Whether you just received your first custom decal sheet or you're wrapping a radio for the hundredth time, proper application makes all the difference. Follow these five steps for a clean, bubble-free finish every time.
1. Clean It Up
Your surface should be spotless — no dust, wax, or grease. Even tiny particles can cause bubbles or prevent adhesion. A quick wipe with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) works best. Let it dry completely before moving on.
Pro tip: Avoid using household cleaners like Windex — they can leave residue that weakens the adhesive.
2. Line It Up
Hold the decal where you want it and step back to check alignment before committing. Take your time here. It's much easier to reposition now than to peel and re-stick later.
Pro tip: For larger decals, use small pieces of painter's tape as alignment marks before peeling the backing.
3. Stick It Down
Peel the backing and start from one side, slowly laying the decal down while pushing out any air bubbles as you go. Don't rush this step — working gradually from one edge to the other gives you the cleanest result.
4. Smooth It Out
Once the decal is down, use your fingers or a soft squeegee to press down firmly and work out any remaining bubbles. Push from the center outward toward the edges.
Pro tip: For stubborn small bubbles, a pin prick at the edge of the bubble lets the air escape, then press flat.
5. Enjoy Your Work!
Step back and admire your ride. A properly applied decal looks factory-fresh and will hold up through races, crashes, and everything in between.
Need custom decals, wraps, or pit boards? Build yours now with our custom decal builder, or browse our full collection to find exactly what you need.
Questions? Email us at admin@integrityrcdesigns.com — we're always happy to help.