Skip to content

Helping people with dementia feel at home

How do I apply a True Door on a door with a closer?

A True Doors ® tutorial

Summary

To apply a True Door decal on a door with a closer, follow these steps:

Tools Needed:

  • Plant sprayer (water + a few drops of dishwashing liquid)
  • Squeegee
  • Sharp Stanley knife
  • Metal ruler
  • Wiper or rag

Steps for Application:

  1. Prepare the Door:

    • If possible, remove the door closer before applying the decal. This makes the application smoother and easier.
    • If the closer cannot be removed, you will need to apply the decal around it.

  2. Wet the Door:

    • Spray the door thoroughly with water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. This will make it easier to adjust the decal during the application process.

  3. Apply the Decal:

    • Begin applying the decal like you would for a flat door:
      • Start from the top of the door, aligning the decal and lightly pressing it to hold it in place.
      • As you reach the area around the door closer, let that part hang loose for now.

  4. Cut Around the Closer:

    • Once the decal is positioned correctly and the rest of the door is covered, spray the area around the closer with water again to keep it wet.
    • Use a sharp Stanley knife to carefully cut around the closer:
      • You can either cut the decal flush with the edges of the closer or leave a small margin to tuck under the closer for a cleaner look.
      • Be cautious when cutting around the closer to avoid wrinkles or tension in the decal.

  5. Smooth the Decal:

    • Use the squeegee to smooth the decal around the closer, working from the edges of the decal toward the closer.
    • Press firmly to ensure the decal adheres properly around the cut areas.

  6. Finish the Application:

    • Once the decal is smoothed and securely in place, trim any excess material around the closer.
    • Ensure there is no tension or wrinkles around the closer by adjusting and pressing the decal with your fingers or a squeegee.

Notes:

  • Take extra care when cutting around the closer to avoid damaging the decal or creating visible cuts.
  • Work slowly and keep the decal wet to allow for easy adjustments.
  • If you cut slightly beyond the closer, the small incisions should be unnoticeable once the decal is fully applied​​.