Identity Vinyl Identity Vinyl custom die-cut stickers, banners, and graphics

So you’ve received your stickers and are ready to install them. We include a sample sticker with every order, so if you want a practice run, try applying it first.

1. Clean the intended surface and avoid touching it until you have placed the sticker.
2. Peel the backing material away from the application tape, leaving the sticker stuck to the tape. As you’re pealing them apart, watch that the vinyl sticks to the tape. If part of the sticker pulls away with the backing, backtrack and nd gently rub/press on that part of the tape to adhere it.
3. When the backing is full removed, carefully place the sticker onto the intended surface; once it is placed it cannot be repositioned. Rub/press the sticker firmly through the application tape to help the sticker adhere to the surface.
4. Peel away the application tape, watching that the vinyl stays on the surface. If a piece of the sticker did not adhere properly, backtrack and rub/press again.
5. Once the the application tape has been removed, gently press down on the edges of the sticker to make sure they are fully adhered. If possible, allow at least one full day for proper chemical adhesion before exposing to moisture.

When applied correctly these stickers are extremely resistant to normal wear and tear – almost permanent. However, if you’re armed with a few tricks they can come off pretty easily when you want them to.

• Heat destroys the adhesive bond between the vinyl and the applied surface. A heat gun or hairdryer on medium heat will quickly soften up the adhesive and make stickers easier to remove.
• If the sticker is applied to something hard and smooth, like glass, the easiest way to remove it is with a sharp, flat razor blade. Spray some soapy water or window cleaner onto and around the sticker, and then work the blade under the edge of the sticker and simply scrape the sticker off. This method removes all the residue with the sticker, and leaves your window sparkling and clean.
• Plastics get a bit tougher, but the same basic idea applies. Use soapy liquid and a hard, thin, flat object to scrape with, fingernails and credit cards work pretty well.
• If you think you’ll be removing a piece of wall-art at a future date, when you’re done applying the art, roll up the transfer tape (sticky side in) and keep it somewhere. When you want to remove the graphic, unroll the tape and press it onto the graphic with a hard squeegee (or credit card again). When you peel back the tape, some or most of the graphic will come with it.

We use Oracal vinyl, widely considered the best in the sticker and sign industry. For most stickers, banners, and general use projects we use glossy vinyl rated to 6+ years outdoor life. This doesn’t guarantee it will last 6 years, but for the most part, if installed correctly this vinyl isn’t going anywhere. We’ve seen stickers installed on rear car windows with wiper blades last for longer than 6 years.

For indoor projects and especially for wall art, we generally use a matte vinyl. Matte vinyl isn’t as sturdy as glossy vinyl, but is much easier to remove at a later time, and for the most part looks a little better when applied to painted walls.

We’re currently using R-Tape Clear Choice transfer tape as our primary application tape, because it’s a great has a great medium “tack” (stickyness) and is almost completely transparent, which makes it easy to line up.