Sticker Application

These sticker application instructions are only meant to be a simple, general guide to applying vinyl stickers, decals 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.
  • Use caution when applying to low-energy plastics. Some vinyl materials will not adhere well to these types of 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.

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.

Printed Sticker 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 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

From Glass Surfaces:

  • Warm the sticker slightly with a heat gun or hair dryer. Use a single edge razor blade to scrape the sticker from the glass. It is easiest to do this when temperatures are between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (26.5°C) degrees. Any remaining adhesive residue can be removed using standard glass cleaner.

From Painted Surfaces:

  • Warm the sticker slightly with a heat gun or hair dryer. Starting at an edge of the sticker, gently peel the sticker from the surface. Remove any remaining adhesive with a standard cleaner.

Learn More about our Stickers