How do I apply this decal?

So, you got your new sticker in the mail or you picked it up from your local shop, and you just want to make sure you are putting it on right.  We all remember the sticker packs we got as children.  The small sheet with about 15 to 20 different stickers printed on.  

I know, they were great. You would just simply use your nail to grab the corner of the sticker and peel it off. Then you had haphazardly put them all over your furniture, tv, brother, or mom’s car windows.  So, why do you need to know how to install a sticker?

Vinyl decals are similar in most respects to those stickers we knew as kids. The same basic principle is there, one side is sticky and the other is not. However, most single-color vinyl decals are what is called “die cut”.  Die-cut just means the image is cut out of a solid roll of vinyl, using a machine that has a small blade attached.  The design is sent from the computer using design software and the vinyl cutter cuts it out.  Then the excess or waste vinyl is removed leaving behind the cut design.

Since there are usually smaller pieces within the design, simply trying to apply them individually would be next to impossible.  This is where masking application tape comes into play.  The tape is like typical masking tape but with much less adhesive and specifically made for vinyl.  It is applied to the entire design then trimmed to cover just a little more.

Now your decal is sandwiched between the masking application tape and the backing paper.  This is usually how you will receive a die cut vinyl decal.  So, to install from this point, just follow these simple instructions!

Single Color Die Cut Decal Installation

1. You are going to want to test fit the placement of your new decal before continuing.  After you have picked the spot, you’re going to place it, clean it thoroughly of any grease, grime, dirt, salt, or wax.  You can use some solvents but be sure to clean those off with regular soap and water afterward.

2. Depending on the vinyl used your backing paper will most likely be a white or blue shiny paper material.  You will want to slowly peel that away from the decal.  Go slowly and be mindful of any smaller pieces that may not be sticking properly.  (If you notice the decal isn’t sticking to the application tape, stop.  Flip it over, and using a credit card or squeegee, apply firm even pressure to the entire decal working from the inside out.  This should help re-stick the vinyl to the tape.)

3. Now you should be holding the decal that is stuck to the application tape.  Carefully place the decal where you have just cleaned and prepped.  I find it easier to place one edge down first in the correct spot, then slowly work my way to the other edge using a squeegee or credit card.  Once it is completely down and in place, use your squeegee or credit card to again apply pressure to the entire decal.  This will work out any air bubbles that may be trapped between the decal the surface.  (Do not be overly concerned with smaller air bubbles that may be present.  Exposure to the sun will help dissipate and shrink the vinyl into place.)

4. Last step.  Slowly peel back the application tape leaving the decal to stick on whatever surface you chose.  I try to peel the tape back over itself, keeping it as close to the surface as possible.  This really helps keep the vinyl from coming off with the tape.  Once the tape is completely off just using your finger to push down all edges and corners to secure them.  That is it!