Curved Vinyl Decal Application

Wet self adhesive decals.

Curved vinyl decal application.

Then apply heat with a heat gun or hairdryer if necessary heat causes the vinyl to soften which allows for even more play. This type of decal is a little uncommon and should not be confused with water slide decals or vinyl self adhesive decals. I hadn t realized how different it was to apply vinyl to a flat surface and the result was a bit of a wonky flop. To start on the other side remove.

Apply the vinyl decal. Cut a strip of transfer tape or contact paper so it is the same size as the vinyl backing. A curved arched decal is not always best. Peel the adhesive backing from the tape or paper.

Don t be discouraged if your sticker isn t adhering properly to a curved edge or surface like a car bumper. The decal size will be measured in total height not height of the letter. Use the edge of the squeegee to push the vinyl out 1 8 of an inch at a time using an arching motion sort of like a windshield wiper keeping the graphic very taut. I generally recommend straight decals if for a top front windshield of vehicle.

Applying vinyl to a surface with curved aspects can be tricky. Now you have one side completely done. Apply transfer tape to the vinyl. Wet self adhesive decals have adhesive on the rear of the decal which when wet with water allows the decal to be moved into the correct position before carefully wiping away any access water.

Using a few simple tools and techniques can make this a much easier process. Turn a hairdryer or heat gun to a low setting and run the device several inches or centimeters above the surface of the sticker. Wanting some tips on how to apply vinyl to a curved surface. Starting from one side of the design use your fingers to apply the tape or paper to the vinyl and its backing a little bit at a time.

This instructable will use a skateboard deck as the example surface but the technique can be used for a variety of applications.