How to Apply Window Decal Without Bubbles

Window decals and window graphics consist of text, window cling, posters, and any other graphic that’s applied to a window. There are many reasons behind this, from generating exposure for your business to simply expressing your creativity.

Window decals are a great way to use extra window space to advertise your business to potential customers who walk past your storefront. However, applying window decals without leaving bubbles seems to be a challenge for most of us.

In this article, we explore how to apply window decals like a professional and leave no bubbles, wrinkles, or trapped air that could make it look unappealing.

Instructions for Applying Window Decals

One of the most important parts of ensuring that the window decal has no bubbles is preparation. We’ve compiled a guide on the steps of wall decal installation and how to apply large vinyl decals using our custom business window decals:

Choose the Right Weather Conditions

You should try to avoid applying put window decals in the cold. The best weather conditions for applying your weather decal are during warm, dry days. This is because cold weather tends to bring with it rain, wind, and condensation, all of which make it less likely that your vinyl adhesive will stick properly.

We recommend anything between 50 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit with no wind. If you’re looking at a few weeks of bad weather and need to apply the vinyl right away, consider protecting the window with some sort of tent.

Prepare the Window

You want to make sure that you get the decal applied properly on the first try. While you can reapply a window decal if necessary, the process makes it less likely that the adhesive will work properly.

Properly preparing the window is the most important step in applying vinyl decals to glass. You should spray the entire window with rubbing alcohol or a little soap and lukewarm water and clean it thoroughly. 

Next, use a lint-free or microfiber cloth to completely dry the window. It’s important to make sure it’s absolutely dry and there are no strands of cloth or lint left over from your towel since they will stick beneath the vinyl when you apply a window decal. 

This is also why it’s crucial that you don’t wait for the window to dry naturally. It’s likely, even on calm days, that dust and dirt could drift onto your window.

To make the water solution, mix 2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap and a gallon of water. Use the mixture in a spray bottle to make sure you get an even application.

Prepare the Decal

Place the window decal on a flat, smooth surface and press down on it to get rid of any bubbles. You can use something straight and rigid, like a credit card or a ruler, and run it firmly across the decal.

Before you apply the decal to the window, place it where you think is best and tack it up using masking tape. Take a step back and double-check your work to make sure it’s exactly as you want it.

Wet Application Method

Typically, the dry application method is reserved for small window decals that are easy to work with. However, this method is also useful for surfaces that aren’t water-absorbent. 

Ensure the decal you’re using is compatible with this method before continuing as this could damage the decal.

To keep wall decals from falling off, you can add the soap and water mixture to the back of the decal adhesive which prevents static buildup from the sticker from attracting dirt.

Applying the Window Decal

Make sure that your hands are clean and dry and use tape to secure the top of the decal firmly onto the window with the adhesive side facing the window. 

Spray the area of the window you’re applying the decal to with the soap and water solution. 

This ensures the decal doesn’t stick to the window immediately and gives us a bit of time before the water dries to reposition the decal if necessary and to also squeeze out wrinkles and bubbles.

It might help to use a pair of scissors to separate sections of the decal, especially on curved surfaces to avoid wrinkling.

Using the tape as a hinge, slowly peel off the white paper but don’t press the decal onto the window. Be careful to keep the decal flat and taut so that it doesn’t wrinkle.

Depending on the size of the decal, you might need a second person to gently apply the decal from top to bottom onto the window while the other keeps it flat and straight.

Squeeze the decal from the center outwards with a ruler or credit card to clear out the soapy water between the decal and the window.

You then wipe the decal and the window with a microfiber cloth and leave it for at least 24 hours for it to dry before removing the transfer paper. This guarantees that the decal is secured to the window.

Conclusion

Window decals can add value to your business but applying them isn’t always easy. However, employing the right tactics, at the right time and being patient can alleviate all the stress of bubbles and crooked decals that will likely fall off over time.

Did you enjoy reading our blog? Then consider checking other guides:

• Applying Vinyl Decals to Canvas
• How to Put Vinyl Decal on Curved Surface
• What Can You Put Vinyl Decals on
• How to Apply Wall Decals
• Do Wall Decals Work on Textured Walls
• Why Is My Vinyl Decal Not Sticking
• Bar Window Decals
• Cool Window Decals
• Best Window Decals
• Popular Window Decals
• What Is a Window Decal
• Business Window Decals
• Window Decals for Schools
• Salon Window Decals
• Restaurant Window Decals