Sticker Basics - How to Apply your DIY Signs & Designs

How to Apply Self-Adhesive Vinyl Stickers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to our guide on how to apply self-adhesive vinyl stickers! Whether you're decorating your walls, customizing your car, or personalizing your gadgets, applying vinyl stickers is easy when you follow these simple steps. Let's get started!

What You'll Need:

• Your vinyl sticker (Preferably supplied by us 😉)
• A clean, flat surface
• Isopropyl alcohol or a mild cleaning solution (a 50/50 Water + Methelated spirts works well too)
• A soft cloth free of lint or dust or paper towel
• A squeegee or credit card
• Masking tape (optional)
• A measuring tape or ruler (optional)

Step 1: Prepare Your Surface

1.  Clean the Surface:

• Wipe down the surface where you'll be applying the sticker with isopropyl alcohol or a mild cleaning solution.
• Ensure the area is dry and free from dust, dirt, or oils. A clean surface ensures better adhesion and prevents bubbles.
• Ensure the surface is completely clear from silicone and any residual caulk, Adheasive will not stick to silicone due to is chemical properties.

2.  Check the Surface:

• Ensure the surface is smooth and flat. If there are any bumps or textures, the sticker may not adhere properly.

3. Ensure the Surface is Ready

• Ensure that any painted surface has cured for at least 7 days prior to attempting any application of stickers. The paint will need to finish out-gassing as this gass will cause the sticker to fail and/or bubble.

Step 2: Position Your Sticker

1. Plan the Placement:

• Before removing the backing paper, place the sticker on the surface to decide on the perfect position.
• Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure it's straight and centered if necessary.

2.  Secure with Masking Tape (Optional):

• For larger stickers, you can use masking tape to secure one edge of the sticker to the surface. This acts as a hinge and makes it easier to apply the sticker without it moving.

Step 3: Apply the Sticker

1. Peel the Backing Paper:

• Carefully peel away a small section of the backing paper from the sticker. Start from one edge or corner.
• Be careful not to touch the adhesive side of the sticker with your fingers, as oils can reduce its stickiness or stain the adheasive with finger print marks.

• Align the exposed adhesive with your desired position, and gently press it onto the surface.
• Use a squeegee or a credit card to smooth the sticker down as you peel away the rest of the backing paper. This will help avoid air bubbles.
• Apply in a smooth manner, as a jarring movement may induce bubbles or creases.

• If you notice any air bubbles, use your squeegee or credit card to push them toward the edges of the sticker.
• For small bubbles, you can prick them with a pin and smooth them out with the squeegee.
• In humid environments, such as northen states and territories of australia, the adheasive may be more susceptible to micro bubbles. These are tiny little bubbles less than 1mm in diameter that occur as the sticker is applied to the surface. Don't panic, these will disappear over a few days. Give it some time before replacing it.

Step 4: Final Touches

 1. Check the Edges:

• Run your squeegee or credit card along the edges of the sticker to ensure it’s fully adhered to the surface.

 2. Allow to Set:

• Let the sticker sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours to ensure full adhesion, especially on outdoor surfaces.

• For selected signage, remove the paper premast carefully in a 45 degree motion slowly pulling without removing the actual decal. If your having issues removing the premast, apply a very light mist of water over the top prior to attempting to remove it again.

Helpful Tips:

• Temperature Matters: Applying stickers in temperatures between 10°C - 26°C and applying them out of the sun will yield the best results.
• Avoid Stretching: When applying, be gentle and avoid stretching the vinyl as it may distort the image.
• Patience is Key: Take your time, especially with larger stickers. Working slowly reduces the chance of errors

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I reposition the sticker once applied?
A: Once the sticker is adhered, it’s not easy to reposition without potentially damaging it. Always double-check your placement before fully applying.

Q: What should I do if my sticker starts peeling off?
A: If your sticker starts peeling, press it down firmly again, possibly using heat (like a hairdryer on low) to reactivate the adhesive. Ensure the surface is clean and dry. It may have been applied to an oily or greasey surface, ensure the area is completely clean

Q: How do I remove the sticker later?
A: To remove the sticker, gently heat it with a hairdryer to soften the adhesive, then peel it off slowly. Clean any residue with isopropyl alcohol or desolv-it available at most hardware stores.

We hope that helps you with your crafty installs, please check out our website for more tips and tricks, as well as different products to cater to your needs.