Questions About Application

Q: Will the decals stick?

Short answer: Our decals stick better than duct tape. But there are some surfaces they will not stick to. Most of these concerns are taken care of with good preparation (removing all residues and oils). Still some surfaces are oily on purpose! No matter how well you prep the surface, nothing sticks. This helps dirt and grime not stick. Generally that is a good thing. But not for decals. How to tell if the decal will stick? Use the duct tape test: 1. Prepare the surface 2. Apply a piece of duct tape 3. Wait a day or two If the tape is still stuck very well, a decal will also stick very well.

Q: What chemicals should be avoided with vinyl decals?

Acid and Corrosive Salt Cleaners are extremely dangerous to the decal and the surface underneath (ie - the paint). Overview: Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and Hydrofluoric acid (HF) and phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) and ammonium bifluoride (NH4HF2) are found in many cleaners and are doubly horrible to spray anywhere near a decal. Warning: These chemicals are found not only in wheel cleaners and aluminum brighteners but even in some paint polish/waxes and automotive cleaners and of course automated car washes. Warning: The ingredients on the label may list a derivative of these acids and salts. Google your ingredients to be sure they are truly safe and do not contain the above chemicals. So what is the issue? Well, in theory these products are safe. Well safe-ish to use under the perfect conditions. If sprayed on in the shade at lower temps and then washed right off, no damage may ever be seen. However with continued use there could be problems, not just for the decal but also for the paint. These salts and acids can adhere and stay on the decal EVEN IF WASHED OFF later (similar to how a sponge holds water). At that point the acid will just sit there and EAT at the decal and PAINT. It might take years to see any issues. It might happen the first time. It may never happen. But don't risk it. DO NOT spray, even accidently, any of these acids or salts on the decal. Not even for a second. Not worth the gamble.

Q: I just got my order, it appears that the pre-mask is coming off the decal. What should I do?

Good question. Because of the temperature changes that can occur during shipping, the pre-mask can curl. Or, if the decal is left rolled-up in the box for a long time, the decal may want to not lay out flat. Either way, lay the decal on a flat surface (kitchen table) and re-squeegee the pre-mask. This will help the decal to once again lay flat and for the pre-mask to stick to the decal. (the pre-mask will not and is not made to stick to the wax paper) If you have any questions about this... let us know. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: Can I wax or wash my vehicle right after I install the decals?

For washing, you need to wait a couple days in the winter. Just one day in the summer (let it get some sun). If you use the 'wet method' for installation double the waiting period. For waxing, wait 5 days. If you used the wet method or installed during winter time, wait 10 days. But be careful! Some waxes have strong solvents and cleaners that can eat at the edge of the vinyl. Especially if you allow wax buildup on the edge, can this become a problem. That being said, be careful and you'll do just fine. Note: while waxing may not hurt the decal, the decal does not need waxing. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: Is it legal to put stickers on my vehicle?

Good question. First, we are not lawyers (thankfully) and do not offer legal advice. The following may be good food for thought. Laws do vary from state to state. For that manner, application of laws vary from county to county and city to city. Even from officer to officer. Generally speaking, it seems, if you do not block the driver's view of the road, then most decals and stripes should be just fine. To our knowledge, the only concern is in the laws governing decals on your vehicle's glass, not on the body of your vehicle. We can not be responsible for where decals, graphics, and lettering are installed. Nor can we keep track of how different areas apply the many conflicting vehicle laws. That being said, we have sold tens of thousands of decals and less than a handful of customers have had problems. And most of these were because of the decal being installed in a way that obviously impaired visibility or because of the way the 'citizen' reacted to the officer (so be nice). Think it through and be careful. Check your local laws if your thinking about purchasing a decal and that will be applied to the glass of your vehicle. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: Can I install these decals myself?

Yes! Smaller decals lettering and graphics (under 400 square inches) are a 'piece of cake'! The most you can do wrong is drop them while installing or install them crooked. So, take your time, follow the instructions, and you'll have no problem. Larger decals, lettering, and graphics (over 400 square inches) can also be installed by a novice first time installer. Squeegee technique becomes more of an issue. But again, take your time, follow the detailed instructions and you WILL have no problem. Take a deep breath, you'll be done by the time you take another. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: Any problem with using the transfer on a flexible surface such as an inflatable dinghy?

