Guide
How to Apply a Vinyl Decal: Step-by-Step Guide
A decal that is applied well looks like it was painted on and lasts for years. Our decals arrive cut, weeded and covered with transfer tape, so applying one takes a few minutes and a few simple tools.
What you need
A clean, dry cloth, isopropyl alcohol or glass cleaner, masking tape, and a squeegee or an old credit card.
1. Prepare the surface
Clean the surface thoroughly with alcohol or glass cleaner and let it dry completely. Dust, wax and oils stop vinyl from sticking. Apply at a moderate temperature, ideally between about 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, because very cold or very hot surfaces make the adhesive behave badly.
2. Position it
With the backing still on, hold the decal in place and fix it with a strip of masking tape across the top edge, like a hinge. Step back and check it is straight and centered before you stick anything down.
3. Apply
Lift the decal on its hinge and peel the backing paper away, leaving the vinyl on the transfer tape. Starting at the taped edge, lay the decal down and smooth it onto the surface with the squeegee, working from the center outward with firm, overlapping strokes.
4. Remove the transfer tape
Rub the whole decal once more, then peel the transfer tape back slowly at a sharp angle, close to the surface. If a piece of vinyl lifts with the tape, lay the tape back down, rub that spot again and retry.
5. Aftercare
Press down any bubbles with your finger. Small ones usually disappear in the sun; a pin prick lets stubborn air out. Wait a couple of days before washing a vehicle or applying pressure, and avoid pressure washers aimed at the edges.