Decals
The decals category is fairly broad and somewhat vague, since so many types of prints could be described as custom decals. In reality, all adhesive vinyl prints are vinyl decals, which would include vehicle graphics and wraps, floor graphics, wall graphics, and more. However, on this page we'll discuss the items more commonly thought of as vinyl decals such as helmet decals, truck decals, boat decals, racing decals, or advertising decals for helmets, machinery, sports equipment, vending machines, gasoline pumps, ATVs, jet skis, snowmobiles, etc. as well as bumper stickers and vinyl patches. While all of our adhesive vinyl options can be used as decals, in most cases, we prefer materials with removable adhesives. The difference between removable and non-removable adhesives is that the removable variety is designed to come off cleanly when it's time to remove it.
Of course, there are some instances that require the most aggressive adhesive possible, such as safety or warning label decals. While any decal can be removed with enough effort and adhesive remover, these decals are considered permanent so they shouldn't be used in situations where you plan to change the decal. Most of our removable adhesive vinyls are also available with a permanent adhesive so contact us to discuss your specific needs if you don't see what you're looking for.
Decal graphics are one of the simplest and least expensive way to add logos or identification to machinery or equipment. As was mentioned previously, they are also useful for safety or warning labels, operator instructions or simply as decoration. On sports gear such as helmets, snowboards, skateboards, or bikes, decals can be used to customize the appearance of the equipment or add a team logo or identity. We have a wide selection of materials that can be used for decals, with some that are designed for very specific uses or environments. For instance, our Xtreme Decal Vinyl was specifically designed to be used on difficult surfaces and low energy plastics, like helmets and parts of ATVs, motocross bikes and race cars. It's extra thick and durable as well so it will hold up better than normal decal materials for these applications where rough treatment is normal. Look through the Printing Materials tab below for information this, and all our popular materials for decals of all types.
While not a decal in the traditional sense, we also have the unique Pro-Patch material that can be used to create flexible, sewable, non-adhesive vinyl patches and graphics. Once printed, you can sew Pro-Patch into garments, bags or other textiles for advertising, sponsorship, or identification. Some uses for Pro-Patch are motorcycle and snowmobile seats, team uniform patches, bar stool covers, automotive headrests, sponsor ski vests, tire covers, and much more.
Read through the information in the How to Order tab below for details on how to order a custom decals. The Available Materials tab shows all the different decal products we offer. Look through the list to find the material that suits your taste and needs the best.
This page is devoted to general decals. If you are looking for custom Floor Decals, Window Graphics, or Wall Graphics be sure to visit the appropriate pages. The information on those pages will help you choose a material and show your options for our various products.
If you would like to get prices on printing and shipping, or place an order, click the Pricing/Order button next to each item in the Printing Materials tab. The Pricing/Order wizard will prompt you for the necessary information such as quantity, dimensions and finishing options to show you prices in real time, and allow you to enter you state and zip code to see the shipping costs. If you're ready to order, you can provide additional information such as how you're sending files or if you need design work, if you want a proof, and how you want us to handle cropping of your files if necessary, and then add the print to your shopping cart. You can also compare product prices in the wizard by clicking the Products tab and selecting different materials from the drop down menu to see how the price changes.
Decal Materials
Below are the materials we offer for custom wall graphics and wall decals. Some materials are designed for special surfaces, so look at the options below to find the best material for your needs. Also, look through the FAQ tab for installation instructions and other useful information.
MagicStik - 6 mil
The unique adhesive on this material makes it easy to install on any flat surface including painted walls, and it can easily be removed and reapplied, so it’s a great material for making removable wall graphics, wall stickers, or temporary decals that need to be moved around to different locations. It provides excellent image quality, is durable, and economically priced. Available in widths up to 54". Approx. longevity of 3 years outdoors or 20 years indoors.
Economy Calendered Matte Vinyl - 4 mil
With an outdoor longevity of up to 3 years, this removable adhesive backed vinyl is excellent for vinyl decals, bumper stickers, and outdoor signs. It has a blockout layer for excellent hiding power and the matte finish helps reduce glare. Can also be used indoors for sign and point of purchase displays. Will adhere to any smooth surface such as Alumalite, acrylic, Sintra, metal, or painted wood surfaces. Available in widths up to 60".
