Measuring For Decals
Measuring for Decals is not difficult, but it does take a bit of common sense. When we refer to overall area, this refers to the imaginary rectangular area that surrounds the particular group of letters you are measuring for. Here are some examples of measurements of overall area:

When you select an overall area, we will make your decal as big as possible, while still making it fit within the overall area selected. Due to the unlimited possibilities of what you can create, your decal might not fill the entire box. For example, a decal size listed as 12" x 12" might actually measure to 12" x 10.5". We try to come as close as possible to the stated size, but there are cases of slight variance.

Sometimes, you might need to include a minor obstruction within the overall area, but make sure it will fall in a spot that won’t interfere with the lettering. Please be aware that doing so might require the decal to be modified before installation. For instance, you can always separate lines or individual letters of a decal before application if you wish.

Measuring for Hood Protector Lettering, Decal Clip Art, and Windshield Lettering.

When ordering these Decals, you will be asked for the overall size of decal. Measure an unobstructed area of the installation surface that will accommodate the closest size that we offer.

Measuring for Semi Decals, Race Car Decals, and Miscellaneous Single Line Decals.

When ordering these Decals, you will be asked for a letter height, and a maximum line length. The program won’t let you enter more lettering than will fit within that length.

Decal Facts

Our Materials:

Premium 2 mil outdoor cast Vinyl:
The majority of our Vinyl is Premium 2 mil Outdoor Grade. We don't use any “intermediate” or “economy” grade vinyls for vinyl cut decals. We have many years of Vinyl production and installation experience, and we can tell you that the slight savings definitely aren’t worth it in the long run. Most of our Vinyl is “rated” for 7 years. This means that the manufacturer says under normal conditions, the material should not peel, crack, delaminate, or fade for 7 years. As a matter of fact, in most cases, the material considerably outlives this rating.
There are certain instances when, due to manufacturing limitations, we must print on an intermediate 4 mil vinyl. These are mainly our flag and patriotic decals. These decals also carry our 2 year warranty.
All of our decals will work fine in marine applications.

This is only a rating, and should not be mistaken as a warranty. Our Reflective Vinyl is all Scotchlite 680 Series Reflective.

Vinyl Colors:
It is impossible to get “web safe” computer screen colors to properly match all the colors of our Vinyl. As you may already know, the actual Vinyl colors are far more vibrant than what you see on the screen. We can send you a Printed Vinyl Color Guide at no charge.

Our Warranty:
Our Decals carry a 2-year guarantee. This covers peeling, cracking, delamination, and fading. All sales are final, with the exception of warranty problems, which we will happily replace with identically ordered product within the 2 year warranty period. We do not issue any cash refunds.

Limitations of Warranty:
We will only warranty decals that have been determined to come from a defective lot of material. All other adhesion or installation related problems are assumed to be the fault of improper conditions or other installer related error. We will not take back half- installed decals, so please inspect your order carefully upon arrival. WE TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY for any damage to surfaces as a result of installation or removal of our products.

Decal Returns:
To return a Decal you must obtain a Return Good Authorization Number. You can obtain a number by calling our Online Purchase Assistance number toll free at 1-877-813-9663

General Vinyl Application Instructions:

Skill Level of Installer
A handy person with proper instructions can install moderately sized Vinyl Decals. When installing decals larger than truck door- sized, it is suggested that an adequately experienced person do the installation. Please keep in mind that we will only warranty decals that have been determined to come from a defective lot of material. All other adhesion or installation related problems are assumed to be the fault of improper conditions or other installer related error. We strongly suggest you wait at least 60 days after painting a surface before applying any decal, because should you ever wish to remove the decal the paint will come off with it if the paint is not properly cured before application.

Learn the Terms. Each Decal at the time of purchase consists of 3 parts:

Please read this section carefully, especially if you are new to Vinyl Decal installations.

Application Paper
Application Paper is the Mask that we apply to your Decal that makes multiple letters stay together. It is necessary for us to apply this mask to make Decals ready for install. This Mask is either made of paper or plastic, depending on the characteristics of the decal.

Decal
This is the actual adhesive Decal that you have purchased. It is sandwiched between the application paper and the backing at the time of purchase. The Decal is what ends up installed to the surface.

Backing
The Backing is the wax paper that is applied to the “sticky” side of the decal. This Backing keeps the Decal from sticking to anything prior to install.

Surface Compatibility:
The Surface must be a Hard, Flat, and Non- Porous. Installation to any other surfaces is not recommended, unless you are an experienced Vinyl Installer. Special skills are needed to deal with major body lines, complex curves, corrugated surfaces, etc. We strongly suggest you wait at least 60 days after painting a surface before applying any decal, because should you ever wish to remove the decal the paint will come off with it if the paint is not properly cured before application.

