Apply Your Decals Like A Pro

Start With A Clean Surface

Thoroughly clean the area where you’ll be applying the decal using soap and water.
Use rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) to remove any grease or oil left after cleaning with soap and water. After cleaning make sure no soap or residue remains. Do not use window-cleaning products. They may leave a residue behind, making your decal cling less effectively.

Apply When Temperatures Are Moderate

For the best results, install your decals in a shaded area away from direct sunlight. When possible, you should apply decals when the temperature is above 50F and below 90F.

Use Masking Tape

Masking tape can help ensure that your decal is positioned exactly where you want it. Leaving the white backing paper in place and facing the surface you’re applying it to, position the decal where you want it to go. Place a piece of masking tape along the top edge of the decal—this fixes it in the proper location. Then, lift the decal as if it’s on a hinge, and peel off the backing paper. While holding onto the bottom edge, slowly lower the decal, using the thumb of your other hand to press from the center out and gradually working your way from top to bottom.

Use The Wet Method

You can apply most smaller decals without using water, but for large or more complex decals this trick is a life-saver. After cleaning your surface area, wet the area again using a spray bottle and a solution of about 5% soap / 95% pure water. Apply the decal while the area is still wet. This will keep it from adhering immediately and give you time to re-position it if necessary. It also enables you to remove any bubbles using a squeegee or a plastic card. The soapy water will dry in a few minutes and leave your decal firmly affixed.

The Transfer Tape

Many decals come with three layers: 1) Transfer tape, the clear top layer that clings to the non-adhesive side of the decal and holds the decal together; 2) The decal, the middle layer; 3) Backing paper, the bottom layer of white paper that clings to the adhesive side of the decal.

Before applying these types of decals, it’s important to make sure the decal and transfer tape are pressed firmly together. To do so, apply pressure evenly across the transfer tape with a squeegee or a plastic card. This will ensure that the decal doesn’t come up with the backing paper during installation.

Also, once you’ve applied your decal, be sure to leave the transfer tape in place for at least 3 hours and up to 24 hours before gently removing it. In very cold winter months, you may need to leave the transfer tape on even longer. To speed up the process when it’s cold out, you can warm the application surface using a blow dryer on low heat.