Yes, possibly. Surface prep is key and adhesion will need tested first. Why? Some plastics/rubbers/etc.. have 'oil built in' so that no matter how much you prep, in a short period of time, the decal will 'fall off' :( very bad. How to test? Prep the surface first (follow online instructions ) and then apply something like duck tape. Give it a few days. If it adheres well, no problem on the vinyl decal. Also, it would be a good idea to allow the decal to 'cure' for 30 days before deflating - otherwise it may peel up on the creases while in storage. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: Will this application stick to interior panels of a car?

The dash and interior panels are not a good idea for decal installation. They make the dash with oil 'built in'. This is why dashes don't crack anymore. You could prep till your blue in the face (believe me I've done it) and within 2 to 3 months, oils will reappear and cause the decal (or even duck tape) to let go. There is one option in which some of out customers have had success. Order the graphic / decal just like usual, then after you order, email us that you'd like it 'made into a stencil for an interior panel or dash'. We will then 'reverse cut' the decal - meaning the inside of the decal will be what shows on the dash - the rest of the decal will have become a paint mask stencil when applied. You can use this along with interior dye (local parts store) to achieve the look you want. Keep in mind this should be viewed as permanent. Also, we do not have any other details on this process. You may want to check with a local body shop for more details and to confirm what some of our customers have done, is indeed a good idea. Let us know how it goes so we can update this question / answer. Hope this information helps. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: Will the application adhere strongly? Why ‘mist’ the back with water?

Yes - very strongly. Same material used for Semi Truck lettering and graphics. The mist is really to prevent the decals from sticking to quickly to start with. If you use the 'wet method', it will take longer for the decals to adhere completely. But, within a day or two (depending on temp) the decals will be adhered to the point, as one customer put it, 'it will take an act of God to get them off' Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Q: Can this application be used on painted sheetrock?

Yes. This is becoming a more common application of our product. It is a bit overkill in that our vinyl is designed for outside use for many many years. You will have no problem inside. Just keep in mind to make sure the surface is clean and oil free. Also, it may take more than the standard 3 days for the vinyl to fully adhere after installed. Possibly up to 30 days. This does not mean the decals and/or lettering will peel off on it's own during the 'curing' period. But kids (and others) might easily pick it off until it adheres fully. Have another question about decals, signs, lettering, or stripes?

Question 1

After applied, can it be clear coated or painted? If so, what is the procedure?

Answer

Although the manufacturer does not recommend clear coating over decals or graphics, many body shops do so without major issues. The primary risk is that the vinyl expands and contracts at a different rate than the clear coat, which can occasionally cause the clear coat to peel or pop off. Ultimately, a top coat is not necessary for the durability of the vinyl.

Question 2

Any problem with using the transfer on a flexible surface such as an inflatable dinghy?

Answer

Applying decals to flexible surfaces like inflatable dinghies can be problematic because some rubbers and plastics contain built-in oils that cause adhesives to fail over time. To test adhesion, prep the surface and apply duct tape for a few days to see if it holds. If successful, apply the decal and allow it to cure for 30 days before deflating the dinghy to prevent the vinyl from peeling at the creases.

Question 3

Can I get the application to fit the curve of your windshield?

Answer

Because windshield curves vary significantly by vehicle model, there is no standard pre-curved application available. To match a specific curve, it is best to apply individual letters one at a time during installation. This method cannot be used for joined or cursive font styles.

Question 4

Can I install these decals myself?

Answer

Yes, decals and lettering can be easily installed by a novice. Smaller decals under 400 square inches are very straightforward, while larger graphics require a bit more care with squeegee technique. By taking your time and carefully following the provided instructions, a first-time installer can successfully apply the decals without professional help.

Question 5

Can I put your decals / lettering / graphics on painted wood?

Answer

Decals can be applied to painted wood, but their longevity depends entirely on the quality and preparation of the underlying paint. The vinyl adheres well to the paint, but if the paint job is poor or begins to fail, the vinyl will peel off along with it. Additionally, some paints contain additives that repel dirt or mold, which may also prevent the decal from sticking.

