SIMPLE STEPS. GREAT RESULTS
Application Instructions
We've made applying your Vinyl Junkies decals and stickers as easy as possible!
Whether you're personalising a glass, organising your pantry or adding the finishing touches to a larger project, our application guides will help you achieve the best results.
Take your time, follow the instructions for your product and don't hesitate to get in touch if you need a hand.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DECAL AND A STICKER?
Cut Vinyl (Decal)
-
Cut vinyl decals are created by cutting individual letters, shapes or designs from coloured vinyl. There is no background surrounding the design.
-
Transfer tape is applied over the decal to hold all the pieces in position while transferring them to your chosen surface.
Printed Vinyl (Sticker)
-
Printed stickers have a printed design on a single piece of vinyl, which is peeled from its backing and applied directly to the surface.
-
Unlike cut vinyl decals, most individual printed stickers do not require transfer tape.
​​
Before You Begin
​
Proper preparation makes all the difference!
​
-
Make sure your surface is smooth, clean, dry and suitable for vinyl application.
-
Remove dust, dirt, grease and cleaning product residue.
-
For suitable surfaces, clean with mild soapy water, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely.
-
Avoid applying vinyl to rough, dusty, porous or unstable surfaces.
-
Check that the surface and surrounding temperature are suitable for application.
​
​​
APPLYING CUT VINYL DECALS
Cut vinyl decals arrive with transfer tape already applied, keeping your design together during application.
​
-
Prepare your surface. Clean thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
-
Secure the decal to the transfer tape. Place the decal on a flat surface and rub firmly over the transfer tape using a squeegee.
-
Remove the backing paper. Slowly peel the backing paper away at a sharp angle, checking that all letters and shapes remain attached to the transfer tape.
-
Position your decal. Carefully align the design before allowing the adhesive to make contact with the surface.
-
Apply the decal. Working gradually from one side to the other, use a squeegee to apply firm, even pressure and minimise trapped air.
-
Remove the transfer tape. Slowly peel it back at a sharp angle, keeping it close to the surface.
-
Check your application. If any part of the decal lifts, lay the transfer tape back down and apply additional pressure before trying again.
After application: Allow the adhesive time to bond before washing or handling the item excessively. For household glassware and containers, we recommend waiting at least 48 hours before washing.
TIPS & TRICKS
​
-
Preparation is key: Always ensure your surface is clean, dry and free from dust, grease or cleaning product residue before applying your decal.
-
Having trouble lifting the decal? Rub firmly over the transfer tape with your squeegee. Turn the decal face down and slowly peel the backing paper away, rather than pulling the transfer tape upwards.
-
Letters staying on the backing paper? Lay the backing paper back down, apply more pressure over the affected area and try again.
-
Take your time: Position your decal carefully before applying pressure. Once the adhesive makes contact with the surface, repositioning may be difficult.
-
Avoid air bubbles: Work gradually from one side to the other, applying firm, even pressure with your squeegee.
-
Transfer tape not coming off easily? Peel it back slowly at a sharp angle, keeping it close to the surface. If any vinyl begins to lift, lay the tape back down and apply more pressure.
-
Allow time to bond: Avoid washing or excessive handling immediately after application. For household glassware and containers, we recommend waiting at least 48 hours before washing.
-
Care for your decals: Hand washing is recommended for decorated glassware and containers. Avoid soaking, scrubbing directly over the decal or placing items in the dishwasher.
​
APPLYING PRINTED VINYL STICKERS​
Printed stickers are generally applied directly to your chosen surface without transfer tape.
​
-
Clean and thoroughly dry the application surface.
-
Carefully peel the sticker away from its backing paper.
-
Position one edge of the sticker against the surface.
-
Gradually lower the remaining sticker into place.
-
Use a squeegee to smooth the sticker from the centre outwards, helping to prevent trapped air.
For larger stickers, work slowly and avoid allowing the entire adhesive surface to make contact at once.
​
WET APPLICATION FOR LARGE DECALS
​​
Wet application can make positioning larger vinyl graphics easier, allowing you to adjust their placement before the adhesive bonds.
