We have had many requests for tips on installing window decals and/or vinyl lettering. I have put together a list of my top 10 tips for installing your vinyl graphics or window decals. I would start by reading our window decal install instructions and watching our vinyl installation video. Many of these tips are not going to have a wow factor to them, but they may help you on your let install project.
- Pick a Vendor That Uses Quality Materials
- Pick a Good Location to Install Your Decals
- Pick and Clean Install Surface
- Gather Proper Tools
- Squeegee Adhesive Tape (Masking) Down
- Measure and Temporarily Attach Decal
- Measure and Adjust
- Peel Back Masking
- Apply Firm Pressure to Help Avoid Bubbles
- Peel Masking Off and Check for Bubbles
We only use quality products at VinylDecalStore.com. We use Oracle vinyl that is rated for 6 years on outdoor applications and clear masking to make it easier to measure 
and install your vinyl decals. You should pick an area such as your car garage or other area that has plenty of light and protected from wind to install your window decal or vinyl lettering. It is very important to clean the surface area where you intend to install your graphic. A good glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol are usually strong enough to clean car windows; however, a de-greaser such as mild dish washing detergent should be used on painted surfaces to remove any road grime.
Now that you are ready to apply your decal, you should gather the proper tools you will need. You will need masking tape, a ruler or tape measure, scissors (to cut backer on large decals), and a squeegee. If you do not have a squeegee, a credit card or calling card will work in its place. Before installing your vinyl graphic, lay the decal on a flat surface and squeegee the masking. The masking may have released it grip since it was originally applied. Use your tape measure or ruler to measure the graphic and measure the area where you will be installing. Place the graphic and temporarily tape it into place using masking tape. Make sure the vinyl decal is in the proper location by measuring again and viewing from different angles. Move the graphic if needed.
Once you are satisfied with the install location, create a hinge with a long piece of masking tape. Peel back the masking making sure the vinyl is staying attached to the
masking. If any vinyl is not sticking to the masking, use your squeegee or finger to rub over the masking on that area to reattach. Once the backer has been removed, apply vinyl decal using steady pressure and working the graphic from one direction to reduce bubbles and wrinkles. Holding the squeegee at a 45 degree angle while applying firm pressure will help reduce bubbles. Pull the masking off by peeling it slowly and keeping it parallel to the surface. This will help reduce the chance of getting air bubbles in your applied vinyl decal.
What do you do if you get bubbles in your vinyl decal? Sometimes… Nothing! Most of the time tiny bubbles will go away on their own. Vinyl can breathe and after a day or two… the trapped air will diffuse and running a finger over the bubble area will smooth it out. If you get a big air bubble under your graphic, then use a needle to poke a hole at the center of the bubble. Work from the outside edges of the bubble toward the tiny air hole in the middle to remove the bubble.
I hope my Top 10 Tips For Installing Window Decals will help you the next time you install a vinyl decal or window decal.