People often ask us what decals are and what is the difference between them and stickers? My simplified answer to that is that decals are similar to stickers but without the white background.

With stickers, the design is usually printed on a white adhesive backing. When ready to apply, you just remove the paper backing and stick it wherever you want. Decals, on the other hand, are designs cut into special paper (usually vinyl) and transferred from masking sheets to smooth surfaces.

Decals consist of 3 layers:

  1. (White) Paper backing
  2. Design (words, calligraphy, pattern, etc.)
  3. (Clear) transfer paper

In today’s video, I’m sharing how to make a wood sign with a decal. I used our ” No Phone Zone” decal on a 6 x 6″ unfinished wood panel.

When you purchase a decal from us, we’ll send application instructions to make the process as easy as possible for you. Here’s how you can apply a decal to any smooth surface.

  1. Make sure that the surface is clean and dry. Dust and dirt lessens
    the adhesiveness of the vinyl decal.
  1. Lay the decal flat with the transfer paper facing up. Then use a
    credit card to gently rub the transfer paper to ensure proper
    transfer of the vinyl.
  2. Mark the center of the decal. Place a long piece of masking tape at
    the centerline to tape the decal from top to bottom. Then, tape
    the decal to the surface where you need to apply it. Make sure it
    is leveled!
  3. Starting at the upper right corner, peel the transfer tape and
    vinyl away from the backing paper working your way
    towards the centerline. Once there, use scissors to cut the
    paper backing.
  4. Once the paper backing is removed, use a credit card to gently
    rub the transfer paper and vinyl onto the surface. Repeat
    steps 4-5 with the other side.
  5. After the decal is attached to your surface, slowly
    peel away the transfer paper. As you are peeling it away, if the
    vinyl does not attach to the surface, cover it again with
    transfer paper, rub it with a credit card, and then peel again.
  6. Enjoy your newly decorated surface!

I hope you find this helpful and that this video inspires you to try our decals to make your own wood signs.