Longevity of up to 3 years outdoors, 5-25 years indoors.
Economy Calendered Gloss Vinyl - 4 mil
With an outdoor longevity of up to 3 years, this removable adhesive backed vinyl is excellent for vinyl decals, bumper stickers, and outdoor signs. It has a blockout layer for excellent hiding power and the gloss finish makes for excellent color depth. Can also be used indoors for sign and point of purchase displays. Will adhere to any smooth surface such as Alumalite, acrylic, Sintra, metal, or painted wood surfaces. Available in widths up to 84".
Longevity of up to 3 years outdoors, 5-25 years indoors.
Premium Calendered Matte Vinyl - 3.4 mil
This removable adhesive backed vinyl can be used as is for up to 3 years outdoors, or protected with Cast Vinyl for longevity of up to 5 years outdoors and up to 25 years indoors. Excellent indoors or out for installation on flat surfaces or compound curves making it excellent for custom vinyl decals and bumper stickers, and well as equipment labels. Will adhere to any smooth surface such as Alumalite, acrylic, Sintra, metal, or painted wood surfaces. Available in widths up to 60".
Premium Calendered Gloss Vinyl - 3.4 mil
This removable adhesive backed vinyl can be used as is for up to 3 years outdoors, or protected with Accushield or Cast Vinyl for longevity of up to 5 years. Excellent indoors or out for installation on flat surfaces or compound curves. Also available with a permanent adhesive. Will adhere to any smooth surface such as Alumalite, acrylic, Sintra, metal, or painted wood surfaces. Available in widths up to 60".
Arlon 8000 Adhesive Vinyl - 3.8 mil
This satin white engineered vinyl is designed for graphics that will be installed in cold temperatures or on hard to stick to surfaces. It features an aggressive, high tack, permanent adhesive that can stick to low energy surfaces such as concrete, brick, or polyethylene, that other adhesives will not adhere to. Available in widths up to 54".
Outdoor longevity of 2-3 years without lamination, or up to 5 years with lamination.
Building Wrap Vinyl - 3.5 mil
This opaque vinyl is used in wall and building wrap applications and decals where many standard products will not work. For rough textured concrete, cinder block, brick, and other low energy surfaces where normal adhesive vinyls could not typically be used. Removes cleanly with no adhesive residue. Available in widths up to 60".
Approximate longevity of 5-50 years indoors, 2 years outdoors.
Xtreme Decal Vinyl - 14 mil
This specially designed adhesive backed vinyl and laminate combination features a very aggressive adhesive with an extremely durable finish that still maintains conformability, which makes it perfect for decals on hard hats, motocross bikes, snowmobiles, jet skis, road bikes and outdoor power equipment. Also available in a removable version for football/sports helmets or other applications were clean removability is needed. Available in widths up to 54".
Outdoor longevity up to 5 years.
ProPatch - 20 mil
This specially designed material is made of a two piece construction, a clear 12 mil vinyl with a white 8 mil backer. The result is a durable vinyl patch that can be sewn into garments, upholstery, bags or other textiles for advertising, sponsorship, or identification. Applications such as motorcycle seats, team uniform patches, bar stool covers, sponsor ski vests, paintball duffle bags, and tire covers are other possibilities. Available in widths up to 30"
Approx. longevity of 2-20 years depending on use.
3M 680 Reflective Adhesive Vinyl - 7 mil
This flexible, retroreflective film is a highly durable adhesive coated opaque vinyl that remains brilliantly reflective even when totally wet. This film is perfect for reflective decals, commercial vehicle graphics, railroad graphics, commercial signs and striping, or anywhere a reflective graphic is desirable for night visibility. See also the 3M 3200 for flat, non-vehicle application. Available in widths up to 54".
Up to 5 year outdoor longevity with laminate.
Economy Vehicle Vinyl with laminate - 4.8 mil
This glossy white, ultra-conformable calendared adhesive-backed vinyl/laminate combination is perfect for graphics on vehicles, trucks, buses, and walls. The air-egress release liner enables air to escape as the graphics are installed, eliminating trapped air pockets that cause wrinkles and bubbles. Performs well over rivets, corrugations, and flat to moderate curved surfaces. Removable for 1 year and permanent for up to 7 years. Available in widths up to 54".
