Decals: Why Do People Like Them?

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  June 5, 2022

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The reason people like them is because they are easy to apply, and they last a long time. Plus, they are great for making your car unique.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about decals and why people like them.

What is a decal

What’s the Deal with Decals?

What Are They?

Decals are like fancy stickers, usually for outdoor use. They’re made up of paper on the back, the decal itself, and paper on the front. You can stick ’em on cars, water bottles, laptops, and any other smooth surface. Decals come in two forms: printed with images and patterns, or solid single color. The material used for decals can last from five to seven years.

How Do You Get ‘Em?

You can transfer decals from one surface to another. To make decals for cars, they go through an eco-solvent printing process. Vinyl is usually the material they’re printed on, but sometimes they use UV over laminate.

Why Should I Care?

Decals are a great way to spruce up any surface. Plus, they last a long time, so you don’t have to worry about replacing them. Here are some ideas for how you can use decals:

  • Customize your car with a cool decal
  • Put a funny decal on your water bottle
  • Decorate your laptop with a unique decal
  • Make a statement with a single-color decal

So, if you’re looking for a way to make your stuff stand out, decals are the way to go!

Can Stickers Damage My Smoker’s Paint?

Stickers are a great way to show off your brand and get your name out there, but if you don’t stick them on properly, you could be in for a world of trouble when you try to remove them. But don’t worry, as long as your smoker’s paint job is up to scratch, you should be fine!

What’s the Worst that Could Happen?

How to buy a bbq smoker video
How to buy a bbq smoker video

Stickers won’t damage your smoker’s paint, as long as you’re using the right kind of adhesive. Most stickers are made from acrylic, which won’t affect the paint’s chemistry. But if you’re ordering vinyl decal film online, make sure you get the ‘car safe’ option, otherwise you could end up with a decal with permanent adhesive, which isn’t designed for use on vehicles and could damage the paint.

How to Remove Decals Safely

What You Need to Know

Removing decals from a painted wall can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s what you need to know:

  • Vinyl wall stickers can be taken down by heating the surface with a hair dryer on a warm setting.
  • You’ll need to keep heating and peeling until the sticker is removed.
  • To get rid of any glue residue, use warm soapy water and a white cloth.
  • If that doesn’t work, try eucalyptus oil.

Where to Get Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! There are plenty of professionals out there who can help. Glenbrae Signs is a one-stop shop for signage and custom graphics with over 100 years of collective experience in the industry. They can provide you with vehicle and site signage, custom car stickers, banners, displays, 3d lettering, websites and all aspects of corporate branding.

Plus, they use the most up-to-date technology and equipment to create innovative solutions for any budget. Whether you’re in the Melbourne area or not, you can give them a call on (03) 9761 9999, or check them out online.

What are Vinyl Decals?

The Basics of Vinyl Decals

Vinyl decals are cut from a roll of vinyl using a magical machine called a vinyl cutter or plotter. The cutter uses a single, tiny blade to cut into the vinyl material, but not the backing paper it is stuck to. After the vinyl has been cut, the excess material (the negative space in your decal) is removed by hand. This process is called weeding. Finally, the decal is pushed through a taping machine which rolls a layer of application tape onto the decal. This is what is then used to apply the decal to a surface.

Vinyl Stickers

Vinyl stickers are printed onto vinyl using a wide-format printer. Special repositionable vinyl is used for these stickers because it’s easier to apply and remove than other stickers while still having all the long-lasting properties of vinyl.

The Benefits of Vinyl Decals and Stickers

Vinyl decals and stickers are a great way to add a personal touch to your laptop, vehicle, wall, or any other surface. They come in lots of different colours and finishes, so you can find the perfect one for you. Plus, they are long-lasting and durable, so you don’t have to worry about them fading or peeling off.

How to Apply Vinyl Decals and Stickers

Applying vinyl decals and stickers is easy. All you need is a clean, dry surface, a squeegee, and a bit of patience. First, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Then, peel off the backing paper and carefully place the decal or sticker onto the surface. Use the squeegee to press down on the decal or sticker, making sure to get rid of any air bubbles. Finally, slowly peel off the application tape and you’re done!

What’s the Difference Between a Sticker and a Decal?

A Brief History

Stickers and decals have been around for centuries, though they’ve changed a lot since then! The Egyptians were the first to use them, but back then they were just used to advertise products and prices in marketplaces. Fast forward to 1839, when Sir Rowland Hill invented the adhesive paper we know today as the postage stamp. Then, during World War II, bumper stickers made their debut and people started using stickers to express their beliefs and opinions.

What’s the Difference?

The truth is, there’s no difference between stickers and decals! Both are made from materials like pet and vinyl, making them more durable and suitable for outdoor use. Plus, they’re easy to remove and don’t leave any sticky residue behind.

What Can You Do With Them?

Stickers and decals are great for expressing yourself and decorating whatever you want, whether it’s your laptop, water bottle, car, or any other smooth surface. Here are some fun ideas for using them:

  • Create a custom decal to show off your personality
  • Use them to decorate your bedroom walls
  • Stick them on your car to show your support for a cause
  • Add them to your laptop to give it a unique look
  • Put them on your water bottle to make it stand out
  • Use them to label your belongings

Conclusion

In conclusion, decals are a great way to add a personal touch to any surface. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your car, laptop, water bottle, or wall, there’s a decal for everyone. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive and can last up to eight years. So, if you’re looking for a way to express yourself, DECALS are the way to go! Just remember to use the right adhesive, otherwise you might be SOL!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.