How to make vinyl planks adhere to painted wall?

[Chrisjh]

Hi, I am helping a friend update a kitchenette. He bought adhesive vinyl planks from Bunnings to stick on the wall above the benchtop. The wall is painted with an enamel paint and is in good condition. We stuck on 3 planks and minutes later noticed they were slowly peeling off. I used a paint roller to try and apply even pressure over the planks but to no avail. We have now removed the planks which came off easily. 

Can anyone provide any advice as to why this has happened and any suggested remedies?

Thanks

[Jason]

Hi @Chrisjh,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's great to have you join us.

Sorry to hear you're having trouble. Could you please tell us what exact product you are working with? It will help ensure our experts provide the correct advice. 

Apologies that a couple of our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts are taking a well-earned break at the moment, so there might be a bit of a delay before one can get back to you. 

Thanks,

Jason

[EricL]

Hello @Chrisjh 

Can you please tell me which vinyl product you used? Was it the Gerflor or the Ideal stick-on vinyl. Did you wash the surface of the wall to make sure there is no oil or grease residue on its surface? Please allow us to call our supplier regarding the vertical installation of the vinyl product. As soon as we have more information, we'll get back to you.

Thank you for your patience.

Eric

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Chrisjh,

Vinyl plank, whether self-adhesive or not, is designed to be used as flooring, so I suspect this is why you're having an issue with vertical installation. The adhesive on the self-adhesive version is likely not strong enough for the vertical surface, and that is why it's letting go. You could potentially use the non-self-adhesive version if a suitable glue was used for vertical surfaces and the planks were fixed in position until the glue dries. However, as mentioned, it's not how the manufacturer intends for them to be installed.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Chrisjh]

Thanks for your reply Jason. We are using the Gerflor Senso  vinyl planks. 

As mentioned we are attempting to stick them on an enamel painted wall. I felt the wall to see if it had any 'oilyness' but did not clean it. 

Thanks, Chris

[Chrisjh]

Hi @EricL

As per my reply to Jason we are using the Gerflor Senso  vinyl planks. 

As mentioned we are attempting to stick them on an enamel painted wall. I felt the wall to see if it had any 'oilyness', it seemed fine so did not clean it. 

Thanks, Chris

[Chrisjh]

Many thanks @MitchellMc please see my replies to Jason and Eric. 

Having bought a pack of vinyl planks we would like to perseve with them if possible.

Would it help if we use an adhesive on the wall like Dunlop vinyl adhesive?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Chrisjh,

I'd suggest following EricL's advice and give the wall a good scrub down with Sugar Soap. This should help remove any trace of grease on the wall. Remember to flush with fresh water to remove the soap. 

I presume the planks are peeling away from the top down. Perhaps you could install a small timber trim over their top edge that captures it and prevents it from peeling away.

You could tile some Dunlop vinyl adhesive, and it could work. But, since your vinyl already has adhesive on it, it might not work as expected. I'd recommend you do a test section in an inconspicuous location before committing to the whole wall.

Mitchell

[Chrisjh]

Many thanks @MitchellMc , I will try all of the options suggested.

Chris