How To Prevent Damage To Your Vinyl Decal: Everything You Need to Know
Whether you are a business owner, a marketer trying to promote your brand, or a crafty DIYer looking to add a personal touch to your project, vinyl decals make it easy to create something that’s totally you.
Decals.com is here to help make your vinyl decal last a lifetime, so your design can stay vibrant for years to come. Let's check out some key factors that determine a decal's lifespan and how to expand its longevity!
Environmental Impacts
Whether your vinyl decals are in your home or on your vehicle or window, their durability depends on the conditions they face every day.
Indoor Vinyl Decal
- Expected Lifespan: 5 to 10 years.
- Key Challenges:
- May not stick to textured walls, certain types of paint, surfaces with dirt, dust, or oily residues.
- Frequently handled items like water bottles, phone cases, or light switches can be damaged or peeled off over time
- Key Advantages:
- Safe from rain, wind, and snow so no moisture gets underneath the vinyl decal.
- The vinyl decal is not expanding or contracting due to temperature changes, which keeps the adhesive strong and prevents cracking over time.
Looking to design something that will last longer for indoor use, like water bottles or laptops? Check out our custom stickers options!
Outdoor Vinyl Decal
- Expected Lifespan: 3 to 7 years.
- Key Challenges:
- Sunlight and UV rays may cause colors to fade and the vinyl to become brittle.
- Rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures put stress on both the material and the adhesive.
- Physical wear, such as road grime, dirt, and even high-pressure washing, can damage the decal.
- How To Prevent Damage:
- Try using a clear UV-protective laminate film or spray to add a shield against sun.
- Regularly wash with mild soap and water. Do NOT use harsh chemicals or high-pressure washers.
What Can Damage Your Vinyl Decals?
To keep your vinyl decal looking its best, you need to know what can damage it. Here are some common culprits to watch out for:
- Sunlight and UV Exposure: Over time, direct sunlight can cause the vinyl and colors to fade, crack, and become brittle.
- Weather Conditions: Extremely cold or hot temperatures, heavy rain, and snow can wear down the decal's material and adhesive.
- Physical Abrasion: Excessive scrubbing, scraping, or high-pressure washing can damage the decal's surface.
- Poor Surface Preparation: If a decal is applied to a dirty, dusty, or oily surface, the adhesive won't bond properly. This is how you get a bubble or a peeling edge.
How To Make Decals Last Longer
A little bit of attention and care can go a long way. To give the best care of your vinyl decal, follow these simple tips:
- Master the Application: Before you even apply the vinyl decal, make sure your surface is completely clean and dry—free of any dirt, dust, or residue (soap and water can do the trick).
- Avoid Excessive Sun: If your decal is in the sun often, try to cover it in shade when not in use. For a more proactive approach, consider choosing our window decals that are UV resistant.
- Clean Carefully & Regularly: Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, and high-pressure washers, which can damage the vinyl and lift the edges. A simple wash with mild soap and a soft cloth is all you need to keep your decal looking its best.
Want to make your vinyl decal last even longer? The secret is in the application. Take a look at our step-by-step guides to get it right from the start.
When to Replace Decals Vinyl?
You’ll know it’s time to replace your vinyl decals when you notice signs of wear and tear. Common signs include:
- Edges are starting to peel or the vinyl itself is starting to crack.
- Colors have faded or look discolored.
- Bubbling or lifting from the surface.
Why Choose Decals.com ?
When looking for a vinyl decal to get the job done right, you need to be confident in the product—and the company behind it. Here’s what we have to offer:
- Custom Options: Choose any size or shape, round, square, die-cut—we print it all.
- Customer Service: Our team is 100% in-house and comprised of friendly, professional graphic designers.
- Made in the USA: All of our products are proudly made and manufactured here in the USA!
- Quick Turnaround: Your vinyl decal will ship within three business days.
- Track your order, every step of the way!
Ready to create a decal that's built to last? Pick the right vinyl for the job—whether it's for your car or your kitchen—and care for it properly using our tips! That way, you can make sure your design stays vibrant for years to come. Explore our full collection of custom vinyl decals and start designing today!