossy and flat, but it would still be “iffy.” In my opinion, would eventually fail in the long term.
The remedy? Use a low energy film, like a high tack. It will require printing though.
I have dealt with this before. 3m sells a test kit with a pull test (luggage scale). Walls must Always be tested for adhesion. I prefer to use Scotch masking tape–the plain jane tan tape found Everywhere. Why? If masking tape will not stick then neither will PSA Vinyl that has a more aggressive adhesive. Flat or Semigloss paints I like and then I use a Low Tack trans tape to assist. Then I remove the tape with a near flat angel and support the exposed vinyl hold it down.
I was commissioned to make a sign for a paint manufacturer. One provision was they wanted me to use one of their paint brands so they supplied me with a gallon, I installed the vinyl letters and within a few weeks the letters started peeling off, just like in the picture. After doing a little research, I discovered that the paint they gave me had silicone in it to help shed dirt. I had to remove the lettering, (that was easy LOL) sand the panels and repaint with One Shot before replacing the vinyl letters. At least they understood and compensated me for the extra labor and vinyl.
I had the same problem with applying a digital print with laminate on a “rough surface” garage door. I’m not sure what paint the customer used, but the beautiful vinyl logo started peeling off a week later. After several attempts to heat gun and burnish, it still peeled. I discussed with my vinyl supplier and he said to use a high tack vinyl for brick walls and the sort. When the weather warms up I will give it another go. Very frustrating and time and money consuming. Glad to see this posted.
The customer must be using paint with silicone or additives. I’d use an exterior satin acrylic paint like Sherwin Williams Emerald, let it cure for a couple weeks, and apply HP vinyl. The wall is very rough, so that could be part of the problem, but I do believe the paint choice may have been an issue. Because of the rough surface I wouldn’t choose any vinyl that is intermediate, like Oracal 651
UPDATE: The customer is asking me to come back and rubber cement each piece to the wall. I told them I did not think this was a good idea. They are insisting I do it that way. Any suggestions ?
Also I offered to take it down and put up a new one using DPF 4200 Wall Film. I said I would not charge for the new installation. They still want me to rubber cement the new one where it is peeling off instead. Again I do not agree with this and don’t want to do it but it is what the customer wants. They said if I don’t do it – they will. And i don’t want to lose this customer they have been a good customer for decades and i have done all their vehicle lettering. This is the first time we have had a hiccup.