Surface Temperature and Weather Conditions:

Adequate Surface Temperature and Weather Conditions are necessary before attempting to install a Decal.

-The Surface Temperature must be between 60°F and 90°F, with 70°F to 80°F being the ideal range.
-It can’t be Raining or even Drizzling. Decals must be kept absolutely dry until installed.
-Try to avoid installing Decals in Direct Sunlight. Surface Temperatures in Direct Sunlight often change rapidly and are difficult to judge.
-Make sure there is No Wind present, Wind or Gusts Will cause a problem.

Cleaning and Prepping Surface:
If surface is at all dirty, wash with soap and water rinse with water until there is no more soap or soap residue. Make sure Surface is absolutely dry before proceeding to next step.

Thoroughly wipe down the area of the Surface where Decal is to be applied with DZ Super Surface Prep or alcohol. Glass cleaners or other ammonia-based products are not recommended for this purpose, even with glass installations.

Once the surface is clean, installation may begin. A clean Surface will help to ensure that your Decal will stay in place for both the short and long run.

We strongly suggest you wait at least 60 days after painting a surface before applying any decal, because should you ever wish to remove the decal the paint will come off with it if the paint is not properly cured before application.

Soapy Water or Dry Application?
Most smaller decals can be put on without the use of water.
If you decide to wet the surface first with soapy water:
mix 1 teaspoon of Dawn Dish Soap with one gallon of water, then mist the application area prior to installation. Then follow
all other instructions.

Don't forget the decal installation kit.

Installing Decals using the Simple Method (Smaller Decals)

1) Decide where you want your Decal to go. Tape it into position with small pieces of masking tape along the top of the decal.
2) Make a mark on each end of the Decal (See Below) with a Water Soluble Pencil Start the mark on the Application Paper of the Decal, and end the mark on the Surface that you are installing to.

3) Remove the Decal, leaving the marks on the Install Surface. Remove and discard the masking tape and backing at this time.
4) Keeping the Decal taut, line up marks and adhere Decal. (The help of another person makes positioning much easier.)
5) With the Application Paper still intact, Take a Squeegee and apply the Lettering by pressing on the surface of the Application Paper. Using even strokes, start at the middle of the letters, and work your way out. Carefully remove Application Paper.

The Job is Done!
Don't forget the decal installation kit.

Installing Decals using the Hinge Method (Larger Decals)

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

1) Decide where you want your Decal to go. Tape it into position with small pieces of masking tape along the top of the decal, and a piece of masking tape vertically at the center of the decal (Figure 1), this will soon be used as a “Hinge”. We will refer to either side of the hinge as Side A and Side B.
2) Make a mark on each end of the Decal with a Water Soluble Pencil (See Figure 2). Start the mark on the Application Paper of the decal, and end the mark on the surface that you are installing to.

Figure 3.	Figure 4.
Figure 5.	Figure 6.

Installing Side A:
3) (See Figure 3) Remove the top piece of masking tape from side A. Leaving the center piece of masking tape intact, Lift Side A of the decal in a “Hinge” motion (Figure 3).
4) Cut the Backing Paper at the hinge, (Figure 4) leaving only the Application Paper and Lettering on side A.
5) Now, lower the hinge so that the mark on the application paper and the mark on surface are aligned (Figure 5) With the Application Paper still intact, Take a Squeegee and apply the Lettering by pressing on the surface of the Application Paper. Using even strokes, start at the middle of the letters, and work your way out. Side A of your decal is now installed!
Do not remove the Application Paper from side A yet!

Installing Side B:
6) Now, Leaving all Application Tape Intact, remove all masking tape and backing.
Repeat Steps 3-6 on side B.
7) Carefully remove Application Paper.

The job is done!
Don't forget the decal installation kit.

Dealing With Bubbles
You will probably end up with some bubbles in your decal job. Small bubbles will go away in time (the film breathes, and will flatten out after a few weeks at an appropriate temperature). If you want to work on the bubbles immediately, apply moderate heat, then poke them with a pin, pressing the film down with your
thumb immediately afterwards. Have patience though, the film will lay flat on it’s own in time unless the bubbles are unusually large.

Storage
Your decals must be kept clean, dry, and laid out on a flat surface. If storage is to be longer than 1 year, It is recommended that they be kept in an airtight container or bag. If you regularly use decals, make sure to rotate your stock.

Decal Removal
Decal removal can vary in difficulty, depending on a few things; the quality of the film to be removed, how long it’s been on, if it’s weather-beaten, etc. Move along the decal with a hair dryer or heat gun, while at the same time picking the letters or striping off as you go.
If there is glue left behind, clean it up with some petroleum naphtha (available at your local hardware store) applied to a rag.