Curved Vinyl Decal Application

Apply the vinyl decal.

Curved vinyl decal application.

Don t be discouraged if your sticker isn t adhering properly to a curved edge or surface like a car bumper. Wanting some tips on how to apply vinyl to a curved surface. Heat curved vinyl stickers with a blow dryer to make them stick. Then apply heat with a heat gun or hairdryer if necessary heat causes the vinyl to soften which allows for even more play.

Wet self adhesive decals. A curved arched decal is not always best. Starting from one side of the design use your fingers to apply the tape or paper to the vinyl and its backing a little bit at a time. This type of decal is a little uncommon and should not be confused with water slide decals or vinyl self adhesive decals.

The decal size will be measured in total height not height of the letter. Use the edge of the squeegee to push the vinyl out 1 8 of an inch at a time using an arching motion sort of like a windshield wiper keeping the graphic very taut. I still remember the first time i tried to apply vinyl to a mug. Using a few simple tools and techniques can make this a much easier process.

If you choose curve just remember the height is total height from highest point in the decal to the lowest. I generally recommend straight decals if for a top front windshield of vehicle. Turn a hairdryer or heat gun to a low setting and run the device several inches or centimeters above the surface of the sticker. To start on the other side remove.

Applying vinyl to a surface with curved aspects can be tricky. Cut a strip of transfer tape or contact paper so it is the same size as the vinyl backing. I hadn t realized how different it was to apply vinyl to a flat surface and the result was a bit of a wonky flop. This instructable will use a skateboard deck as the example surface but the technique can be used for a variety of applications.

Peel the adhesive backing from the tape or paper.