How to Install a Sticker: A Simple Guide

Square froggy sticker

By: Naomi J. Myrick, Stickers.com Staff Writer

BOO-YA! Your bomb-diggity custom stickers have just arrived. Now it’s time to install them. So how the heck should you do it? Well, I’ll tell you in this short guide.

Let’s go!

 

Preparing for The Install

Prior to sticker application, we recommend keeping these three things in mind. 

1. Texture

Stickers apply best to  smooth, non-porous surfaces like glass, steel, tile and painted drywall.

2. Temperature

Room temperature is 60 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature margin for vinyl sticker application. Keep this in mind when applying bumper stickers in a garage or outdoors.

3.Tools

These are the tools you will need:

  • Light cleaning agent in a spray bottle. Warm soapy water works well.
  • Paper Towels
  • Masking tape
  • Scissors
  • Tape Measure
  • Squeegee, credit card or small, flat, hard edged object.

 

Installation Steps

 

Step One: Clean & Dry Surface

Clean the surface with a light cleaning solution, like warm soapy water or rubbing alcohol. Using an absorbent towel, dry off the surface. If you have used a paper towel, make sure there aren’t any bits left behind. If debris is left on the surface, then the adhesive will stick to that instead of your bike, laptop car, etc.

Step Two: Tape to Surface

Next, grab your masking tape and use it to hold the sticker in place, kind of like a seatbelt. 

Step Three: Level & Measure 

Once you have the sticker secured to the surface, using a line of text as a place to measure from, level off the sticker.

Step Four: Peel & Cut Bottom Half of Backing

Peel back and cut off the bottom half of the sticker backing.. 

Step Five: Apply to Surface

Using your squeegee, or similar object, press and apply the sticker to the surface, beginning on one side and working your way in a zig-zag pattern to the other side.. 

Take your time working your way across as air bubbles can occur with haste.

Step Six: Remove the Tape

When the sticker is smooth and air bubble free, gently remove the masking tape. 

Step Seven: Peel & Remove Top Half of Backing

Carefully peel off the top half of the sticker backing.

Step Eight: Press and Apply

Take your adorable squeegee or similar flat edged object and press down using pressure to slowly apply the sticker to the surface with the same zig-zag motion as before.

Again, be patient and take your time to avoid air bubbles. The End.