This is a beginner’s guide on how to apply vinyl decal stickers. If you’ve never used a vinyl decal before it can be a bit overwhelming as the application differs slightly from that of a standard sticker. But I hope this detailed, step-by-step guide will show you just how easy it is to apply a vinyl decal to your item!
Vinyl decal stickers are becoming increasingly popular as they are an easy and inexpensive way to add a bit of a personal touch to your items. They can be applied to any clean, smooth and non-porous surface such as glass, plastic, ceramic etc. and are especially popular for personalising water bottles, organising pantry and laundry room or custom wedding decorations and bridal gifts such as bridesmaids boxes, champagne glasses or seating charts.
I have a lot of different vinyl decal stickers available in my shop so I thought I would show you how easy it is to apply vinyl decals stickers to your items.
5 steps to apply vinyl decal stickers
1.Clean item’s surface
First, make sure that the surface you’ll be applying the vinyl decal to is clean and dust and grease-free. Use water or rubbing alcohol, if necessary, and use a paper towel or a microfiber cloth that won’t leave any lint or fibre on the surface. Make sure that the surface is completely dry before moving to step 2.
2.Peel away backing sheet
Vinyl decal stickers are usually made of three layers – a backing sheet, the vinyl itself and a top layer which is a transfer (application) tape. Before attaching the vinyl decal to your item you will need to remove the backing sheet which protects the sticky part of the vinyl decal.
First, put the vinyl decal on a flat surface, the transfer tape side up. Use your fingers (you can also use a credit card) to rub over the design using moderate pressure. This will help attach the vinyl decal to the transfer tape and release it from the backing sheet.
Next, turn your vinyl decal over (backing sheet side up). Start from one of the corners and carefully peel off the backing sheet at a 180-degree angle. If the vinyl decal is lifting off with the backing sheet instead of staying attached to the transfer tape, drop the backing sheet back into place and rub over the transfer tape (top layer) again, paying particular attention to the parts of the design that were peeling off with the backing sheet.
You should now be left with the transfer tape and the vinyl decal sticker attached to it.
The transfer tape helps ensure that all individual pieces of the vinyl decal are positioned correctly. It also makes it easier to transfer the vinyl decal from the backing sheet to your item.3.Place vinyl decal on the item
Carefully lay your design vinyl decal side down (that’s the sticky side) onto your item.
Rub over the transfer tape, applying pressure to the parts with the vinyl decal. This will help ensure the vinyl decal sticker is well adhered to your item’s surface and will not peel off with the transfer tape.
4.Peel away transfer tape
Slowly peel away the transfer tape at a 180-degree angle.
If the vinyl decal is lifting off with the transfer tape, try rubbing over the transfer tape and the vinyl decal again. You can also leave the transfer tape to sit for a few hours and then try removing it again. This will give the glue in the vinyl decal more time to adhere to your item and will make it easier to remove the transfer tape.
And that’s it, you are all done! The vinyl decal is now applied to your item.
To ensure the longevity of your vinyl decal sticker hand-wash only and use a soft, non-abrasive cleaning cloth and water.
Here’s a link to the vinyl decal sticker I used in this guide:

‘I will survive’ decal sticker for plant pot
