Custom Vinyl Decal Ordering Process & Design Options
Every custom vinyl decal order goes through our professional printing and precision cutting process to ensure accurate colors, clean edges, and durable outdoor performance.
With our streamlined ordering process, custom vinyl decals are simple and efficient. Choose your preferred design method, upload artwork, or build a decal using our online design tool to start your custom decal project.
Design Your Custom Decal Online
Our online design tool provides access to thousands of clipart images, fonts, and design elements for creating original designs.
Upload Your Own Artwork
Simply upload images from your computer, add text, and arrange elements to create your personalized decal. Alternatively, upload your own print-ready artwork files for professional reproduction on vinyl material.
Payment Options
All custom decal orders require full payment before production begins. We accept major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Check payments are also accepted and must be received prior to production scheduling.
Track Your Custom Decal Order
After placing your custom decal order, you'll receive a unique tracking number via email that provides real-time updates throughout our production process. Our Live Order Tracking system allows you to monitor your decals from order placement through final delivery, giving you complete visibility into production status and shipping progress.
Custom Vinyl Decal Production & Turnaround Times
Our custom vinyl decal production schedule offers turnaround options from 1 to 5 business days to accommodate both urgent and standard orders. Production begins after file upload completion and proof approval, ensuring accurate printing and precision cutting for every decal order.
Production Timing Guidelines
- Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST begin production the next business day.
- Production time does not include shipping time.
- Turnaround begins after file upload completion and proof approval.
- Rush production may be available for certain orders.
1 Business Day Priority Turnaround
Emergency decal production for tight deadlines. Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST are processed the following business day. Same-day rush options may be available in special circumstances - contact customer service for availability. Production time does not include shipping duration.
2 Business Days Express Turnaround
Accelerated manufacturing for time-sensitive custom decal projects. Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST begin production the next business day. Express turnaround provides an ideal balance between speed and cost for most urgent vinyl decal needs.
3 Business Days Standard Turnaround
Our most popular production timeline offering fast turnaround at no additional cost. Standard production provides sufficient time for quality control while maintaining quick delivery for most custom decal applications. Orders approved after 5:00 PM CST start production the following business day.
5 Business Days Saver Turnaround
Cost-effective production option for non-urgent custom decal orders. Saver timeline reduces overall project costs while ensuring the same quality manufacturing standards. Perfect for large quantity orders or projects with flexible deadlines.
Die-Cut, Kiss-Cut & Transfer-Cut Vinyl Decal Options
Custom vinyl decals can be produced using several cutting methods depending on how the decal will be applied and displayed. Die-cut, kiss-cut, and transfer-cut options each affect the backing material, installation method, and final appearance of your decal.
Die-cut decals create individually shaped stickers, kiss-cut decals remain on a backing sheet for easier handling, and transfer-cut decals apply lettering or graphics without a background.
Die-cut processing cuts completely through both the vinyl material and paper backing, creating individually separated decals with no excess material. This "cookie cutter" approach produces clean, contoured shapes that match your design exactly. Die-cut decals offer the cleanest appearance when applied and work well for detailed designs and lettering.
* Please note – Back Slit (Crack and Peel) is only available on our Standard and Permanent material options *
Kiss-cut processing cuts only through the vinyl layer while leaving the paper backing intact. This creates a border of backing material around each decal, making them easier to handle and position during installation. Kiss-cut decals remain on a backing sheet until application, ideal for multiple small decals or precise positioning applications.
Transfer-cut decals involve cutting the vinyl to specific shapes and removing unwanted material ("weeding"), then applying transfer tape over the remaining design elements. This method works best for text and simple graphics, allowing installation of multiple design elements as a single unit. Vector files (EPS or AI format) are required for transfer-cut production.
Transfer-cut pricing includes 8 standard picks with a maximum of 40 picks per square foot. Additional picks range from $0.02 to $0.04 depending on complexity. Intricate designs may require custom pricing based on picking difficulty and time requirements.
Custom Vinyl Decal Artwork & File Requirements
Preparing artwork correctly ensures accurate printing and cutting of your custom vinyl decals. Follow these file preparation guidelines to achieve professional-quality decal printing and precise vinyl cutting results.
Preferred Files for Printing
Vector-based files provide the best quality for vinyl decal printing and cutting. Submit Adobe Illustrator EPS (Encapsulated Post Script) or PDF files for optimal results. Maximum file size is 100 MB. Convert all fonts to outlines or curves before submission to prevent font substitution issues during production.
Additional Files Accepted
High-resolution raster files are acceptable for photographic content and complex designs. Submit JPG, TIFF, or PNG files at the highest resolution available. Ensure files are sized proportionate to your final decal dimensions for best printing clarity.
Custom Decal Artwork File Tips
Set up artwork at exact proportional size to your ordered vinyl decal dimensions. Convert all text elements to outlines to preserve font appearance. Include bleed only when necessary for your design. Never flatten or merge layers in PSD files - maintain layer separation for production flexibility. Clearly indicate cut lines for all decal products to ensure accurate cutting.