Question 6

Can I wax or wash my vehicle right after I install the decals?

Answer

After installation, wait at least one to two days before washing the vehicle, or longer if the wet installation method was used. For waxing, wait at least five days, or ten days if installed in cold weather or using the wet method. Avoid allowing wax to build up along the edges of the decal, as some wax solvents can degrade the vinyl over time.

Question 7

Can this application be used on painted sheetrock?

Answer

Yes, the vinyl application works well on painted interior sheetrock, provided the surface is clean and free of oil. Because the vinyl is designed for harsh outdoor use, it will adhere easily indoors, though full adhesion may take up to 30 days. During this curing period, take care to ensure children or others do not pick at the edges.

Question 8

Does CamoWraps come pre-fitted?

Answer

CamoWraps is discontinued. When available, some kits came pre-fitted, but unfitted sheets were highly recommended to avoid registration issues and allow for trimming after application. Installers were advised to maintain a consistent pattern direction, such as aligning the shadow of the pattern, across all panels for a cohesive look.

Question 9

Does the application stick to vinyl wheel covers?

Answer

Decals can adhere to vinyl wheel covers, but the installation is difficult and durability is uncertain because the covers expand and contract. To improve adhesion, clean the cover with ammonia and denatured alcohol, warm it in the sun, apply the graphic, and repeatedly press it down while warm. Tight-fitting covers will last significantly longer than loose ones.

Question 10

Fresh paint! How long should I wait before installing the decal graphic?

Answer

Decals should never be applied to fresh paint until it has fully cured, which typically takes at least 30 days but can take up to 90 days depending on the paint type and application method. Applying a decal to uncured paint can trap solvents, leading to paint discoloration or adhesion failure. Always consult the painter for the exact curing time before installation.

Question 11

How difficult is it to remove the lettering / decal?

Answer

The lettering and decals are designed to remain in place until you choose to remove them, at which point they come off easily without damaging the paint. On glass, slide a razor blade underneath and clean the residue with glass cleaner. On painted surfaces, pick at the edges with your fingernail, preferably while the surface is warm from the sun, and use mineral spirits to remove any leftover adhesive.

Question 12

How do I install a decal that is spliced?

Answer

For extra-large decals that are produced in spliced pieces, lay out both pieces in the desired position and tape the edges. Install the first piece using the standard dry method. For the final overlapping piece, use the wet method by misting the adhesive and the surface with a water and baby shampoo solution. This allows you to slide the decal into exact registration with the first piece before squeegeeing it down firmly.

Question 13

How do I install over rivets or screw heads?

Answer

To install vinyl over rivets or screw heads, initially lay the vinyl as if they are not there, carefully avoiding pressing it into the holes. After removing the pre-mask but before fully pressing down the edges, use a hair dryer to gently warm the vinyl. As it softens, press the tented vinyl down over the rivets, then apply more heat to permanently set the adhesive.

Question 14

How do you make "Application Fluid"?

Answer

The company’s application fluid recipe consists of one gallon of distilled water, 1.5 to 2 ounces of simple baby shampoo, and 1 ounce of denatured alcohol. The baby shampoo allows the graphic to slide into position and prevents bubbles, while the denatured alcohol promotes faster adhesion. Adjust the amounts based on the weather, using more shampoo in summer and less alcohol in cold weather.

Question 15

How easy is CamoWraps to install?

Answer

CamoWraps has been discontinued. Previously, it was considered easy to install due to its 3M Control Tac vinyl, which allowed for repositioning, and its camouflage pattern, which hid bubbles and splices. However, the installation process was extremely time-consuming, often requiring around 40 hours of thorough surface preparation and careful application.

Question 16

How well does your vinyl peel off of painted walls when changed seasonally?

Answer

The vinyl generally peels off painted walls without damaging the paint, provided the paint was properly prepared and fully cured before application. However, temperature fluctuations and condensation on exterior walls can sometimes cause the decal to lose adhesion. If the paint is low quality or was not primed correctly, removing the decal may pull the paint off, so gentle removal is advised.

Question 17

I just got my order, it appears that the pre-mask is coming off the decal. What should I do?

