DECAL APPLICATION
How To Apply Decals
Follow our quick tutorial and learn how to apply your vinyl decals. Our decals are easy to apply, just peel and stick on a clean dry surface.
Download Quick Reference Application Instructions
For quick reference download these simplified
instructions to your phone or printout for a handy reference.
Step 1 - Gather Tools
Your decal will arrive sandwiched between application tape and paper backing. We recommend that you apply your decals at temperatures between 60-90 degrees F and out of direct sunlight.
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The basic tools for installation are a Squeegee, (a credit card may also be used) a Tape Measure, Scissors or Hobby Knife, and Masking or Painters Tape.
Step 2 - Prepare Decal
To ensure that the decal peels away from the paper backing and adheres properly to the application tape, lay the decal on a hard smooth surface, squeegee across the entire surface of the decal with firm pressure. You may also use the sharp edge of a credit card or rub firmly with your fingertips covering the entire surface.
Step 3 - Clean Application Area
Clean the area where the decal will be applied using a soft cloth dampened with alcohol. This will remove any wax, oil or dust particles that will prevent the decal from sticking. After wiping the area with alcohol, wipe the surface with a clean cloth dampened with clear water to remove any residue and let dry. If the decal will be applied to a painted surface such as the body of a vehicle clean the area using a soft cloth and warm soapy water first, then clean area with alcohol and finally rinse the area with a clean soft cloth dampened with clear water and dry. (do not use any other products to clean your application surface other than mild soap and water first, and alcohol last)
Step 4 - Remove Backing Paper
Carefully peel the application tape and decal away from the paper backing. If the decal does not peel away from the paper backing, it Sometimes may be necessary to get it started with a needle or xacto knife. When you peel the application tape away from the paper backing the decal will adhere to the back of the application tape. The paper backing can be thrown away.
Step 5 - Begin Application
Measure position, Hold or tape the decal in position and stick the top or one side holding the other side up away from the surface
Step 6 - Adhere Decal To Surface
Slowly rub or squeegee firmly across the surface of the decal using the squeegee tool or the sharp edge of a credit card. The decals have a pressure sensitive adhesive so the harder you rub, the better it sticks.
Step 7 - Remove Application Tape
Remove the application tape by pulling it gently back on itself at 180 degrees (don't pull up). If a part of the decal starts to come up away from the surface rub it back down onto the surface while the tape is still intact and press firmly, then proceed to remove the tape. Only the pieces will remain on the surface giving the appearance of being painted on.
Step 8 - Enjoy!
After the application process is complete, your decal will have a “painted on” look. Give your decal 24hrs for the adhesive to cure before washing or waxing.
Note: The decals will not adhere to a surface that has been waxed or treated with rain-x. Remove all wax and residue with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol before application. After the decals have been applied, the surface can be waxed over. The wax will not damage the decal but will prevent it from sticking.
By default, the decals are cut for exterior application. The option for interior application is offered during the order process when you place your order by choosing mirrored/reverse option.
The decals are cut using a sign grade vinyl that is durable and designed to withstand the elements. The decals will hold up well in an automatic car wash. If you use the pressure spray car wash do not apply a lot of pressure directly on the decal. The decals will not adhere to a surface that has been waxed but can accept wax after application. The decals can also accept a clear coat if needed.
Troubleshooting Decal Application and Removal:
My decal won’t peel off the paper backing.
Lay the decal on a hard surface and use a squeegee or the sharp edge of a credit card and press firmly across the surface of the decal. This will press the vinyl material into the application tape so you can peel it away from the paper backing and apply your decal. Sometimes it may be necessary to get it started with a needle or xacto knife.
My decal won’t stick to the window or surface.
Make sure the surface is as clean as possible. Residue from car wash soap and wax, products like RainX and rainwater mixed with oil and gas residue from the road can all prevent your decal from sticking. We recommend cleaning the glass with rubbing alcohol or ammonia free window cleaner. Other surfaces can be cleaned with soapy water. Make sure the surface is completely dry before you apply your decal.
Some decal pieces keep peeling up when I try to remove the application tape.
Use a squeegee or the shape edge of a credit card and press the decal firmly on the surface. It may help to leave the decal on the surface for several minutes before you try to remove the application tape. Peel the application tape away at an angle (see the photo above Step 7 above.
There are bubbles in my decal.
First, make sure you have removed the clear application tape on top of the decal. Only the vinyl pieces should be left on the surface. Small bubbles under the vinyl material usually dissipate in a couple of days. If you have large bubbles in the vinyl material, you can use a needle to puncture the vinyl so the air can escape as you press the material down.
I need to remove my decal.
Decal Removal Instructions
1. Clean the decal or sticker and the area surrounding it. To clean the decals or stickers, you can use soapy water and a cleaning cloth. Clean the area around the decal or sticker properly where you want to remove so that no grit or grime interferes with decal’s adhesive-busting ability.
2. Warm it up. Using a hot hairdryer or heat gun this will help make the vinyl more flexible and help release the adhesive making removal easier.
3. Scrape up under the sticker. When the decal or sticker is heated up, you can scrape up under the sticker with a plastic card at an angle and begin to peel it away. You can also use your fingertips or a razor blade to peel it away. Do not use a razor blade on painted surfaces.
4. If there is adhesive residue left, you can use window cleaner, soapy water or an adhesive remover (goof off) from your local automotive or discount store. Please read all warnings and instructions carefully. Some adhesive removers can damage plastic and painted surfaces.