Overview

Car decals are a great way to show off your personality. A decal can be a custom graphic design or a premade graphic design. The best thing about decals is that they will make your car unique; you’ll definitely stand out on the road! Whether you want to add your business logo or some pinstripes, decals are the best way to have a recognizable car. Here are some important things to know about car decals.

1. What is a decal?

A decal or transfer is a pattern or image that is printed onto a plastic, paper, cloth, or ceramic material. The process includes transferring the pattern or image upon contact, typically done with heat or water. The technique was invented by Simon Francois Ravenet and became popular at the end of the 19th century. Decals are generally more durable than stickers because the material they are printed on is meant for wear and tear. Decals are the best choice for placements that need to be long-lasting, like on a car or a store window.

Decal Structure

Vinyl, polyester, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or other varieties of plastics are used to make modern decals. The chosen plastic is backed with adhesive to help it adhere to the chosen object. There are two common types of decals: the dry transfer and the wet transfer.  

Dry Transfer vs. Wet Transfer 

• Dry Transfer

The dry transfer method uses adhesive tape to stick the decal to the surface. The graphic is applied similarly to a sticker. Once the decal is applied, the transfer paper is removed to reveal the graphic.

• Advantages:
  • Quick and easy
• Disadvantages:
  • Harder to ensure target placement; one chance to get it right
  • Can’t be removed without destroying it
  • Can’t push air bubbles out, but they usually go away after a few weeks
  • Only can be used on flat or slightly curved surfaces

• Wet Transfer

The wet transfer method uses a soap solution to dampen the adhesive side of the decal and the surface where the decal will be applied. The soap solution allows the installer to slide the decal around to ensure perfect placement. Once the decal dries, it is adhered to the surface.  

• Advantages:
  • Ensures target placement; can be moved and removed to get right placement
  • Easier adhesive to work with because it won’t stick to itself while wet
  • Air bubbles are easily pushed out for a smooth finish
• Disadvantages:
  • Longer installation time; can take up to several hours for decal to dry

2. How to apply a decal

You can have a decal applied by a professional graphic design service, but you can also apply them yourself. First, you’ll need to decide if you want to apply your decal through a dry transfer or wet transfer. Here are the steps on how to apply your graphic decal.

Dry Transfer

• Clean your car surface or the place you want to apply the graphic
• Decide where you want the placement of your decal, measure and mark out that area
• Peel back the transfer paper and place your decal
• Remove top transfer paper to reveal graphic

Wet Transfer

• Clean your car surface or the place you want to apply the graphic
• Dampen the desired placement surface with a soapy solution
• Dampen the adhesive side of the decal
• Place the decal on the target area, move around until it is in the desired position
• Squeeze out any liquid or bubbles with a flat edged tool or squeegee 
• Let dry before removing the transfer paper

3. Custom Graphic Designs vs. Premade Graphic Designs

The difference between these two designs is in the name; one is custom, and the other is already designed. There are different reasons why you might choose one over the other; know that a custom graphic design decal will be the most unique choice.

Custom Graphic Designs

These decals are made especially for you; if you want a photo as a decal or want a graphic designer’s help with the design process, you will want to get a custom graphic design.

• Advantages:
  • Uniqueness: Custom designs ensure there won’t be another decal like yours. Your custom decal will stand out amongst all the other decals, making yours more easily recognizable.
  • Customization: You get to be part of the design process and get creative. You can work alongside your professional graphic designer to choose elements like color, shapes, and words.
  • Collaboration: A professional graphic designer will design the decal for you, but if you want to be a part of the process, you can! 

Premade Graphic Designs

These graphics are already made and available to use. A professional graphic design service has already designed and printed these decals. 

• Advantages:
  • Budget: They are typically much more affordable than custom graphic designs because they have already been designed and don’t require the designer to make a decal for one person/business.
  • Availability: These decals are readily available for you to buy and use when needed. Many more professional graphic design services offer these premade graphic designs.
  • Timing: If you want a decal right away, these decals are already made and readily available to purchase.

Will you choose a custom or premade graphic design?

Custom graphic designs can be best if you’re looking for a decal to make you stand out immediately. You will get to choose what your decal looks like and work alongside a professional graphic designer, which can be a very fun process. If you are looking for a decal that is more affordable and available, you’ll want to consider a premade graphic design. Both are great ways to showcase your personality.

4. Things to keep in mind

• Waiting 30 days or more after your paint job to apply your graphic is recommended. 
• Don’t place decals on your front windshield, rear windshield, or mirrors; this placement is dangerous and could block your view while driving. 
• When applying your graphic decal, be sure to install it when the weather is moderate for best results. Above 50 degrees F and below 90 degrees F are the best temperatures for application.
• Experts recommend leaving your decal where it is, once placed. Don’t remove and reposition your graphic, as this can lead to dirt or debris building up on the adhesive side, making the adhesive less sticky.

Overall, car graphics are a great way to make your car match your unique personality. You now know what a decal is and two ways to apply your decal. You can choose to have a custom graphic design made or use a ready-made graphic design; both are great options to show off your car. If you choose to have a custom graphic design decal made, you will get to work with a professional graphic design service throughout the design process. The best way to stand out on the road is to apply a few well-placed decals on your car!