Vehicle decals are common on the street, and there are mainly two applications for them. One is for business advertising, the other is for personalization. No matter you’re a fleet owner, or an individual car owner, you will need to learn some basics and tricks about vinyl car decals. Let’s check the Best Vehicle Decals Tips 2021!

Table of Content

Types of vehicle decals
Car decals cost
Printing method
Adhesive
Durability
Wet or Dry Application?
How do you make car stickers last longer?

Types of Vehicle Decals

Cling Decals

These decals have a static charge which makes it easy for you to stick them on smooth, non-porous surfaces like plastic or glass. You can reposition or remove cling decals without leaving any residue on the surface. Besides, vinyl clings can not stick in place for long periods of time because they don’t have any adhesive.

Vinyl Decals

There are mainly two types of vinyl decals: clear and opaque. They both are waterproof and anti-scratch. ACME offers versatile options for car stickers and we can also produce custom vinyl decals.

 

Car Decals Cost

Vinyl vehicle decals are usually small in size, their cost varies from $0.1 to $10 or higher according to different material and printing technology.

 

Printing Method

Digital printing can demonstrate complex designs in high resolution. Its production efficiency is higher and MOQ is lower. Some special graphic effects such as 3D graphics or gradients color can be achieved through digital printing.

Screen printing is widely applied in the production of vehicle decals, they are specially designed to withstand outdoor elements. Screen-printed decals can last up to 9 years, and they can be printed in metallic colors.

 

Adhesive

Vinyl decals usually use two types of adhesives: permanent and removable. The permanent adhesive leaves a residue when it is removed while the removable adhesive can be removed with a little effort but does not leave any residue. The static cling is without adhesive, so it’s removable too.

Note: Reflective stickers and decals have an extremely strong adhesive, so if you plan on placing them anywhere on your vehicle, you only have one chance to get it right. If you do make a mistake, you will have to use heat to take the decal off and try to reposition it.

 

Durability

Speaking of durability, there is a very important fact you need to understand. The warranty periods of vinyl vehicle graphics or decals are based on vertical applications.
Applying a vinyl film on a horizontal or angled surface greatly increases its exposure to UV rays and reduces its service life.
So If you want to apply a vinyl decal on the hood of a vehicle, always use a better material unless it’s a short-term installation.
ACME will suggest you the most suitable products based on your applications and expectations on lifespan. Contact us(info@acmegraphic.com) for a free quote now!

 

Wet or Dry Application?

You can use either the wet application or the dry application method to install vinyl vehicle decals. It’s usually determined by the material and decal size.

With the air-release channels on the back adhesive of our vehicle decals, you don’t need to worry about bubbling or re-positioning. The dry installation method is fast and easy and suited for both small and big size vinyl decals.

However, for some vinyl material that does not have air-release channels on the back adhesive, the wet application is necessary. It gives the installer a temporary lubricant that allows you to re-position or adjust the decal after contact with the substrate. The downside to the wet application is the potential risk of not removing all the fluid inside.

 

How do you make car stickers last longer?

Thoroughly Remove Old Glue or Residue

Before you apply a new sticker, you need to remove all of the old glue and adhesive residue. There should be no dust or debris on the application area.
Tips: For some stubborn residue, apply an adhesive remover to the area and let it sit for few seconds. Gradually wipe away with a cloth and check to make sure the old residue is gone.

 

Apply the Decal in Warmer Weather

The suggested temperature range for vehicle decals application is 10℃~30℃. Applying them in warmer temperatures softens the adhesive allowing it to affix itself to the surface of your vehicle much faster and stronger.