How To Apply Decals

Decal Chick's decals and graphics can be applied to any smooth, non-porous surface. It is best to avoid any bumpy and irregular surfaces such as stucco, unpainted wood, brick, etc....

1.  First, clean the surface on which the vinyl is to be applied to with either a window type cleaning product or soap and water. Make sure the surface is completely dry and if you are using an alcohol based cleaner that the alcohol has completely evaporated before applying.

2.  Make sure that the temperature of the surface is between 60-80 degrees.  If needed, a hair dryer may be used to warm up the surface. Be careful, some surfaces may be damaged if direct heat is applied, use your own discretion.

Tools Needed:

The Sticker
Squeegee - *can use a credit card or something similar
Masking tape
Window cleaner
Tape measure or ruler
Cold water with 3-4 drops of dish soap shaken in spray bottle - See Notes: below (This method works well for larger decals)
Pin or needle

Small Car Decals

1.  Carefully measure the surface on which the car decal is to be applied and using scotch tape, tape the decal to the surface along the top edge in its desired location.

Note:   If a little nervous, here is where you will need the warm soapy water.  When you lift the sticker, backing and transfer tape,
spray a fine mist all over the area you are working on.

2. Lift the sticker, backing and transfer tape all together.  Slowly peel car decal diagonally upwards from the lower right hand corner, the clear application tape from the decal backing. The decal itself will peel off the backing with the tape. Make sure that none of the car decal parts stay on the backing.

Be VERY careful not to let the sticker fall into itself! - Keep spread out and taut.

3.  Now that you have removed the backing, slowly lower the application tape with the car decal on it back down towards the surface being careful not to get any creases or wrinkles in the decal. 

4.  With the application tape still on, squeegee and press the car decal with a hard but round surface to press the decal on and remove any air bubbles. 

** Note:  If you used the soapy water you can now make sure there are no bubbles, wrinkles and you can even straighten it a bit.  Be sure the last thing you do before removing the tape if using the soapy water is SQUEEGEE FROM THE MIDDLE OF ENTIRE STICKER OUT UNTIL ALL BUBBLES, WRINKLES AND WATER ARE OUT.

5.  Wait 5 minutes, then slowly and carefully peel off the application tape making sure to leave the car decal applied to the surface.

** Note:  If you used the soapy water slowly dry with paper towels and let set for 10 or 15 minutes until the water you sprayed is all evaporated. If an edge of the decal lifts up, simply squegee the decal back down and wait a little longer for the solution to dry before attempting to remove the tape again.  Allow the vinyl decal to dry for at least 48 hours for best results.

Removing Vinyl Decals

Vinyl decals are easily removed if needed, but once removed they cannot be re-used. Simply apply a small amount of heat with a hair dryer to the area to be removed, so that the surface is warm to the touch. Peel the corner back with a knife or tweezers, until you are able to grasp the vinyl decal with your fingers. Then slowly pull at a 90 degree angle, applying small amounts of heat if necessary. When you are finished removing the vinyl, wipe down the surface with an adhesive remover. Be sure to test a small area to insure no damage to your finish.