How to Apply Window Decal

Window decals are an inexpensive, easy-to-use form of advertising and expression of creativity to spruce up your windows for your business, car, or home.

You don’t have to be an expert to apply window decals that look professional and in this article, we explore how to seamlessly apply window decals.

What This Article Covers:

How to Put on a Window Decal

how to put on a window decal

Window Decal Instructions

Below are some wall decal application tips to get you started using our custom wall decals for business.

Pick The Right Conditions

Applying vinyl decals in cold weather isn’t advisable. It’s best to apply the decal on a warm, dry day as decals are affected by extreme heat or cold. We recommend temperature ranges between 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal wind.

Clean the Window

Clean the window with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

Let the window air dry and then wipe with a microfiber cloth until dry to get rid of any impurities that might prevent the decal’s adhesive from sticking properly.

Avoid using window cleaners as these leave residue that reduces the stickiness of the adhesive. This leads to the decal not sticking to the window just as with applying wall decals on textured walls.

how to put on window decals

Prepare the Decal

Place the decal on a smooth surface and with a squeegee or credit card slowly slide it over the decal to get rid of any air bubbles.

Using the Wet Method

It’s easy to apply large custom vinyl decals using the wet method. Spray a solution of soap and water solution onto the window. Then peel the decal and apply it to the area. 

The water solution should be made using 2 teaspoons of household detergent and a gallon of water and transferred into a spray bottle. 

The dry method is usually reserved for small window decals that you can easily peel and stick onto the window.

How to Apply Large Vinyl Window Decals 

how to apply a window decal

Putting on a vinyl decal requires tape to hold the top, bottom, and one side, leaving the opposite side without tape to hold the decal in place when you apply it. This method also applies to smaller peel and stick decals.

Place the decal securely on the window and on the side with no tape slowly peel back the transfer tape. Once you reach where the tapes hold the decal, stop peeling and use a pair of scissors to cut out about a third of the white paper where you peeled the decal.

Since the white paper is out of the way, it’s easy to adhere that part of the decal over the window and you can then use your squeegee or credit card to press the backing of the decal to get rid of the air bubbles.

Part of the decal should be applied to the window and you can remove all the pieces of tape that are holding the decal in place. 

Peel back the white paper backing and start applying the decal. We recommend starting where it is already stuck to the window and using your squeegee or credit card to press the backing of the decal to secure it in place, being careful to do this letter by letter or section by section.

You should wait for 24 hours before removing the transfer paper to ensure that the decal has adhered to the window. Remove the transfer paper slowly and at an angle to avoid ripping the decal.

How to Get Window Decals to Stick

how to apply window decals

What to do when decals won’t stick? Window decals primarily don’t stick due to impurities, debris, and residues on the window. Below are some ways to ensure that the decal will stick:

  • Clean the window with soap and water and let it air dry
  • Don’t use window cleaning products as residue prevents decal from sticking
  • You can wipe the window dry if you use a lint-free cloth like a microfiber cloth
  • Apply your decals only on warm or dry days
  • Use the wet method application
  • Ensure that the adhesive side of the decal faces the window

Conclusion

Applying window decals does not have to be difficult as long as you’re prepared and have time on your hands, you can apply decals to your windows without the hassle and still have them look professionally done with our range of custom decal products.

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