Answer

If the pre-mask is curling or separating from the decal due to temperature changes during shipping or from being left rolled up, lay the decal flat on a surface and re-squeegee the pre-mask. This will help the decal lay flat and ensure the pre-mask adheres properly to the vinyl before installation.

Question 18

Is it legal to put stickers on my vehicle?

Answer

Laws regarding vehicle decals vary by state and local jurisdiction, but generally, applying decals to the body of the vehicle is legal as long as they do not obstruct the driver’s view of the road. Decals applied to glass are more heavily regulated, so it is advisable to check local laws regarding window placements to avoid potential issues with law enforcement.

Question 19

Is it OK for my windshield wipers to hit the decal?

Answer

Decals can withstand being hit by windshield wipers and will last for many years, provided the wipers are kept clean and in good condition. However, if the wipers pick up dirt and become worn, they can scratch the windshield, which will subsequently scratch and damage the lettering or decal.

Question 20

What chemicals should be avoided with vinyl decals?

Answer

You must avoid exposing vinyl decals to acid and corrosive salt cleaners, such as those containing sulfuric, hydrofluoric, or phosphoric acid, which are often found in wheel cleaners and automated car washes. These chemicals can adhere to the decal and slowly eat through the vinyl and the underlying paint. Always check cleaner ingredients and rinse the vehicle thoroughly to prevent permanent damage.

Question 21

What is the cost to install side graphics? Who can install the side graphics for me?

Answer

Professional installation of side graphics typically costs between $80 and $120, depending on the complexity of the vehicle’s body. The company recommends seeking out local auto trim shops like Auto Trim Express or Trim-Line, which often offer mobile services. For a more budget-friendly option, a local car body shop or painter can also perform the installation, as they possess the necessary attention to detail.

Question 22

What kind of care and cleaning is needed on magnetic signs?

Answer

Magnetic signs require minimal care but should not be applied to fresh paint, as trapped solvents can permanently darken the finish. Both the magnet and the vehicle surface must be kept clean to prevent dirt from scratching the paint. Store magnets flat in a warm area to prevent cracking or loss of conformability, and remove them during freezing or wet winter weather to prevent them from being lost on the road.

Question 23

When applying, do you spray the back or the surface? I'm confused!

Answer

You can spray the application solution on either the back of the decal or the target surface; it does not matter. However, using more solution or a stronger soap mixture will increase the time required for the decal to fully adhere. In cooler weather below 60 degrees, it is best to use little to no solution, and care should be taken not to wet the wax paper backing.

Question 24

When applying, it kept sticking to the paper backing. What should I do?

Answer

If the decal sticks to the paper backing instead of the transfer tape, it is likely due to high humidity during shipping. To fix this, lay the decal flat with the paper backing on the bottom and re-squeegee the transfer tape on top. If the wax paper has torn and stuck to the vinyl, carefully use a razor blade or fingernail to separate them before proceeding with the installation.

Question 25

When installing truck lettering, do I follow the line of the door or the window.

Answer

When installing truck lettering, strict measurements can sometimes result in a crooked appearance due to the vehicle’s natural lines and optical illusions. It is best to measure from the closest straight line, such as the top or bottom of the panel, but ultimately step back and adjust the placement slightly so it looks visually level and correct to the eye.

Question 26

Will the application adhere strongly? Why 'mist' the back with water?

Answer

The application material adheres extremely strongly once fully cured. Misting the back with a water and soap solution during installation prevents the adhesive from grabbing too quickly, allowing time for proper positioning. While the wet method slightly delays full adhesion, the decal will bond securely within a day or two.

Question 27

Will the decals stick?

Answer

The decals adhere extremely well, often better than duct tape, provided the surface is properly prepared and free of oils. However, they will not stick to surfaces that have built-in oils or dirt-repellent additives. To test if a surface will hold the decal, clean it thoroughly, apply a piece of duct tape, and wait a day or two to see if the tape remains stuck.

Question 28

Will this application stick to interior panels of a car?

Answer

Decals are not recommended for dashboards or interior panels because these surfaces contain built-in oils that will eventually cause the adhesive to fail. As an alternative, you can order the decal to be reverse-cut to act as a stencil, allowing you to use interior dye for a permanent custom look, though this process is permanent and requires consulting a local body shop for details.