How To Use A Vinyl Sticker On My Car?

Car vinyl stickers or otherwise known as decals, are easy to apply once you are clear on the method for application. The whole process can be completed in a few steps while you can expect relatively lasting results thereafter.

To give you a comprehensive overview of the process, we have crafted this guide for applying vinyl stickers on your car. Each step has been explained in detail so that you understand the reason and aim for each action.

Vinyl Sticker Application Summary

If you have applied vinyl stickers to vehicles before, and just need a quick refresher, then this summary is for you. For starters, you will need to first clean the area of application with cleanser and water. Once clean, you may begin application by cutting the vinyl into segments that will cover each part of the car’s body.

Finally, you can apply the sticker with the help of adhesives while cutting off the edges at the end. When doing so, it would be helpful to have an extra pair of eyes to check if the placement of the vinyl sticker is accurate.

If you are unclear of the process or wish to find out about it in greater detail, then read our step by step guide found below.

Positioning the Decal

Pre-Planning

When positioning the decal, details is key. You must be exact in determining where the decal should be placed and the desired end result. Moreover, when comparing the decal to your car body, you must ascertain if they are a good fit.

Critically, for larger car decal stickers, they may stretch over several body components. If so, you will have to plan for applications that extend over any gaps between the components. Additionally, you may be required to split the decal apart later in order for it to be applied to each body part.

Measuring & Centering The Vinyl Sticker

Once you have a rough plan in mind, you should hold the decal up against it. This will give you an idea of how it will look on your car. While doing this, you must take note not to remove the protective backing on the decal while also ensuring that the vehicle body is completely dry.

To further guarantee that your placement is accurate, you can use a tape measure. The tape measure will help you to accurately centre the decal. This is especially handy if you are placing identical stickers on either side of the car.

If you are certain about the placement of the vinyl sticker, then using masking tape to mark the location will help in positioning later. We recommend tearing off small pieces of tape to mark each corner of the sticker placement.

Preparing the Car Body’s Surface for Application

Clean the Surface Area

Start by using a soft cloth and mild cleaner on the target surface area. A good example of a cleaner would be alcohol as rubbing it will clean the area well while it evaporates quickly.

2 practices should be avoided here:

• Avoid simply spraying the cleaner onto your car as the mask tape may soak it up. Instead, the cleaner should be applied to a rag before the car body is wiped.
• Do not use cleaners that leave a film or oil on the car. For example, cleaners like Windex or spray-on waxes may leave a residue that prevents the decal from sticking properly to the surface.

Allow the Area to Dry Completely

The cleaned area must be dried completely as decals do not stick well to wet surfaces. We recommend the usage of a towel or air dry. Only once the surface has been completely dry should you begin to apply the decal.

Applying the Vinyl Sticker

Heating Up the Vinyl Sticker

Before peeling the sticker off, we recommend using a hair dryer to heat it up. Heat helps to release the adhesive at the back of the decal, allowing you to later pull it off with ease.

Peeling Off The Backing

You should first remove a portion of the sticker’s backing, starting from the corner. We recommend peeling it off in thirds to make the application manageable yet efficient.

The exception to this rule is when the sticker is only a few inches long or shorted than your forearm. In which case, you should be able to completely remove the backing at one go.

Apply the Corner of the Exposed Decal

Using the tape that you had previously pasted as a guide, you can begin applying the corner of the sticker to your car. Firmly press down the corner of the sticker onto the surface, while also using a straight edge tool such as a credit card to press it down.

When performing this action, you must keep the decal pulled tight in order to prevent any bubbling from occurring. Generally, using the straight edge tool of your choice should be sufficient for forcing out any small bubbles.

Gradually Unpeel the Backing

As you apply more of the vinyl sticker to your car, gradually peel more of the backing off to expose more of the decal. Gradually peeling off the decal helps you to keep the decal straight as you apply it. You will also not need to worry about other parts of the decal sticking onto your car when you have not intended for them to do so.

Allow The Sticker Time to Bond to the Surface

Avoid removing the transfer tape immediately after having pressed the decal onto the car. Instead, leave the applied decal in direct sunlight to increase the speed of bonding.

Do take care to avoid pulling any part of the decal off. Furthermore, you should avoid using excessive heat to speed up the bonding process as it may damage the decal.

Peel the Transfer Tape Off

After about 30 minutes, you can begin to remove the transfer tape. Staring at one corner, you should peel the tape back slowly while being wary of the decal being peeled back together with the transfer tape.

In the event that the tape and sticker do come off together, you may press the them back onto the surface and reattempt peeling from a different angle. We recommend that you maintain a slow and steady movement when peeling in order to avoid damaging the vinyl sticker.

Use a Sharp Edge Object to Press Out Any Bubbles

Finally, use the same sharp edge object to press out any bubbles that have been trapped between the surface and the sticker. Special care should be taken here to avoid using excessive force as this might cause the sticker to tear.

Choose Auntie Sticker Works for our Car Decal Stickers

Auntie Sticker Works Pte Ltd was established in 1996. We are professional experts specializing in customised design vinyl outdoor stickers, full vehicle decals, vehicle number plates and body wrap.

Over the years, Auntie Sticker Works has built up a reputable name in the industry for impeccable service and precise sticker printing work. We service a wide range of clients including both personal vehicle drivers and commercial vehicle advertising.

We guarantee quality products and service. With Auntie Sticker Works, you can now easily customize unique and personalized stickers online from the comfort of your home. Enquire about our car decal printing services today.