How to Install Sign Letters with Double Sided Tape
Sign Installation has never been easier!
This step-by-step guide for installing signage and lettering using Double Sided Tape will show you just how easy it is. By using our handy Cardboard Stencil Template and the VHB Tape pre-installed on the backs of the letters, the process is simple and painless!
Table of Contents
What You Will Need
- Signage and/or Letters
- Cardboard Stencil Template (included)
- Tape Measure
- Level
- Masking Tape or Painter's Tape
- Clean, Non-abrasive cloth
Before You Get Started
Make sure your wall is CLEAN and DRY before installing the signage. For this method, the wall must be FLAT and SMOOTH.
STEP 1: Determine Sign Location
If centering the sign on the wall, use a tape measure to find and mark the center of the wall
If you’re not centering the sign on the wall, then place the included template on the wall to visualize the ideal location.
STEP 2: Lightly Tape Template
Once you have determined the sign location, LIGHTLY tape the included template to the wall using masking or painters tape.
TIP: The included template has notches on all 4 sides to show the vertical and horizontal center
STEP 3: Level Template
Ensure the template is level on the wall before applying more masking or painter’s tape.
STEP 4: More Tape!
Once the template is level, secure it to the wall using more masking or painter’s tape. Ensure the template is tight and flat against the wall.
TIP: You dont need to overdo the tape, we generally recommend a piece of tape every 12″ or so.
STEP 5: Apply the Letters
Starting with one letter, peel the backing off the double sided tape.
IMPORTANT: Only peel the tape backing off of 2 – 3 letters at a time. Tape will lose tackiness if backing is removed too early.
Carefully align the letter with the template and press the letter firmly against the wall.
Repeat the process for each letter.
IMPORTANT: Signage tape requires pressure to properly set. Apply firm hand pressure evenly across the entire letter surface to ensure a strong bond.
STEP 6: Remove Protective Masking
NOTE: This step only applies to UNPAINTED acrylic letters which come with a protective paper masking on the face.
STEP 7: Remove Template
Carefully remove the cardboard template and clean letters as needed with a soft non-abrasive cloth.
THAT'S IT!
Now take a step back and enjoy you sign.
Do a happy dance, give yourself a pat on the back, pop champagne! Whatever it is – you deserve it!
Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
Symptom: Letters fall off or edges lift within hours/days.
Fix: Remove letters. Peel old tape from letters – you can request new tape by contacting us or ordering online. Clean wall and then re-install letters following the same instructions.
Symptom: Only parts of the tape contact the wall.
Fix: Ideally don’t use tape—switch to construction adhesive like LiquidNails or Stud Mounts (if you haven’t ordered yet).
Symptom: Looks fine at first, then slowly releases.
Fix: Press each letter firmly for 20–30 seconds (more on larger letters). The tape bond is increased with pressure.
Symptom: Tape loses its tackiness before being adhered to wall.
Fix: Peel old tape off of letters and apply new tape – this time only peeling the tape for the letters you are ready to install immediately. You can request new tape by contacting us or ordering online.
FAQS
Smooth, clean, and non-porous surfaces like glass, metal, sealed/painted drywall, ACM panels, and smooth painted doors.
It’s not recommended. Texture reduces contact area and bond strength. For brick/stucco, use stud mounts or mount using construction adhesive like LiquidNails.
Repositioning after contact is risky – it can damage the wall and/or paint. If you must remove it, gently “saw” behind it with dental floss/fishing line and remove adhesive residue—then replace with fresh tape.
Tape can work outdoors on correct surfaces, but heat, cold, moisture, and weight matter. For long-term durability on exterior walls, construction adhesive or stud mounting is usually safer.
Yes! When you order signage and the mounting method on the order is listed as “Double Sided Tape” that means the everything will arrive with tape pre-installed on the backs. Also included is our trusty cardboard Stencil Mounting Template.
Ready to get started?
Send us an email or fill out a quote form and we’ll get back to you within 1 business day!
