Introduction
Installing a vinyl decal on your car is easier than it looks — as long as you follow the right steps. Whether you're applying Porsche side stripes, caliper stickers, or rim decals, choosing the right installation method gives you the control you need for a clean, professional finish.
This guide walks you through both dry and wet installation, from surface preparation to final cure.
Before You Start: Precautions
- Never install in direct sunlight. Work in a garage or shaded area.
- Ideal surface and room temperature is 10–20°C (50–68°F). Cold or heat can cause stretching or poor adhesion.
- These methods are intended for exterior car panels, not interior walls or surfaces.
- Do not store decals in direct sunlight before installation.
Choose the Right Method: Dry or Wet?
For small stickers and compact designs, dry installation is usually the simplest option. For larger graphics, stripes, or designs that require precise alignment, wet installation can make positioning easier because the decal can be moved before it begins to bond.
This is a practical recommendation rather than a strict rule. The best method depends on the size, shape, and complexity of the design.
Materials You'll Need
- Installation squeegee (available at most hardware stores)
- For wet installation: application fluid — mix 500mL water + 250mL 99% rubbing alcohol + 1 teaspoon liquid soap in a spray bottle
- Non-ammonia glass cleaner
- Paper towel
- Measuring tape or ruler
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
This is the most important step. Remove all dirt, grease, and wax from the area where you'll apply the decal. This includes car wash wax, Turtle Wax, Rain-X, and compound residues.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use ammonia-based cleaners — they can cause the decal to bubble as the ammonia off-gasses beneath the vinyl.
Once clean, inspect your decal for any shipping damage. Report any damage to us within two business days.
Dry Installation for Small Decals
Position the decal carefully before removing the liner. You can use small pieces of masking tape as alignment guides. Peel back a small section of the liner, press the exposed part into place, and then continue removing the liner gradually while smoothing the decal with the squeegee from the centre toward the edges.
Work slowly and avoid allowing the adhesive to touch the surface before the decal is correctly aligned.
Wet Installation for Larger Decals
Step 2: Pre-Mask & Peel the Liner
Using your squeegee, press firmly over the entire decal on a flat surface to ensure the pre-mask is properly bonded to the vinyl. Then flip the decal (pre-mask facing down) and slowly peel off the liner, exposing the adhesive side.
Important: Do not let the sticky side touch anything before you're ready to apply.
Step 3: Wet & Position the Decal
Generously spray application fluid on the car surface and on the adhesive side of the decal. Place the decal adhesive-side down onto the panel. While wet, you can slide and reposition the decal freely — use your measuring tape to align it exactly.
Once positioned, use the squeegee with firm, overlapping strokes to push the fluid out from the centre to the edges. Repeat until most of the fluid is expelled and the decal begins to adhere.
Step 4: Let It Dry
Allow the decal to dry and bond for 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on temperature. Do not disturb or move the decal during this time.
Step 5: Remove the Pre-Mask
Once dry, slowly peel back the pre-mask at a low angle. If the vinyl starts lifting with the mask, press it back down with the squeegee and wait another 30 minutes before trying again.
A Note About Satin and Metallic Finishes
Some special finishes, including Satin Black, Silver Metallic, and Gold Metallic, may grip the transfer tape less firmly than other colours. This is completely normal and does not mean the decal is defective.
Before removing the liner, press the transfer tape firmly over the full design with the squeegee. Then peel the liner back slowly at a low angle. If part of the design remains on the liner, lower it again, apply more pressure, and continue patiently until the full design transfers.
We use Avery Dennison transfer tape, recommended for our Avery 700 and 777 series vinyls.
Final Check
Do a visual inspection of the entire decal. Small air or water bubbles are normal — most will disappear within a few weeks as the adhesive cures. For any larger bubbles, make a tiny incision with a razor blade and push the air out with your squeegee.
Allow a few days in the sun to fully cure before washing or waxing. If you live in a cold climate, be cautious with ice scrapers near vinyl, especially on windows.
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