Transfer-cut vinyl decals require specific design considerations for successful weeding and application. Use simple, open fonts with all text at least 1/2" tall. Maintain minimum 1/8" spacing between characters and design elements. All line weights and design elements should be at least 1/8" wide. Minimum pick size is 1/8". Request a proof for complex transfer-cut designs to verify production feasibility.
Disclaimers:
- Transfer cut price includes 8 standard picks with a Maximum of 40 picks per sq. foot.
- Additional picks are $0.02 to $0.04 per pick depending on difficulty/intricacy.
- Intricately cut decals will be custom quoted based on difficulty and time required to pick.
Vector Art
Vector art consists of lines and curves that are mathematically defined objects. When viewing art in key line mode you can see the points or vectors when connecting your lines and curves. They can also be seen when using the pen tool or editing the points along a path. Vector art is ideal for type and drawn shapes because they can be enlarged to any size while maintaining crisp outlines and details without sacrificing quality. The distance between the vectors is calculated mathematically and is not dependent upon resolution.
Raster Art
Raster images consist of colored squares, called pixels. They are created by combining a series of various colored pixels. Digital photographs are made up of pixels. If you view a raster image at 200% or more you are able to see the individual pixels that make up the image. Raster images are dependent upon resolution so image enlargement is limited by the individual size at which the file was created. If a file is produced at a size that is larger than its resolution will allow, the quality will decrease. Printing a low resolution file will result in pixelation. Individual pixels are large enough to be easily discernable. Increasing the resolution will not solve this problem is there are not enough pixels to begin with. The program will add more pixels based upon the estimation of their location and will then assign their neighboring pixels's color value. This may cause an image to look muddy.
If submitting these files, please follow the guidelines below:
- 100% scale (full size output) at 100 dpi
- 50% scale at 200 dpi or higher
- 25% scale at 300 dpi or higher
- 10% scale at 600-1200 dpi recommended
Custom Decal Design Services
If you are not able to provide us with a good quality image, we do have a vectorizing/recreating service available. Most logos or images can be recreated for as little as $15; however images with more detail are subject to quoting prior to vectorizing the image. Please contact a sales representative for more details.
This service needs to be paid for in advance of us printing your order. We will keep your recreated vector artwork on file for you to use on all future orders.
Releasing the recreated vector artwork to you for personal use can be done for an additional cost.
Custom Vinyl Decal Shipping & Delivery
Reliable shipping options ensure your custom vinyl decals arrive safely and on schedule. Shipping time is calculated separately from production time, so be sure to account for both manufacturing and delivery when planning your decal order timeline.
- You can expect your Decals.com order to arrive within 2 - 4 business days (after production time) to 90% of the United States.
- Unless otherwise specified, at the time of ordering, your custom vinyl decals will ship via UPS Ground.
- If you have any questions about shipping rates or rush production, please contact our friendly Customer Service Representatives at (320) 391-5250 prior to ordering.
- You will receive a tracking number once your package has shipped.
- To read more about our shipping information visit our shipping policy page.
Vinyl Decal Shipping Methods
Standard ground shipping provides cost-effective delivery for most vinyl decal orders. Express shipping options are available for time-sensitive projects requiring faster delivery. International shipping is available to most global destinations with appropriate customs documentation.
- Economy (5-15 Days)
- Standard (3-5 Business Days)
- Three Day (3 Business Days)
- Two Day (2 Business Days)
- Overnight (1 Business Day)
Important Economy Shipping Notes:
- If choosing economy shipping, please include additional postal information such as your P.O. Box in the "Address Two" field on the checkout page to help ensure delivery.
- Using economy shipping can also add an additional 5 - 10 days, depending on where the package is being shipped to.
Domestic & International Vinyl Decal Shipping
- Decals.com ships throughout the United States and Internationally.
- All international shipments must have shipping labels as well as customs documentation provided by the customers. We will only accept international shipping labels from the following carriers, USPS and UPS.
- Contact a Customer Service Representative at (320) 391-5250 for more information.
How to Install Vinyl Decals
Proper installation technique ensures a clean, professional appearance and long-lasting adhesion for your custom vinyl decals. Follow these basic steps to apply your decal smoothly and avoid air bubbles.
Basic Vinyl Decal Installation Steps
- Clean the application surface and allow it to dry completely.
- Position the decal and secure it temporarily with masking tape.
- Peel away the backing paper while keeping the decal aligned.
- Use a squeegee to press the decal onto the surface from the center outward.
- Remove transfer tape slowly if applicable.
- Press down edges to ensure proper adhesion.
Watch How to Apply Die-Cut Vinyl Decals (Video Guide)
Watch How to Install Transfer-Cut Vinyl Decals (Video Guide)