How To Apply Vinyl Decals

Congratulations on your new decal! With a little care and patience, you'll have it looking fantastic on your car in no time. Please read these instructions thoroughly before you begin.

What You'll Need:

• Your vinyl decal
• Clean, lint-free cloth or paper towels
• Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or a mild car-safe cleaner
• Squeegee or a credit card (wrapped in a soft cloth if using a credit card to prevent scratches)
• Masking tape
• Measuring tape (optional, for precise placement)
• Heat gun or hairdryer (optional, for tricky areas or colder weather)

Preparation is Key!

1. Choose Your Location Wisely: Select a clean, dry, and well-lit area to work. Avoid direct sunlight if possible, as it can cause the vinyl to set too quickly. Temperatures between 10°C and 30°C are ideal.
2. Clean the Surface Thoroughly: This is the most crucial step! Wash the area where the decal will be applied with soap and water to remove any dirt, dust, or grime. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Degrease the Surface: Once dry, generously spray the area with rubbing alcohol or your chosen car-safe cleaner. Wipe it down with a clean, lint-free cloth. This removes any wax, polish, or greasy residues that could prevent proper adhesion. Allow the surface to dry completely.
4. Decide on Placement: Hold the decal (still on its backing paper) up to your car to visualise the exact position. Use a measuring tape if you want precise alignment.

Application Method (Dry Application Recommended for Most Decals):

1. Tape into Position (Hinge Method):
   • Once you're happy with the placement, use strips of masking tape to secure the decal along one edge (e.g., the top edge, creating a "hinge"). Ensure the decal is perfectly straight and level.
   • Step back and double-check the positioning. Make any final adjustments now.
2. Prepare the Decal:
   • With the decal taped firmly in place, carefully lift the un-taped section of the decal away from the car.
   • Slowly and carefully peel the backing paper (the thick, waxy paper) away from the vinyl decal and transfer tape (the clear or paper layer on top). Make sure the vinyl sticks to the transfer tape. If any part of the vinyl isn't sticking, press the transfer tape back down firmly and try again.
   • Peel the backing paper all the way back until it's completely separated from the decal. Cut off the backing paper if it's getting in the way.
3. Apply the Decal:
   • Holding the transfer tape taut, slowly and smoothly lower the decal onto the car surface.
   • Starting from your taped "hinge" and working outwards, use your squeegee or credit card to firmly press the decal onto the surface. Apply even pressure, working from the centre outwards to push out any air bubbles. Overlap your strokes.
4. Remove the Transfer Tape:
   • Once the decal is fully applied and smoothed down, wait a few minutes (longer in colder weather) to allow the adhesive to bond.
   • Starting from one corner, slowly and carefully peel back the transfer tape at a sharp angle (almost parallel to the car surface). Go very slowly! If any part of the vinyl decal starts to lift, press the transfer tape back down firmly, rub over that area with your squeegee, and try peeling again.
5. Final Touches:
   • Once the transfer tape is completely removed, inspect your decal. If you see any small air bubbles, you can often gently push them to the nearest edge with your finger or the squeegee. For stubborn bubbles, a tiny prick with a pin can allow the air to escape, then rub it down.
   • For optimal adhesion, especially in colder weather, you can gently warm the decal with a heat gun or hairdryer on a low setting for a few seconds. Then, firmly rub over the entire decal with your fingers or a soft cloth to ensure it's fully adhered.