Important: Wet application can only be used on smooth, non-porous surfaces, such as glass, acrylic and suitable sealed surfaces. It is not suitable for walls, untreated timber or other porous materials.
Wet application is only suitable for certain vinyl products. Please check with us if you're unsure whether your decal can be applied using this method.
​
-
Thoroughly clean the surface and allow it to dry.
-
Prepare a spray bottle with water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid.
-
Slowly remove the backing paper, ensuring the decal remains attached to the transfer tape.
-
Lightly spray the application surface with the soapy water solution.
-
Position the decal on the wet surface and adjust until correctly aligned.
-
Working from the centre outwards, use a squeegee with firm, even pressure to push the water and air bubbles towards the edges.
-
Allow the decal to dry sufficiently before carefully removing the transfer tape.
-
Slowly peel away the transfer tape, keeping it close to the surface.
Please note: If the decal lifts when removing the transfer tape, moisture may still be trapped underneath. Allow additional drying time before trying again. Drying times vary depending on the surface, temperature and amount of water used.
​
WALL DECAL APPLICATION​
Our wall decals are made using a specially designed vinyl with a gentle adhesive, allowing them to be removed without damaging suitable painted walls.
​
They're also repositionable and reusable, provided the decal remains intact during removal and the adhesive stays clean and undamaged.
Before You Begin
-
Ensure your wall is smooth, clean, dry and free from dust.
-
Allow freshly painted walls to fully cure before applying your decal.
-
Avoid textured, peeling or poorly bonded paint.
-
Do not use wet application methods for wall decals.
Single-Piece Wall Decal Application
-
Clean the wall and allow it to dry completely.
-
Carefully peel the decal away from its backing paper.
-
Position the decal on your wall.
-
Starting from the centre, gently smooth the decal outwards to remove any trapped air bubbles.
Cut Vinyl Wall Decal Application (With Transfer Tape)
-
Clean the wall and allow it to dry completely.
-
Place your decal on a flat surface and rub firmly over the transfer tape using a squeegee.
-
Slowly peel away the backing paper, ensuring all letters and shapes remain attached to the transfer tape.
-
Carefully position the decal on your wall.
-
Use a squeegee to apply even pressure across the design, working from the centre outwards.
-
Slowly peel the transfer tape back at a sharp angle, keeping it close to the wall.
-
If any part of the decal begins to lift, lay the transfer tape back down, apply additional pressure and try again.
​
TIPS & TRICKS
​
-
Take your time: Slow, careful application and removal will give you the best results.
-
Keep it clean: Dust and dirt can affect adhesion, particularly when repositioning.
-
Check your paint: Poorly bonded or damaged paint may lift when removing decals.
-
Avoid excessive handling: Repeated repositioning can reduce the adhesive's effectiveness.
-
Store carefully: If you're not repositioning your decal immediately, place it back onto a suitable release liner to protect the adhesive.
Please note: While our wall vinyl is designed for gentle removal, we cannot guarantee damage-free removal from every painted surface. Reusability depends on the condition of the decal, adhesive and surface, and whether the decal remains intact during removal.
​
IRON-ON VINYL APPLICATION
-
Set your iron temperature between wool & cotton. Use a dry iron. DO NOT USE STEAM.
-
Iron garment where the transfer is to be applied.
-
Position the transfer with plastic backing still attached and place the protective cloth provided over the transfer.
-
Place iron on the protective cloth and the transfer with a reasonable amount of pressure for 25 seconds.
-
Remove the backing from the transfer while still hot.
-
Max washing temp 80°. Do not iron directly onto transfer at any time, dryclean or put in a hot dryer.
​
PLEASE NOTE: Iron-ons are to be are to be applied to a flat surface, avoid seams and any other lumps.
​
TIPS & TRICKS:
It's all in the ironing! Extra labels are provided for a bit of practice. Apply as much pressure evenly as you possibly can, and time for 25 seconds. Our iron on vinyls are suited for cotton only fabrics, for other fabric applications please contact us first. The application tape is best removed hot. Follow the instructions and you will be a-ok!
​
