Sticker and Label Application
These sticker and label application instructions are only meant to be a simple, general guide to applying vinyl stickers, decals, labels and transfer stickers. Please keep in mind that each individual application is unique in regards to type of sticker or decal and application surface involved and may require a different application technique than the ones mentioned here.
IMPORTANT – Please read before proceeding
Application is the sole responsibility of the buyer. All sales are final. Rotten Remains does not accept responsibility for any application issues, sizing issues or color issues including but not limited to:
- Not being able to remove the sticker or decal from the backing paper.
- Damaging the sticker or decal when removing it from the backing paper.
- Damaging the sticker or decal when applying it to the application surface.
- Any tearing or stretching of the sticker or decal
- The sticker or decal not adhering to the application surface.
- Any application surface damage when applying or removing the sticker or decal.
- No returns, refunds or exchanges will be given or granted for any of the issues listed or related to the above.
If this is your first time applying a sticker/decal, you should consider consulting an automotive/sign professional to either apply the product for you or explain and show you the proper way to apply the product.
Sticker Application Tips (Before Application)
Surface Compatibility
- The application surface should be hard, flat or slightly curved, non-textured and non-porous.
- Before applying any sticker or decal, you should always test the application surface for good adhesion.
- Use caution when applying to low-energy plastics. Some vinyl materials will not adhere well to these types of surfaces.
The application surface examples listed below are not a complete list.
Application Surfaces include:
- Vehicles (Cars, Trucks and Motorcycles)
- 4x4s, Overland Vehicles, Race Cars and Trailers
- Aircrafts (Planes and Drones)
- Watercrafts (Boats and Personal Watercrafts)
- ATVs and Snow Machines
- RVs and Travel Trailers
- Hard Hats and Helmets
- Gun Safes, Toolboxes, Tool Cabinets and Chests
- Windows, Mirrors and Walls
- Doors and Mailboxes
- Cell Phones, Tablets, Laptops and Computer Towers
Surfaces that may produce undesirable results:
- Low Energy Plastics
- Low VOC Paints or Coatings
- Rough or Textured Surfaces
- Damaged or Rusty Surfaces
- Greasy, Oily or Dirty Surfaces
- Porous Surfaces
Surface Temperature and Weather Conditions
- Adequate surface temperature and weather conditions are necessary before attempting to install a decal.
- The recommended optimum temperature for applying vinyl graphics is around 70°F. Do not apply a sticker in extreme hot or cold temperatures.
- Do not apply to application surfaces in direct sunlight. Surface temperatures in direct sunlight are often too hot and change too rapidly.
- Do not apply in the rain.
Prepping the Application Surface
- Application surface must be completely clean and free of any dust, oils, wax or other debris.
- Surface should be completely dry before application (using the dry application method).
- We recommend washing the application surface with only soap and water and then dry it with a lint free cloth.
- We do not recommend using ammonia or alcohol based cleaners as the ammonia or alcohol in the cleaner may interfere with the vinyl adhesive not allowing it to set properly.
- If you must use an ammonia based or alcohol based cleaner to clean the application surface, we recommend washing the surface a second time with just soap and water to remove any ammonia or alcohol residue that may be left on the surface.
- After the soap and water wash, rinse the application surface thoroughly with water and dry the area completely with a lint free cloth before applying the sticker.
- Any surface contamination such as dust or other debris will be visible under the sticker and spoil your final result.
Sticker and Label Application
Dry Application Method
Items you will need:
- Spray bottle containing soapy water
- Lint-free cloth
Instructions
- Thoroughly clean the surface with some soapy water and dry the entire area with a lint-free cloth.
- Carefully peel the sticker from the sticker’s backing paper.
- Apply the sticker to the desired surface. It’s that easy!
Try to refrain from pulling or stretching the sticker during the application process. Any sticker will stretch out of it’s original shape if the outside temperature is too hot or if it has been subjected to excessive stretching or pulling.
Wet Application Method
Items you will need:
- Clean bowl filled with lukewarm water. The size of your bowl will depend on the size of your vinyl sticker. For example, a small bowl is suitable for small stickers, a larger bowl or tray for medium to large sized stickers.
