How Do You Label Tools and Equipment With 'Property Of' Decals?

How Do You Label Tools and Equipment With 'Property Of' Decals?

Durable, custom-printed property of decals that stop tool walk-off and keep equipment accounted for

To label tools and equipment with property of decals, print your company name, a phone number, and a unique asset number on each decal, then apply it to a clean, flat, visible spot on every item. Wipe the spot with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry, then press the decal on from the center outward. Choose a spot where hands, heat, and abrasion won't wear it away, and place it beside the manufacturer's labels and serial plate, never over them. Number the decals in sequence and record each number against its tool in an inventory list, so a missing drill or generator can be traced and proven to be yours. Size the decal to the item: about 2" to 3" for hand tools and cases, and larger panels for generators, trailers, and machinery.

Property of decals give you a simple, permanent way to mark company tools, machinery, vehicles, and gear with a name, logo, phone number, or asset ID. Printed on weather-resistant vinyl and shipped directly to you, these decals are built to survive job sites, shops, warehouses, and outdoor storage. Every order is custom printed with your artwork, sized to fit your equipment, and produced in as little as 1 business day.

Property Of Decals: Common Questions

What material should I choose for property of decals on outdoor equipment?
For tools and equipment that stay outdoors or move between job sites, choose Hi-Performance cast vinyl, rated for up to 8 years outdoors. Standard Vinyl, a calendered vinyl rated for 3 to 5 years, is a good lower-cost option for indoor equipment or gear with a shorter expected lifespan.
What sizes do property of labels come in?
Most property of decals range from small 2" x 2" tags suitable for hand tools up to large 120" x 50" panels for trailers or heavy machinery. You set the exact dimensions during checkout, so a decal for a drill case can be sized completely differently than one for a generator or trailer gate.
Can I add a logo, asset number, and phone number to the same decal?
Yes. Upload your own artwork or send us your logo, company name, asset ID, and contact number, and we'll print them together on one decal. Many businesses also use sequential numbering across a batch of property of decals to track individual tools or units.
How much do custom property of decals cost?
Pricing depends on size, material, and quantity, and drops significantly at 50+ units through tiered bulk pricing. Choices like die-cut shaping, kiss-cutting, or Hi-Performance cast vinyl affect the per-unit price, while choosing a 5-day saver production option can lower cost compared to rush turnaround.
How fast can I get property of decals produced and shipped?
Standard production is 3 business days. If you need them sooner, 1-day priority and 2-day express options are available for an added fee. A 5-day saver option is also available if you want to save money and don't need them right away. Production time does not include shipping transit.
How do I apply property of decals to tools and equipment?
Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry completely, then peel the backing and apply the decal, pressing from the center outward to avoid air bubbles. Place it beside, not over, the manufacturer's labels and serial plate. For curved tool handles or uneven equipment housings, Hi-Performance cast vinyl is thinner and more conformable, which helps with a clean install on irregular surfaces.
Will property of decals survive cleaning, outdoor exposure, and daily handling?
Yes, when the right material is matched to the use case. Hi-Performance cast vinyl resists fading, scratching, and moisture exposure, making it suitable for tools that get washed down, left in truck beds, or stored outside. Avoid high-pressure washing directly on the decal edge to extend its lifespan.

Types of Property Of Decals and Where They're Used

Property of decals aren't one-size-fits-all. A machine shop labeling drill presses has different needs than a contractor marking hard hats or a fleet manager tagging trailers. Decals.com produces property of labels in die-cut, kiss-cut, and transfer cut formats, so the shape matches your logo or asset tag exactly instead of sitting inside a generic rectangle.

Common applications include job site tools and power equipment, toolboxes and tool chests, hard hats, and construction equipment used by crews on the move. Trailers, generators, and heavy equipment take larger panels, and clearly marked equipment is also a deterrent to theft. For small asset tags, Circle Decals work well on cases and bins, and Domed Decals add a raised polyurethane finish that resists scuffing on frequently handled tools (250 minimum, about 4 weeks production). If you're deciding between a sticker-style label and a true decal for your project, this guide on the differences between custom stickers and custom decals breaks down which format fits best.

Materials, Durability, and Design Options

Material choice determines how long a property of decal lasts once it's applied. Equipment decals come in two materials: Standard Vinyl, a calendered vinyl rated for 3 to 5 years that works well for indoor tools and short-term labeling, and Hi-Performance cast vinyl, rated for up to 8 years outdoors and thin enough to conform to curved housings. For equipment that has to be seen in low light, reflective decals use 5 mil engineering-grade reflective vinyl.

On the design side, you can upload existing artwork, submit a logo file, or work from a simple text-and-logo layout listing company name, phone number, and asset ID. If you're unsure which finish fits your equipment (glossy, matte, or something more rugged), this guide to choosing the right decal finish and this breakdown of sticker material selection both walk through the tradeoffs. For design prep, our decal design best practices guide covers file formats, bleed, and resolution so your logo prints sharp at small sizes.

Property Of Decal Material Options Compared

Match your material to how and where the equipment is used. Here's how the main vinyl options stack up for tool and equipment labeling.

MaterialExpected LifespanBest ForPrice Impact
Standard Vinyl (Glossy/Matte)3 to 5 years outdoorIndoor tools, shop equipment, lower-cost labelingBase price
Hi-Performance Cast Vinyl (Glossy/Matte)Up to 8 years outdoorJob site tools, trailers, heavy equipment, curved tool surfacesUpgrade
Reflective VinylVaries, high visibilityLow-light job sites, safety and automotive equipmentSpecialty material

Shop Property Of Decals and Equipment Labels

Built on the same die-cut and material options used across our decal catalog, these products work well for property of labeling on tools, vehicles, and job site gear.

Custom Equipment Decals Equipment Decals

Custom Equipment Decals

Priced by size, quantity, and material

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Custom Hard Hat Stickers Stickers

Custom Hard Hat Stickers

Priced by size and quantity

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Domed Decals Domed Decals

Domed Decals

Sold in bulk, 250 minimum

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Circle Decals Decals

Circle Decals

Priced by size and quantity

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Custom Reflective Decals Decals

Custom Reflective Decals

Priced by size and lamination

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Mark Your Tools and Equipment With Custom Property Of Decals

Stop guessing which tools belong to your shop or crew. Upload your logo, pick a size and material, and get custom property of decals produced in as little as 1 business day. Not sure where to start? Request custom decal samples to test material and finish before placing a full order, or browse our full custom equipment decals lineup.

Start Your Property Of Decal Order