Installation guide – Vinyl stickers for car body

This guide applies to the installation of vinyl stickers on car bodywork (logos, lettering, decorative stripes, etc.). Following these steps ensures clean, long-lasting, and professional-looking results.

Ideal conditions before application

  • Room temperature: between 15 °C and 25 °C

  • Environment: clean, dry, wind-free

  • Unroll and store flat at room temperature for several hours before use

Avoid installing in direct sunlight, on wet surfaces, or on hot bodywork.

Surface cleaning

  1. Wash the area with water and neutral soap to remove dirt, insects, etc.

  2. Degrease with a clean cloth and isopropyl alcohol (or equivalent) to remove wax, polish or silicone.

  3. Dry completely. Surface must be smooth, clean, and dry before applying the sticker.

Important: do not apply stickers on freshly painted surfaces. Wait at least 3 weeks after a paint job.

Preparing the sticker

  • Place the sticker (with backing still on) onto the body panel to check alignment.

  • Use masking tape to hold it in position and mark reference points.

  • Press down the transfer film to reinforce vinyl adhesion before removing the backing.

Application

  1. Slowly remove the white paper backing, ensuring the vinyl remains attached to the transparent film.

  2. Apply the sticker starting from the center or one edge.

  3. Squeegee carefully with a plastic card or soft tool, pushing out air from center to edges.

Removing the transfer film

  • Wait a few minutes.

  • Peel off the transparent film slowly and flat, at a shallow angle.

  • If vinyl lifts off with the film, press it back down and squeegee again.

Aftercare

  • Avoid washing the vehicle or exposing it to rain for 24 hours.

  • Full adhesion is reached after 48 hours.

  • Do not pressure-wash directly on the sticker.

Tip

For large stickers or curved surfaces, having a second person helps ensure alignment and smooth application.