- Dish soap
- Small rubber window squeegee or similar type object
- Soft microfiber lint-free cloth
Instructions
(This method is recommended for applying large stickers and for any size clear/transparent vinyl stickers)
- Add a drop of dish soap (too much soap and the adhesive will not set properly) to the water in the bowl and mix well.
- Thoroughly clean the surface with some soapy water and dry the entire area with a lint-free cloth.
- Using your hand, apply some of the soapy water to the application surface.
- Carefully peel the sticker from the sticker’s backing paper.
- Dip the entire sticker (adhesive side up) in the bowl containing the soapy water.
- Position and apply the wet sticker (adhesive side down) to the desired surface. You may only have less than a minute to position the sticker on the surface before the sticker’s adhesive becomes tacky so, try to work quickly.
- Holding the sticker in place with your hand, take the window squeegee and gently squeegee outwards from the center of the sticker to remove the water from around and underneath the sticker.
- Carefully and lightly dry the area around the sticker and the sticker itself with the microfiber lint-free cloth.
Allow at least a couple of hours for the sticker adhesive to set. When using the wet method to apply stickers, the adhesive can take up to a week to fully cure. If applying the sticker to a vehicle, we recommend not washing the vehicle for at least a week after application to allow the adhesive to fully set.
Transfer Sticker Application
Items you will need:
- Spray bottle containing soapy water
- Lint-free cloth
Instructions
- Thoroughly clean the surface with some soapy water and dry the entire area with a lint-free cloth.
- Carefully peel the transfer tape and sticker from the backing paper.
- To apply the sticker to the desired surface, using a credit card or similar type object to rub and smooth the sticker onto the surface.
- Slowly and carefully remove and discard the transfer tape leaving only the transfer sticker on the application surface.
If the transfer sticker does not want to separate from the transfer tape, just continue rubbing over the transfer tape until the transfer sticker adheres to the surface.
After Application (Care and Maintenance)
How to keep your sticker, decal and/or label looking new
- We recommend that you clean your sticker with only soapy water and a soft cloth. Using harsh, abrasive cleaners may significantly reduce the life expectancy of the sticker.
- If you have applied your vinyl sticker to a vehicle, do not wash your vehicle for at least 1 week to allow the sticker adhesive to fully set and ensure proper adhesion.
- Take care when waxing your vehicle. Wax build-up around the edges of your sticker may over time cause the edges of your sticker to lift from the surface.
- Never hold a high pressure washer nozzle or heat gun close to or directly on your sticker for longer than a few seconds.
- If your sticker is applied to vehicle window glass and you live in a colder climate, you may need to use an ice scraper to remove ice or snow from the window. We recommend that you scrape and clear the glass around your sticker only. Do not scrape over the sticker. If you do, it may cause the edges of your sticker to lift or scratch the surface of the sticker reducing it’s life expectancy.
Removing a Vinyl Sticker, Decal or Label
When it comes time to remove a sticker or label, the process is usually fairly simple and easy, especially if the sticker or label hasn’t been installed for that long. The longer a sticker or label is applied to a surface, the harder it can be to remove. Just equip yourself with a few simple tools, and you should be able to remove just about any sticker or label fairly easily.
You’ll want to make sure you have a razor blade, squeegee or credit card and a heat gun or hair dryer. The razor blade and squeegee or credit card may be necessary to start the removal process by assisting you with getting under the sticker / label to begin peeling the sticker / label away from the surface. The heat gun or hair dryer (on low heat setting) may be necessary to heat the adhesive backing on the sticker / label so that it’s easier to remove (this is especially true with stickers and labels that have been on an application surface for a very long time.)
You can start removing a sticker or label from any point. Just simply pick a spot of the sticker or label to begin pulling from. Most stickers and labels pull off pretty easy, tearing apart in various sized pieces and may leave a small amount of residue behind. The left over residue should come off fairly easily with a mild cleaner.
If the sticker or label is applied to a window, glass or similar type surface, it can be gently scraped off with a sharp edged object or razor blade. Be careful if using this technique, as you don’t want to damage the surface that you have just removed the decal from.
If you have issues removing your sticker or label from any surface, use the heat gun or hair dryer and heat the sticker or label (on very low heat). This may help loosen the adhesive and make the removal process easier.