The holiday season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to bring out the garlands, string lights, and festive wreaths. The only thing that can dampen that holiday spirit? The moment you take everything down in January, only to find peeled paint, stubborn sticky residue, and new scuff marks.
As painting professionals, we believe you should be able to celebrate the season without sacrificing your beautiful walls. The secret isn't just in how you hang, but in how you prep.
Here’s our guide to prepping your walls for a festive, damage-free holiday season.
Before a single hook or piece of tape touches your wall, give it a quick cleaning. Adhesives fail on dusty, greasy, or dirty surfaces. This doesn't mean you need to deep-clean your entire house.
How to: For the areas you plan to decorate, gently wipe the wall with a microfiber cloth dampened with a mild solution of soap and water.
Why it matters: A clean, dry surface provides the best possible grip for temporary adhesives, making them less likely to fail and pull paint off with them.
Pro-Tip: If you've painted recently, make sure your paint is fully cured (which can take 2-4 weeks) before applying any adhesive.
The right tools are essential. Ditch the nails, thumbtacks, and that old roll of packing tape in the junk drawer. These are your new best friends:
Adhesive Hooks & Strips (The MVP): These are the go-to for a reason. Brands like Command have engineered strips that hold strong but remove cleanly.
Tip: Obey the weight limits! Don't try to hang a 10-pound wreath on a 3-pound hook.
Crucial Step: Follow the removal instructions perfectly. This usually means pulling the tab slowly and straight down against the wall, not pulling the hook away from the wall.
Adhesive Putty/Tack: This is excellent for very lightweight items like holiday cards, paper snowflakes, or stringing up tinsel.
Caution: On some paint finishes (like flat or matte), poster tack can leave a slightly oily residue. Test it in an inconspicuous spot first.
Washi Tape: For hanging photos, cards, or other paper-light items, washi tape is a great paint-safe option that adds an extra decorative touch. It has a low-tack adhesive that peels off easily.
Once you have your prep done and your tools ready, follow these tips to ensure your paint looks just as good in January as it did in November.
Hang Heavy Items Elsewhere: Use tension rods in doorways or window frames to drape garlands or hang lights. Leverage your mantel, curtain rods, and bookshelves. Don't rely on an adhesive hook for your heaviest decorations.
Go Light with String Lights: When hanging string lights on a wall, use the smallest, lightest-weight clips you can find. The weight adds up, and too much tension can pull on the paint.
The Gentle Removal: When it's time to take things down, don't rush. If an adhesive feels stubborn, don't yank it. Gently warm the area with a hairdryer on a low setting. This will soften the adhesive, allowing it to release more easily.
Avoid the "Forbidden Tapes": Never, ever use regular Scotch tape, packing tape, or duct tape on your painted walls. They are not designed for temporary use and will almost certainly peel your paint.
Sometimes, even with the best prep, an accident happens. Maybe the paint was older, or a decoration was heavier than you thought. A small chip or peel can be an eyesore.
Don't let post-holiday wall damage bring you down. While you focus on packing away the cheer, let us handle the repairs.
Our team specializes in seamless paint touch-ups and drywall repairs that make those little nicks and scuffs disappear. We can restore your walls to their pre-holiday perfection.
Don't stare at wall damage all year. Ask about our professional touch-up services—a free quote is available!