Design Methods

Payment

All reflective decals 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 reflective decals 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 reflective decals, you’ll receive a unique Live Order Tracking number via email that will allow you to track your decaks 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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Die Cut, Kiss Cut, and Transfer Cut Decals

The main differences between these three cut options, comes down to the paper backing on each decal.

Die-Cut

Die-cut means that we are cutting through both the vinyl decal material and the paper backing. This cut type doesn't leave any material around the decal. Another way to look at it is to think of it like a "cookie cutter." Your decals are all individually cut out to the contour of your design, so you have individually cut decals with no paper material around the design.

* Please note, back slit (crack and peel) is only available on decals 3" x 3" up to 12" x 12". * If selected on sizes larger than 12" x 12" your decals will not be backslit

Kiss-Cut

Kiss-cut means we are only cutting through the vinyl layer ("decal material") and not cutting through the paper backing, leaving a paper material border around your decal. When you choose a kiss-cut decal, you will have extra material around your decal for easy peeling.

 

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 Reflective Decals 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

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 reflective 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.

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 Vinyl Decals

Decals are a great way to add a unique touch to many spaces and surfaces. Whether you plan to display your new decal on your car, laptop, living-room wall, or anywhere else, proper installation is crucial for creating a strong bond that lasts long and looks great. That's why we've put together this guide that teaches you how to apply decals in just six easy steps.

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

The first order of business before you apply your decal is to make sure the surface is clean and dry. Any dirt, debris, or moisture can weaken the adhesion. Use warm water and soap, rubbing alcohol, or other common household items for a good clean. Be sure to wipe away any left-over cleaning product or residue with a dry cloth before moving on to the next step.

Step 3:

Tape & Measure

Before you peel away the backing, tape your decal down on the surface where you intend to apply it. Measure and adjust to make sure it is centered and straight.

Step 4:

Remove the Transfer Film from the Backing

Run a long piece of tape across the top of the decal to form a hinge. Slowly peel away the transfer film from the white backing.

With smaller decals, you can peel away the entire backing. For larger decals, it may be best to peel away the first portion and apply the decal to the surface as you peel away the rest of the backing.

Step 5:

Apply the Decal to the Surface

While holding the bottom end of the decal away from the surface. At the top of the decal, apply pressure with a plastic applicator squeegee or credit card. Start from the center of the decal and, with a scraping-like motion, work your way outward left to right, working your way down the decal.

Step 6:

Remove the Transfer Film

Once you've placed the decal, slowly remove the transfer film and press down any loose pieces and work out any air bubbles

Step 7:

Enjoy!

Now you can remove the transfer film and enjoy your freshly placed decal.

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