Answers :: Working with Decals
Measuring for Decals
There is an unlimited amount of possibilities of what you can create for your decal. When you determine the location in which the decal is to be applied, you will need to measure the 'overall area'. This refers to the imaginary rectangular area that will surround the actual decal to be applied. When you determine your overall size, we will make your decal as large as possible, fitting within your guidelines. For example, if you would like your business name and information in vinyl cut letters, you might measure the side panel of your door. The overall size might be 18 inches wide by 12 inches high, but your final cut decal might actually be 12 inches high by 15 inches wide.
Please let us know of any minor obstructions when determining the overall size. In most cases, the decal can be designed to fit around the obstruction in a way that would not require special application. In other cases, you may need to separate lines or individual letters of a decal before you apply it.
Dealing with Bubbles
When doing decal application on your own, you may end up with a few bubbles in your job. Tiny bubbles tend to go away over some time. If you'd like to get rid of some troublesome bubbles, apply moderate heat, possibly from a blow dryer. Poke one end of the bubble with a tiny pin. Starting at the opposite end, press the vinyl down by rolling your finger towards the tiny hole.
Decal Storage
We recommend keeping all decals clean and dry, and laid out on a flat surface.
Decal Removal
The difficulty in the removal of decals can vary depending on the quality of the decal to be removed, the length of time it is been applied, and the amount of weathering.
Begin with a heat gun or hair dryer, move along the decal while picking the decals or letters off using your fingernail, or in some cases a plastic razor blade. If the decal is large, this can be a very timely process.
A second option, ONLY if your decal is applied to glass or any other un-painted surface, would be to use glass cleaner and a metal razor blade. The cleaner allows the razor blade to float on top of the glass and remove the adhesive without damaging or scratching the surface.
Commercial removal solvents are also available. Our recommendation is to use these on larger removal projects.