How to Apply Racing Sponsor Decals

• Your decal (with transfer tape on top)
• Isopropyl alcohol and a clean, lint-free cloth
• Masking tape
• A squeegee, or a credit card
• A tape measure

• Apply out of direct sun and wind. For the dry method, about 50°F to 90°F works best. At 90°F and up, use the wet method.
• Pick a smooth, clean surface, such as factory paint or glass. Textured or rough plastic and wax can keep vinyl from sticking.
• Avoid repainted surfaces. Installing a decal on a repaint can cause problems when you remove it later, such as the paint lifting with the decal.
• Wash the area, wipe it with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry. Skip wax, silicone and polish products, they stop vinyl from sticking.

1. Measure and position it. The best way to place a decal is to measure. Measure from a fixed point such as a door edge, the window or a body line, and mark the spot with masking tape. Then tape the top edge of the decal to the surface, like a hinge, and check your measurements on both sides before you go further.
2. Peel the backing. Lift the decal up on the tape hinge, then slowly peel the paper backing away. The vinyl should stay on the clear transfer tape. If a piece stays on the backing, lay it back down and press it again.
3. Apply. Hold the decal away from the surface and lay it down from the hinge outward. Squeegee from the center out, overlapping each stroke.
4. Remove the transfer tape. Wait a few minutes. Peel the transfer tape back slowly at a low angle, close to the surface. If a letter lifts, lay the tape down and press that spot again.
5. Press the edges. Press along the edges with your finger or the squeegee. Pop any air bubble with a pin and press it flat.

• Dry method works well for small decals.
• Wet method is best for medium to larger decals, when it’s 90°F or warmer (like an Arizona summer), or if you are worried about bubbles.

The steps are the same as above, with these changes:

1. Mix a few drops of mild soap in a spray bottle of water.
2. After you peel off the backing, lightly spray the surface and the sticky side of the decal.
3. Slide the decal into position. The water lets you move it around.
4. Squeegee from the center out to push the water and air out from under the decal.
5. Let it sit until the decal grabs, then remove the transfer tape slowly at a low angle. If an edge lifts, lay the tape back down and press again.
6. Press the edges and let it dry. Wait 24 hours before washing.

Our sponsor decals are cut from premium cast vinyl made for outdoor, exterior use. Matte black is 3M 7125. All other colors are ORACAL 751.

The manufacturers publish these outdoor ratings for their films:

• ORACAL 751: up to 7 years for standard colors and 5 years for metallics, on vertical surfaces. Silver is a metallic.
• 3M 7125: an expected performance life of 8 years on a flat, vertical, outdoor surface.

These are the manufacturers’ ratings, not our warranty. Actual life depends on climate, sun exposure, surface, and care. Hot, sunny desert climates and flat horizontal surfaces such as a hood or roof can shorten it.

• Wait 24 hours before washing the vehicle.
• Avoid pressure washing close to the edges.
• Hand wash when you can. Strong brushes can lift edges over time.

Removal is easiest on factory paint. Warm it with a hair dryer or heat gun on low, then peel it back slowly at a low angle. Clean any leftover adhesive with isopropyl alcohol and a clean rag.

When you order, the dark gray background in the product photo is only there so you can see the design. It is not part of the decal.

Watch our install videos on the How To’s page, call or text 480-650-9314, or request a quote for something custom. Don’t see a sponsor? Request a sponsor logo.