Oracal RapidAir Cast Vinyl with Laminate- 4 mil
This professional wrapping film and laminate combination carries a 7 year outdoor warranty, the longest we offer. It's air channels are not visible so it provides the highest image quality and it's extremely conformable for the most difficult car sign, vehicle graphic and vehicle wrap installations. It's also available without the RapidAir technology for use on boat graphics and other applications in water. Available in up to 60" widths.
Cleanly removable for up to 4 years with excellent hiding power.
3M ControlTac Cast Vinyl with Comply - 2 mil
This opaque adhesive-backed premium cast vinyl carries a 5 year outdoor warranty when combined with 3M cast vinyl laminates. It's a popular solution for vehicle and fleet graphics with an adhesive that is positionable until firm pressure is applied, making for easier installations. It also offers fast, clean removal with heat and has excellent hiding power. Available in widths up to 54".
For temporary vinyl decals, bumper stickers, or tight budgets, our Economy Calendered Vinyl without a protective laminate is an excellent choice. It comes with either a removable or permanent adhesive, so you can choose the one that suits your needs. The removable adhesive will not leave any residue behind when the custom decals are removed, so for temporary situations or where you want to be able to cleanly remove the decal, that would be the best choice. Without a laminate, the print is susceptible to scratching or abrasion, so it won't last as long, but if it's not used in a harsh environment, it should still last for 2-3 years. If scratching or abrasion are a concern, or if you want the print to last longer before fading, then the Economy Vehicle Vinyl with Laminate is a good choice. This polymeric calendered vinyl is excellent for applying to flat surfaces and gentle curves, and lasts up to 5 years. It also has an air release feature that makes it easier to install without getting bubbles.
For maximum life combined with maximum conformability, one of the cast vinyls designed for vehicle graphics, such as the Oracal RapidAir Vinyl, would be the best choice. These materials are used for vehicle wraps so they offers excellent image quality, come with a 5-7 year warranty and are guaranteed to come off without harming the mounting surface. They also have air release liners to make them easier to install without getting bubbles.
For boat decals, or any custom decals or vinyl decals that are to be used in the water, the Premium Calendered vinyls are the best choice for flat surfaces, or for surfaces that are curved or have other contours, the Oracal RapidAir Vinyl, but without the RapidAir feature. Any adhesive vinyl that has an air release feature should not be used in water as the channels that are designed to let air escape can allow water to get under the decal and make it come off prematurely. Many of our vinyl decal materials designed for vehicles come in versions without the air release feature so they can be used for boat decals, jet ski decals, etc., so be sure to indicate if you are using your custom decals in the water so we use the appropriate version.
The Xtreme Decal Vinyl is the ideal choice for helmet decals, motorcycle decals, or custom decals for any harsh environment since it was designed for this exact purpose. It's extra thick so it's more durable and easier to install. It also has a special adhesive that allows it to stick to rough surfaces and low energy plastics that most decals won't stick to.
The 3M 680 Reflective Adhesive Vinyl is a retroreflective vinyl for making decals that appear to light up at night. This material is great for emergency vehicles, police cars, safety gear or any decal where night time visibility is desired.
Normal turnaround time is 4-5 days. During the order process you will be asked if you have a specific due date, and if you do, we will adjust your shipping method, if necessary, to get your order to you on time. If you need your order even quicker, we also have a rush service. If you authorize rush charges, we can get your order shipped in 1-2 days. Rush charges are $75 per order. If we're able to meet your deadline without bumping other jobs, we won't actually charge the rush charge, but you must authorize the rush to guarantee delivery.
All our printing is full color digital, so any number of colors can be used, from black and white to continuous tone photography, and the price will be the same.
If you want a custom decal that is cut out in a shape, there are two ways to go about this. The first way is for you to create a cut path yourself. Our decals are digitally die cut, so we need a vector path that can be used to tell the cutter where exactly you want your decal cut. This can be done in a drawing program such as Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw, or you can draw the path in Photoshop and we can copy it out and use it. If you decide to do this, be sure you draw a complete, closed path and that you leave approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch of image outside the cut path to allow for variances in the cutting. The smaller your wall decal, the smaller the margin needs to be. Make the path a color that will stand out against your image and we will handle the technical details.
