Applying vehicle decals is a great way to advertise your business. There are many different types of decals that you can choose from, depending on the needs and budget of your business. If this sounds like something you want to do for your company, then read on. This blog post will walk you through 9 steps that will help make applying vehicle decals an easy and cost-effective process.
First Things First
The first thing you need to do when applying vehicle decals is made sure that the surface of your car or truck is clean. Dirt, grime, and grease will ruin a decal’s ability to adhere properly – this can also cause damage to the paint on your vehicles, which will require extensive touch-up work later on. To prevent these issues, you should wash your car or truck (or have it professionally cleaned) before applying the decal.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Once the surface of your vehicle is clean, you’ll need to measure and cut out the decal that will go on it. This can be done with a ruler, yardstick, or measuring tape. You want to make sure that any text in the design lines up properly so only one side of this lettering shows after applying – some designs have lettering on both sides, which should be centered.
These measurements will also depend on the size of your decal and where you want to put it. For instance, if you have a small logo or text that goes in an unobtrusive place (like the side rear window), then there is no need for precise measurement – just cut to size, and you’re good to go. If you have a larger logo that will take up more space, like the hood of your car, then measuring becomes necessary to ensure it’s centered properly on the vehicle surface.
Application
Once the design is cut out, it’s time to remove the backing and apply it. You want to make sure that any air bubbles are removed before applying – this will ensure a smooth application since there will be fewer bumps in your decal once it is on the surface of your vehicle.
To remove an air bubble, use a credit card or paper towel to work it out. Do not use your fingers as this will leave oils from the skin on the surface of the decal, which can cause air bubbles when you remove them after application – these spots are hard to get rid of later on!
One important thing that many people don’t know before applying their vehicle decals is that they should start at the top of their vehicle and work their way down. This prevents any creases in the decal from being folded over on itself, causing it to peel up when placed on the surface of your car or truck.
Remove Application Fluid
After you have applied the decal, it’s time to remove the application fluid from around your new design carefully. This can be done with a dry cloth or paper towel (wet towels will leave water spots behind). Do not use dish soap as this may damage the paint on the surface of your car and also leaves a residue that cannot be removed.
Keeping It Clear
Once you have the application fluid removed, it’s time to apply a layer of clear coat. A clear coat will prevent any dust or dirt from settling on your decal and will also provide protection against scratching off paint (upgrades that may lead to costly touch-ups).
Applying the clear coat can be done with an airbrush sprayer, a paintbrush, or by hand. You want to follow the directions on how much clear coat you need and where it should be applied – these can vary depending on your vehicle type (i.e., cars vs. trucks).
Upkeep Requirements
The last part of applying a new decal is to care for it. This can be done by washing your vehicle regularly and removing any dirt or dust from the surface (this will keep the clear coat in good shape).
It’s also important to remember that you should never wax over the top of a car with an adhered decal on it – wax can seep into the decal, causing it to peel up and fold over on itself.
In conclusion, there are a lot of different ways to apply vehicle decals. The most recommended way is following the six steps in this article – it’s safe and will leave your new design looking great for years. In addition, it’s important to keep in mind that decals are not a permanent option. If you ever want to remove the design, it will take some time and effort – having clear instructions on how to do this is crucial. For more information on how to apply custom truck decals or any other design, contact us today.
