Curved Vinyl Decal Application

Apply the vinyl decal.

Curved vinyl decal application.

Heat curved vinyl stickers with a blow dryer to make them stick. The decal size will be measured in total height not height of the letter. Apply transfer tape to the vinyl. Applying vinyl to a surface with curved aspects can be tricky.

I generally recommend straight decals if for a top front windshield of vehicle. If you choose curve just remember the height is total height from highest point in the decal to the lowest. Peel the adhesive backing from the tape or paper. Use the edge of the squeegee to push the vinyl out 1 8 of an inch at a time using an arching motion sort of like a windshield wiper keeping the graphic very taut.

I hadn t realized how different it was to apply vinyl to a flat surface and the result was a bit of a wonky flop. Don t be discouraged if your sticker isn t adhering properly to a curved edge or surface like a car bumper. Then apply heat with a heat gun or hairdryer if necessary heat causes the vinyl to soften which allows for even more play. Starting from one side of the design use your fingers to apply the tape or paper to the vinyl and its backing a little bit at a time.

Turn a hairdryer or heat gun to a low setting and run the device several inches or centimeters above the surface of the sticker. This instructable will use a skateboard deck as the example surface but the technique can be used for a variety of applications. I still remember the first time i tried to apply vinyl to a mug. Wet self adhesive decals.

Now you have one side completely done. Wanting some tips on how to apply vinyl to a curved surface. Wet self adhesive decals have adhesive on the rear of the decal which when wet with water allows the decal to be moved into the correct position before carefully wiping away any access water. Using a few simple tools and techniques can make this a much easier process.

This type of decal is a little uncommon and should not be confused with water slide decals or vinyl self adhesive decals.