How long does self-adhesive vinyl last?

Known for its affordability, versatility and practicality, self-adhesive vinyl has an array of benefits. But one question that we’re frequently asked is, how long does it last?

Home decorators want best of both worlds in any material that they purchase - budget-friendliness and durability. 

In short, self-adhesive vinyl fulfils this wish, making it extremely popular for DIY enthusiasts.

Depending on the quality of the surface that it is being applied to and a few other variables that we will shortly cover, self-adhesive vinyl will generally last for an average of 3-5 years. This article covers the precautions you should take to get it to fulfil, if not outlive its average lifespan.

Permanent vinyl vs removable – which one is better?

Self-adhesive vinyl comes in two forms – removable and permanent. The bonus of removal vinyl is that it can removed without inflicting damage to furniture, making it a dream for renters or those looking for a temporary fixture to their interior.  
It’s the ideal solution for anyone looking to experiment with a temporary design style before making a commitment, or for long-term renters who are looking for a product to last the foreseeable future, but not indefinitely.  

At Vinyl Depot, all of our self-adhesive vinyl is removable, allowing those to enjoy modifying their home without going against their landlords wishes or committing to a style that will be costly to correct later down the road.  

How can I get maximum life from my self-adhesive vinyl?

1. Prep the surface

The first step is to prep the surface that you are applying it to.
Self-adhesive vinyl will stick better to smooth, dry surfaces, so avoid applying it to broken or porous textures. To prep your surface area, make sure that it’s smooth, clean, free of dust or grease.

2.   Avoid humid environments

Whilst self-adhesive vinyl can withstand humidity, it’s advisable to keep it in dry conditions to get the best possible life out of it. For most homes, this isn’t a problem, but for small spaces that suffer with poor ventilation, water leaks, or dampness, then will create an environment that doesn’t support its optimal lifespan.

And for this reason...

3. Avoid using it in wet spaces such as showers and baths

It is generally safe to apply vinyl above bathroom sinks or shelves (anywhere that doesn’t constantly expose it to water), but in direct wet areas, such as the shower and bath itself, we recommend avoiding. If you do want to try this, it’s advisable to seal the edges with a silicone seal but be wary that this may peel or wear away over time!

The best places to feature self-adhesive vinyl in a bathroom are shelves, units, or cabinets, and to preserve it the longest, make sure to get sufficient ventilation in the room by opening windows and running a heater (if you have one) to dry out moisture from the air.

 4. Stick to indoor-use only

Lastly, although vinyl does have a waterproof finish, it’s best to keep it moisture-free (as mentioned above) to help preserve its lifespan. Not only is rain a risk factor, but UV rays from sunlight will speed up the ageing process and make it more prone to fading over time. And because we live in Britain, where we have the most unpredictable weather of all, it’s much better to keep it inside!

Vinyl Depot supply a broad range of self-adhesive vinyl in a variety of colours and patterns. We have a style to suit every home, and it’s our goal to let no budget come in the way of a creative vision!

Click here to browse our full selection.

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