Design Methods

Payment

All orders must be paid up front prior to being put into production. We accept VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards. We also accept checks, which must be received prior to your vinyl lettering & numbers being put into production. 

Live Order Tracking

Back in the early days of making decals, we built a system called Live Order Tracking that enables our customers to track their order through every stage of our streamlined process, from order placement to delivery.

After placing your order for vinyl lettering & numbers, you’ll receive a unique Live Order Tracking number via email that will allow you to track your vinyl lettering & numbers every step of the way. Need the current status of your order? Just click the link in the email and get the most recent updates from our dynamic Live Order Tracking system.

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Production Time Tables

Our flexible production times range from one to five business days. This allows you to make the final decision on when you need your order.

1 Business Day Priority:

Timelines can be tight. That's why we offer this zippy one day turnaround option. 

• Orders received after 5:00 PM CST will be processed the following business day,
• Emergency/same day rushes are available in some cases, Please speak with a customer service representative today for more information,
• Note: The time it will take to receive your product includes the production time as well as the shipping time.
• Turnaround starts from the time the file upload is complete. If an order is flagged in our prepress department or a proof is requested awaiting approval, turnaround starts from the time the approval is given.

2 Business Days Express:

Have an extra day, but still need your products quickly? The express option is ideal for you!

• Orders received after 5:00 PM CST will be processed the following business day,
• Emergency/same day rushes are available in some cases, Please speak with a customer service representative today for more information,
• Note: The time it will take to receive your product includes the production time as well as the shipping time.
• Turnaround starts from the time the file upload is complete. If an order is flagged in our prepress department or a proof is requested awaiting approval, turnaround starts from the time the approval is given.

3 Business Days Standard:

This is our most popular fast turnaround option. Free and speedy enough for almost any custom order.

• Orders received after 5:00 PM CST will be processed the following business day,
• Emergency/same day rushes are available in some cases, Please speak with a customer service representative today for more information,
• Note: The time it will take to receive your product includes the production time as well as the shipping time.
• Turnaround starts from the time the file upload is complete. If an order is flagged in our prepress department or a proof is requested awaiting approval, turnaround starts from the time the approval is given.

5 Business Days Saver:

If you’re not in a rush, then you can save some money by choosing our 5 Day Saver option.

• Orders received after 5:00 PM CST will be processed the following business day,
• Emergency/same day rushes are available in some cases, Please speak with a customer service representative today for more information,
• Note: The time it will take to receive your product includes the production time as well as the shipping time.
• Turnaround starts from the time the file upload is complete. If an order is flagged in our prepress department or a proof is requested awaiting approval, turnaround starts from the time the approval is given.

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Transfer Cut Option

 

Transfer Cut

Transfer cut option means that we will be cutting the vinyl decal material to a specified shape, graphic or text and then removing or “picking” any excess or unwanted vinyl material from your design leaving no vinyl background on your decal. We then place a transfer tape over the top of the remaining pieces of vinyl. This tape is what holds all the individual cut pieces of your decal design once you remove the paper backing from your decal. It also allows you to place multiple individual pieces of vinyl decal material on your desired surface cleanly and evenly.

* Vector File (EPS or Ai – Adobe Illustrator) format needed for Transfer Cut decals. *

 

Transfer Cut / Pick Charge

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.

For more information visit our transfer cut guidelines.

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Custom Vinyl Lettering Artwork Specifications

Preferred Files for Printing

The maximum file size we accept is 100 MB. Our preferred file types are:

• Adobe Illustrator EPS (Encapsulated Post Script)
• PDF (Adobe PDF)

When submitting these files, make sure you convert all fonts to outlines or curves to ensure they print correctly and the fonts are not substituted. 

Additional Files Accepted

• JPG (High Resolution JPEG)
• TIFF (High Resolution TIFF)
• PNG (High Resolution PNG)

File Tips

• Set up size proportionate to the exact size product you are ordering 
• Convert all text to outlines 
• Only Allow for bleed if necessary
• Never flatten/merge layers in a PSD file
• Indicate the cut line clearly for all decal products

Transfer-Cut Guidelines

Transfer Cutting refers to any sticker or decal that will be picked or weeded with transfer tape applied over the top of it. Most commonly used for vinyl lettering.

• Simple and open fonts are recommended.
• All text must be at least 1/2" tall.
• The space between characters and other design elements must be at least 1/8”.
• Main strokes, line weights, or art elements should be a minimum of 1/8”
• Minimum pick size of 1/8”.
• We recommend you request a proof for this product.

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

Design Services

If you are not able to provide us with a print ready artwork, we do have a vectorizing/recreating service available. Most logos or images can be recreated for $70. Artwork design service discounts may apply.  Please contact a sales representative today for more details.

This service needs to be paid for in advance and we will be happy to give you a copy of the vector file once it is complete.

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Shipping

• Decals.com ships within 2 - 4 business days to 90% of the United States.
• Unless otherwise specified, at the time of ordering, your custom vinyl lettering 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.

Shipping Methods:

• 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. 

National and International Shipping Notes:

• 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, UPS, and FedEx.
• Contact a Customer Service Representative at (320) 391-5250 for more information.

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How to Apply a Transfer Sticker

Are you having trouble with your sticker application or just not sure how to proceed? Whether you’re looking for car window sticker application instructions, or just want to learn how to apply a transfer sticker, don’t worry, we have an easy to follow guide!

  Watch Transfer Sticker Video Installation Guide

Step 1:

Tools Needed

Scissors	Paper Towels
Masking Tape	Tape Measure
Plastic Applicator Squeegee or Credit Card	Warm Water or Other Common Household Cleaning Item

Step 2:

Clean the Surface

Clean the surface. Smooth non-porous surfaces work best like glass, metal, painted dry-wall and tile. Clean thoroughly and remember to avoid using glass cleaner because it may leave some residue. Make sure the surface is dry.

Step 3:

Tape 

Use the masking tape to temporarily adhere the sticker to the intended surface. This will act as a “hinge”.

 

Step 4:

Measure

Grab your tape measure. Use the bottom of the sticker as a place to measure from - make sure it’s level on both sides.

Step 5:

Peel

 Gently peel off the sticker backing.

Step 6:

Apply the Sticker to the Surface

Using a sticker application squeegee, press and apply sticker to the intended surface in a zig-zag pattern. If you do not have a sticker application squeegee, then you can use a small flat object  with a hard edge like a credit card, your wallet, or a pack of post-it notes.

Step 7:

Applying Sticker - Press Hard

This is the final sealing event, so press hard when applying the sticker.

 

Step 8:

Remove the Transfer Mask

Next, slowly remove the application mask. Be careful as the sticker may peel away from the surface.

Step 9:

Enjoy!

Stand back and admire your job well done! Enjoy!

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