How to Apply Car Stickers?
2 Answers
Clean the area of the car body where the sticker will be applied. You can use a non-fiber-shedding cloth dipped in 50% alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or acetone to scrub, or you can use soapy water. After cleaning, avoid recontamination. Wait until the solvent has completely evaporated from the surface before applying the sticker. Smooth the sticker with a tool while applying it, and peel off the backing paper at the same time.
I've gone through the process of applying car decals several times, and it basically involves three steps: First, thoroughly clean the car body, using alcohol to remove oil film and dust, otherwise the decal won't stick properly. Next, positioning is crucial—I usually spray a bit of soapy water on both the car body and the back of the decal before applying it, which allows for minor adjustments. Once aligned, use a squeegee to remove air bubbles from the center outward, the more meticulous the better. Remember to work in a shaded area, as direct sunlight can cause the adhesive to dry too quickly and lead to bubbles. If small bubbles appear, just poke a tiny hole with a needle and squeeze them out. After completion, avoid washing the car for 48 hours to let the adhesive fully cure. A cautionary tale: Last time, I misaligned a decal on the hood, and when I tried to peel it off, it left sticky residue. It took me two hours to clean it off with adhesive remover, and my hands were sore afterward.
