- Use a soap solution to spritz the body first before you stick the decal on. This way, you can just slide the decal on and then make the necessary position adjustments before you finally let it dry into place. If you just place the vinyl decal over it, chances are, you'll have trouble because vinyl sticks easily.

- When you're cutting out a decal from the backing sheet, allow for a small space

Novices at the vehicle wrap business know very well that the easiest way to place graphics on cars is to start with vinyl decals and stickers. Since full wrapping requires much skill, a huge investment on installation materials, and larger sheets of vinyl, beginners can do well by knowing how to apply these smaller units.

Decals and stickers may be smaller in size, but we should never underestimate their impact. Just ask racing enthusiasts. A simple two-color car can be made more edgy with a few well-positioned vinyl stickers. If you've seen the movie "The Fast And The Furious" or witnessed NASCAR-like racing events on television, then you get the point. There is no surface, be it a car, a motorcycle, or a simple store window, that cannot be further jazzed up with vinyl graphics.

Now that you know what decals and stickers can do for you. Let's proceed to do-it-yourself decal installation techniques. Applying smaller sheets of vinyl to your vehicle or chosen surface does not really require knowledge of rocket science. In short, you don't have to go to a professional auto body vinyl installer to get the job done. However, it does need concentration and precision on your part.

Here are some tips to make your decal application a less sweat-inducing process:

- If you want the installation to look professional, always use your hobby knife to transfer the vinyl decal or sticker from the backing sheet to your car's body; never use just your hands. While your fingers may be more controllable, a knife will be able to give your decal a smoother and more polished finish.

- Use a soap solution to spritz the body first before you stick the decal on. This way, you can just slide the decal on and then make the necessary position adjustments before you finally let it dry into place. If you just place the vinyl decal over it, chances are, you'll have trouble because vinyl sticks easily.

- When you're cutting out a decal from the backing sheet, allow for a small space a

ate their impact. Just ask racing enthusiasts. A simple two-color car can be made more edgy with a few well-positioned vinyl stickers. If you've seen the movie "The Fast And The Furious" or witnessed NASCAR-like racing events on television, then you get the point. There is no surface, be it a car, a motorcycle, or a simple store window, that cannot be further jazzed up with vinyl graphics.

Now that you know what decals and stickers can do for you. Let's proceed to do-it-yourself decal installation techniques. Applying smaller sheets of vinyl to your vehicle or chosen surface does not really require knowledge of rocket science. In short, you don't have to go to a professional auto body vinyl installer to get the job done. However, it does need concentration and precision on your part.

Here are some tips to make your decal application a less sweat-inducing process:

- If you want the installation to look professional, always use your hobby knife to transfer the vinyl decal or sticker from the backing sheet to your car's body; never use just your hands. While your fingers may be more controllable, a knife will be able to give your decal a smoother and more polished finish.

- Use a soap solution to spritz the body first before you stick the decal on. This way, you can just slide the decal on and then make the necessary position adjustments before you finally let it dry into place. If you just place the vinyl decal over it, chances are, you'll have trouble because vinyl sticks easily.

- When you're cutting out a decal from the backing sheet, allow for a small space

hat you know what decals and stickers can do for you. Let's proceed to do-it-yourself decal installation techniques. Applying smaller sheets of vinyl to your vehicle or chosen surface does not really require knowledge of rocket science. In short, you don't have to go to a professional auto body vinyl installer to get the job done. However, it does need concentration and precision on your part.

Here are some tips to make your decal application a less sweat-inducing process:

- If you want the installation to look professional, always use your hobby knife to transfer the vinyl decal or sticker from the backing sheet to your car's body; never use just your hands. While your fingers may be more controllable, a knife will be able to give your decal a smoother and more polished finish.

- Use a soap solution to spritz the body first before you stick the decal on. This way, you can just slide the decal on and then make the necessary position adjustments before you finally let it dry into place. If you just place the vinyl decal over it, chances are, you'll have trouble because vinyl sticks easily.

- When you're cutting out a decal from the backing sheet, allow for a small space

ere are some tips to make your decal application a less sweat-inducing process:

- If you want the installation to look professional, always use your hobby knife to transfer the vinyl decal or sticker from the backing sheet to your car's body; never use just your hands. While your fingers may be more controllable, a knife will be able to give your decal a smoother and more polished finish.

- Use a soap solution to spritz the body first before you stick the decal on. This way, you can just slide the decal on and then make the necessary position adjustments before you finally let it dry into place. If you just place the vinyl decal over it, chances are, you'll have trouble because vinyl sticks easily.

- When you're cutting out a decal from the backing sheet, allow for a small space

- Use a soap solution to spritz the body first before you stick the decal on. This way, you can just slide the decal on and then make the necessary position adjustments before you finally let it dry into place. If you just place the vinyl decal over it, chances are, you'll have trouble because vinyl sticks easily.

- When you're cutting out a decal from the backing sheet, allow for a small space around it to serve as your handle. If you cut the decal directly at its edge, you run the risk of prematurely attaching it onto the body. If this happens, you'll have no choice but to scrape it off and eventually ruin not just the decal, but your paint job, as well.

- Wrinkles are probably the most common problems of DIY vinyl decals installations. To reduce the incidence of wrinkles and bubbles, use a blowdryer over the decal while you smooth it over. Just make sure to keep it at a good distance and expose the decal to heat only very briefly as it could melt and result in a greater eyesore.