Decal Application & Removal

How to Apply and Remove Decals

Please Read Carefully

This page contains information on Decal Installation and Removal. Rotten Remains offers two different styles of decals, single color, rub on decals and full color, digitally printed decals. Most of our printed decals are Peel and Stick application. Depending on the design and size of the graphic, some printed decals require installation using a pre-mask / transfer tape just like rub on style decals. If the decal you've purchased has been pre-masked for easy application, we've made available the following information to help guide you through the installation process.

Pre-Masked Decals consist of 3 Layers

1. Application / Pre-Mask Transfer Tape
Application Tape / Pre-Mask is the Clear Tape or Semi Transparent Paper Tape that is applied to your Decal that makes Multiple Letters / Pieces stay together. It is necessary for this Mask to be Applied to make Decals ready for install. This Layer is to be Removed After Application

2. Vinyl Decal
This is the actual Adhesive Graphic or Lettering that you have purchased. It is sandwiched between the Application Tape and the Heavy Wax Paper Backing. The Decal is what ends up installed to the surface.

3. Wax Paper Backing
The Backing is the Heavy Wax Paper that is applied to the “Sticky” side of the decal. This backing keeps the Decal from sticking to anything prior to install.

Items Required for Installation

• Lint Free Cloth or Towel ( For Cleaning & Drying the Application Surface )

• Surface Cleaner

• Credit Card, Driver's License or Similar Type Object

• Roll of Masking Tape

• X-ACTO Knife ( Optional )

Application Tips

Surface Compatibility

The Surface should be Hard, Flat or Slightly Curved and Non-Porous

Surface Temperature / Weather Conditions

• Adequate Surface Temperature and Weather Conditions are Necessary before Attempting to Install a Decal

• The Surface Temperature must be between 60°F (15.5°C) and 90°F Degrees (32°C), with 70°F (21°C) to 80°F Degrees (26.5°C) being the Ideal Range

• Application Surface MUST BE Completely Clean and free of any Dust, Oils, Wax or other Debris and Completely Dry before Installation. If you're Applying the Decal to Glass, We Recommend using Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol to Clean the area Decal is being Applied to. If you are using Windex or another Ammonia-Based Cleaner to Clean the Surface, Dry the area Completely before Applying the Decal; the Ammonia interferes with the Adhesive. Any Surface Contamination such as Bad Bodywork, Rust, Dust or other Debris will show through and Spoil your Final Result

• Do not Apply in the Rain. 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. Any Wind or Wind Gusts will cause a problem

Application Instructions

Step 1
Lay Decal on a flat smooth surface with the Transfer Tape facing upwards. Rub over the entire Decal firmly using your hands or any object like a Credit Card. This will help make sure that your Decal will stay Adhered to the Top Layer when being Peeled away from the Paper Backing.

• Optional Step (This step is not recommended for the inexperienced):

To ensure the Decal is Adhered to the Transfer Tape, SLOWLY Lift , Separate and Peel the Protective Backing Paper from the Transfer Tape which carries the Graphic. Keep an X-ACTO Knife handy, as your Decal may want to stay stuck to the Backing Paper. In that case, use your Knife to help lift away the Edge of the stuck Piece from Backing Paper, then rub the Transfer Tape on that area again before continuing on. When you have fully Removed the Transfer Tape with your Decal, take Special Care not to Fold the Decal onto Itself and Carefully place the Wax Paper Backing back onto your Decal for Positioning before Applying. The easiest way to do this is to lay your Transfer Tape with your Decal Sticky Side Up on a flat surface and place the Wax Paper Backing (Wax Side Down) back down onto your Transfer Tape.

Step 2
When applying Decals, it may be Necessary to first Tape the Decal to the area you are applying it to. Use Small Pieces of Masking Tape on the Upper Corners to hold it in place where you want to apply your Decal. Line up your Decal and make sure it is straight. Once desired position is achieved; Use a Long Piece of Masking Tape to go along the Top Edge of the Decal; with Half the Tape on the Decal and the other Half on your Surface.

Step 3
Flip the Decal up using the Masking Tape you applied along the top as a Hinge and Carefully Peel the Paper Backing away Exposing only the Top Half of the Decal. Leave the Bottom Half with the Paper Backing still attached to the Decal for Protection.

Step 4
Holding the bottom of your Decal away from the Surface,Use a Credit Card or similar type object with an Even Edge and begin to Lightly Rub down the Decal EVENLY from CENTER, from Top to Bottom until you reach the end.

This is your Big Opportunity to Avoid Bubbles and Creases by going SLOWLY and applying EVENLY

Step 5
Once you have all the Paper Backing Removed from the Decal, and the Decal is on the Surface; Use your Credit Card to Firmly smooth out or remove any Bubbles. Work Bubbles to the Outer Edges of the Decal.

Step 6
Firmly go over the entire Decal, smoothing it out and ensuring that your Decal has Properly been Adhered to the Surface. You do not want your Decal peeling off with the Transfer Tape, so make sure you have went over the entire Decal using Firm Pressure.

Decals have a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, the Harder you Rub, the Harder it Sticks. Also, the Longer you let it sit after applying, the Stronger the Adhesive will Adhere

Step 7
Start from the Top Right-Hand Corner (any Corner is Fine) and SLOWLY pull away the Transfer Tape at a Sharp Angle (Because it will want to Resist). Keep Peeling until all the Transfer Tape is Removed. Remember to go SLOWLY to Avoid Tearing the Tape or the Decal itself. If part of the Decal wants to come up with the Tape; Place the Decal back so the part that was not Sticking is back on the Surface. Use your Hand to Firmly Rub the Decal back on the Surface. Slowly Peel away and Continue Removing the Transfer Tape. If is still does not Adhere, make sure that area is Clean and try it again.

After the Transfer Tape has been Removed, you may find that you have a few Bubbles. They should disappear on their own after a week or two

• If you have never Installed a Pre-Masked Decal before and after reading these Installation Instructions, you still aren't comfortable with Installing the Decal, take it to your Local Sign Shop or Vehicle Detailing Shop and they will Professionally Install it for you.

How to Remove a Decal

Glass Surfaces: Use a Single Edge Razor Blade to Remove the Decal. It is best to do this when Temperatures are between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (26.5°C) Degrees. Any adhesive residue can be removed using standard glass cleaner.

Painted Surfaces: Use a Heat Gun or Hair Dryer to Warm the Decal until it Peels off Easily. Any adhesive residue can be removed using standard glass cleaner.

Tips on Caring for your New Decal(s)

• After applying your Decal, do not wash your Vehicle for at least 1 Week to allow the Adhesive to set and ensure proper Adhesion

• Always Clean your Decal with a Non Abrasive Cleaner

• Take care when Waxing your Vehicle. Wax build-up around the edges of your Decal may cause the Edges or your Decal to Lift

• Never hold a High Pressure Washer Nozzle or Heat Gun close to or Directly on your Decal for Longer than a Few Seconds

• If your Decal is Applied to Glass and you Need to Use an Ice Scraper to Remove Ice, Scrape and Clear the Glass around your Decal. Do not Scrape over the Decal. It may cause the Edges or your Decal to Lift