FAQ

Decal Examples

What is a Die Cut Vinyl Decal?

Die cut decals are one of the more popular style of decals and you see them everyday on the back of people's card. They are typically only 1 or 2 colors. The decal is of the image only, i.e. there is no background. These decals are plotted on a vinyl cutter which has a small blade that cuts into the vinyl, but not the backing paper. After the cutting, the excess vinyl is "weeded" away by hand and then covered with an application masking tape(transfer tape).

What is a Full Color Printed Decal?

A full color decal is printed on a special printer with Eco-Solvent inks. The inks are designed for outdoor use up to 3 years. We are able to add a lamination to the decal to extend the life of the decal by another 3+ years. This lamination will also provide additional protection from the sun and chemicals such as gas and oil. Standard cuts are usually rectangular or oval in shape, however we are able to contour cut these decals to almost any size.

What type of files should I provide for my custom decal?

The best file would be a vector file, either an .eps or illustrator. For full color digital decals, we would also be able to accept a raster file such as a PSD, JPG or Tiff. Be sure the raster file has a dpi of 300. For die cut decals, we require a vector file. If a raster file is provided for a die cut job, there will be an additional fee to convert the file to a vector format that will be suitable for cutting.

If I save my jpg or tiff as a pdf/eps, is it a vector file?

No, just because you save a jpg/tiff/pdf or any other bitmap format as an eps/ai file does not make it a vector file. The file will still need to be converted or recreated in vector format.

Can I change my low resolution picture into a high resolution image?

No, resolution can be reduced, but never increased. Despite what you see on TV, you cannot just press an enhance button to make an image sharper or clearer.

What kind of vinyl do you use?

We typically use Oracal 651 for all of our die cut decals. For our die cut wall decals, we use Oracal 631. For our digitally printed decals, we use Oracal 3165, 3651, 3951 and 3268.

I have bubble in my decal, how do I get rid of them?

Don't worry, it happens to us all at one point. Bubbles are generally caused by trapped pockets of air behind the decal. You can take an xacto knife or push pin and poke a hole to release the air and then apply pressure to the bubble to force the air out. Sometimes the bubble will diminish on their own with the temperature changes of being in the sun.

Will your decals stick to my wall?

Most likely yes.

Wall decals will have a hard time adhereing to the following surfaces:

  • Highly textured paint
  • Patched area that have not been primed
  • Moisture behind the drywall.
  • High humidity areas, such as bathrooms.
  • Dirty or dusty walls
  • Freshly painted walls. Should allow a minimum of 30 days cure time.
  • High Gloss paint.

How do I install my decal?

You can find Install Instructions here.