Do It Yourself: Trailer Decal

Proper application ensures that your custom decal stays in place.

Decals are a great way to add your own personal style to a travel trailer. Likewise, decals are ideal to advertise your business or racing team on the side of an enclosed trailer. Most commonly, trailer decals are made from adhesive vinyl that has been professionally cut to a specific design, set of letters or logo. Trailer decals can also be made at home using large sheets of vinyl, but due to their typically large size, you may choose to work with a local or online retailer to create your custom decals. Applying decals, however, can be done by anyone.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaner
• Rubbing alcohol
• Lint-free rag
• Vinyl decals
• Vinyl application spray
• Squeegee

Instructions

1. Clean the area that the decal will be applied to using a cleaner that will not harm the exterior finish of the trailer and a clean rag. After all of the surface dirt has been removed, wipe the area down one final time using a small amount of rubbing alcohol and a lint-free rag. A clean surface is vital to ensuring that the vinyl adhesive properly adheres to the trailer.

2. Feel the trailer to help determine the surface temperature of the area where the decal will be applied. Ideally, the trailer should be between 50 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit for the vinyl decals to be installed. If the trailer is cold or hot to the touch, move it to another area where it can sit in the sun or shade. A heat gun may also be used to help gently warm the surface.

3. Lay the decal on a flat surface near the trailer. Spray the trailer itself with vinyl application spray before gently peeling the vinyl off of its backing sheet and spraying the sticky side of the decal with application spray. Ask a friend for help with large pieces to avoid accidentally stretching, bending or tearing the graphic.

4. Apply the decal to the trailer surface. Gently work any air bubbles or excessive moisture from the application spray out from under the vinyl using a squeegee. Start at the middle of the decal and move outward in both directions. The use of application spray allows the vinyl to be gently peeled off and quickly repositioned in case the decal is misplaced.

5. Allow the decal to dry on the trailer surface for 10 to 15 minutes and repeat the process for multiple decals or individual letters.

References

• Custom Vinyl Graphics: How to Apply Vinyl Graphic Decals