Bumper Sticker Application
Surface preparation: All surfaces must be considered dirty and must be cleaned prior to the application. – Clean the area where the stickers are to be applied with a household cleaner, a non-ammonia base. We recommend an alcohol based cleaner such as denatured alcohol or equivalent. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Temperature requirements: Air and application surface temperatures must be between 45 and 80 degrees.
1. Rub the sticker to be sure the transfer tape, if present, is properly adhered to the sticker.
2. Clean and dry the desired area.
3. Remove the paper backing slowly making sure the sticker stays adhered to the transparent transfer tape.
4. Carefully position the sticker to the desired area. Once the sticker sticks it will be nearly impossible to reposition without destroying the sticker. Rub the sticker from one side to the other, eliminating any air bubbles.
5. Use a hard edged object like a credit card to make sure the entire sticker is fully adhered to the surface.
6. Slowly remove the transfer tape, if present.
7. Check for air bubbles. In most cases air bubbles can be worked to the edge of the sticker, but if not, a pin hole will allow the air to escape.
How do I remove decals?
Heat it with a hairdryer. Heat will loosen the adhesive behind the decal and make it easier to remove. Use a hairdryer on the high heat setting. Hold it over decal until you start to see the edges fray.
You can also use a heat gun. These are used to dry glue and can be found at any home improvement store. They can burn hotter than a hairdryer and thus are better for large or particularly stubborn decals.
Use a plastic blade. Most home improvement stores sell plastic blades that are specifically designed for removing decals and other flat objects that are sealed with adhesives. The plastic blades will minimize the risk of damage to the window.
Slowly slide the blade under the edges and chip away at the adhesive to separate the decal from the window. Try to hold the blade parallel to window to minimize the risk of damaging the glass.
Look for the “Li’l Chizler” which is specifically designed for removing adhesives from glass.
You may be able to peel the decal off once you have the edge lifted. Older decals will be more likely to split into little bits and generally are more difficult to remove.
Use a razor blade. A razor blade is the best tool for removing the adhesive but is also the most likely to risk damaging the glass. Therefore, it should be a last resort is plastic scrappers don’t work. Be particularly careful to hold the blade parallel to the glass and chip at the residue with small strokes.