If you don't have the ability to create the cut path, or prefer not to, we can create it for you, but we do charge for the service. With most images, the cost is $20 but if you want to send us your file in advance, we can verify what the cost will be to create the cut path.
There are some people who recommend applying decals with either water, or even soapy water, to make it possible to slide the decal around during installation. This is a valid technique for some types of decals, but we find the benefits don't outweigh the possible problems, so we recommend installing all decals dry. If you follow our instruction, you shouldn't have any problems and there will be fewer adhesion issues. If you do want to use a wet installation technique, you should only do so on materials that don't have an air release feature.
There are a few different installation methods that can be used for decals depending on which type of decal you have. If you ordered decals that are cut in a simple, solid shape such as a circle or rectangle, they will usually be sent without any transfer tape over the face of the decal. If your decals are very small, you may be able to simply peel them off the release liner and stick them to your cleaned and prepared surface. But, for larger decals, we recommend the procedure below
You will need the following tools: Scissors, Xacto knife or razor blade, for unlaminated decals you will need a soft squeegee or protect the image with paper (a hard squeegee will damage the print), and masking tape. You can also use your hands to apply the decal, but you are more likely to get bubbles in that case.
General Notes
- Glass surfaces should not have been treated with water repellent.
- Apply decals in the shade (no direct sunlight).
- The ideal temperature would be between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Surface temperature should be above 40 degrees.
Surface Preparation
- All surfaces should be considered dirty and must be cleaned prior to installation. Clean the area where the decals are to be applied with a household, non-ammonia based cleaner. We recommend an alcohol based cleaner such as denatured alcohol or equivalent. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Applying the Decal
- Position your decal in the desired location and tack into place on each end with small pieces of masking tape.
- Peel back about 2” of the release liner away from the top edge on the adhesive side of your decal.
- Cut off that section of the release liner and discard.
- Squeegee down the exposed edge of the decal starting from the center and working towards the edges. Let the squeegee cause the contact with the mounting surface and brush from the center outward using overlapping 45 degree angled strokes.
- Flip the decal up and start to peel back the remaining release liner.
- Pull back a few inches of the release liner at a time and squeegee the graphic into place using the same technique as above.
- If you get an air bubble or wrinkle, you can carefully lift the decal enough to fix the problem and continue. If there are air bubbles in your finished installation, you can pop them with a pin and squeegee the bubble toward the pin hole to squeeze out the air. Small bubbles will tend to disappear over time.
- Once the entire decal is applied, squeegee the entire decal once more to ensure a firm bond with the surface.
For decals that are cut into irregular shapes or multiple pieces, and sometimes with unlaminated decals, your graphic will come with transfer tape applied over the face of the decal. Transfer tape looks like big piece of masking tape and serves a few purposes. For decals in multiple pieces, like individually cut letters, the transfer tape keeps the decal together in once piece during installation. It also helps protect the image for unlaminated decals, and keeps the vinyl from stretching during installation.
The installation procedure for decals with transfer tape is basically the same with a few variations. For larger decals, especially those that are irregularly shaped, rather than starting with the top 2" of the decal, it can be easier to run a piece of masking tape through the center from the top of the graphic off the bottom. This tape will act like a hinge. You would then fold back the left side of the graphic to the hinge, peel back and cut off the release liner, then while holding the left edge of the graphic, squeegee the graphic down to the mounting surface starting at the hinge and working left. Just like before, you would work from the center out with overlapping, angled strokes. Once the left side is applied, you would fold back the right side, remove the remaining release liner and repeat the procedure for the right side.
The only other difference is that once the decal is applied to the surface, you will squeegee the entire decal again, and then carefully remove the transfer tape off the face of the decal by pulling it off at a sharp angle to prevent it from pulling your decal off the mounting surface. Once the transfer tape has been removed, squeegee the decal one last time to ensure it's on securely.
With all decals, the adhesive will take up to 24 hours to fully set, so avoid washing or causing stress to the decal for the first day after installation.
Unfortunately, it's illegal to sell professional sports teams official logos without paying exorbitant licensing fees as well as a percentage of each sale, so we aren't able to sell this type of decal. With some schools and amateur sports teams, their logos can be reproduced so check with your favorite team and see if they will provide their logo, or check with us to see if we have the team logo you need.