General advice on matte vs gloss decals

Matte vinyl material is designed for indoor use.  Glossy vinyl material is designed for outdoor use.

Matte vinyl has a weaker adhesive than glossy.  The adhesive is strong on the glossy vinyl so that it will hold up to the outdoor elements.  This strong adhesive can also damage your wall paint or surface at removal, which is why we strongly recommend our glossy material not be used indoors.  One advantage of using the matte vinyl, which has a weaker adhesive, is that is more forgiving when you are applying. If you have a bubble or wrinkle with the matte vinyl decals, you can lift it up gently and smooth it out.  The strong adhesive Glossy Decals are pretty stuck as soon as they adhere to your surface.

Matte vinyl material has an outdoor life of 2-3 years, which is considered short-term use.

Glossy vinyl material has an outdoor life of 6-10 years.

Matte vinyl material is just that - the finish is dull and does not reflect or glare but rather blends in.

Glossy vinyl material is glossy, shiny, which makes it "glaring" and catches your attention on signage.

So here are some examples of when to use each of these types of vinyl for your decals.

Matte vinyl: 

• indoor painted walls such as bathroom walls, bedroom walls, entryways, etc
• short-term signs, like graduation signage or 1-day sale signs
• on matte finish surfaces where you want the decal to blend in and not glare
• On your interior Camper walls
• Mirrors
• Wood Signs
• Painted or Stained furniture

Glossy vinyl:

• Car and Truck Decals
• Outdoor Signs
• Mailboxes
• Outside Doors, such as your welcome decals
• Camper Doors or the outside of your Camper
• Mug Decals
• Kitchen Appliance Decals
• Rougher surfaces, like textured plastic or metal

Note: You may put Matte welcome decal stickers on your door also, especially if they are protected from the sun and elements by a porch.

Ask yourself two questions when deciding which vinyl material is best for you.

1. Is the surface easily damaged?  If yes, you want the Matte vinyl material
2. Will it be subject to extreme temperatures, such below zero and over 100 degrees?  If yes, you will want the Glossy vinyl material.

Application Instructions

Step 1 - Clean the area you are applying to thoroughly
Clean the area thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol or soap and water. Do not use Windex or similar products because it will leave a residue behind that will prevent the decal from adhering well.

Step 2 - Prepare the decal for application (This is already applied when you buy your decal)
Prepare the decal for application by applying transfer tape and then firmly rub a squeegee or credit card across the clear transfer tape. This removes any air bubbles that may have formed and makes the decal cling to the transfer tape.

Step 3 - Peel the white paper backing off
Peel the white paper backing off the decal. If any part of the decal clings to the backing, slowly replace the paper backing and repeat Step 2.

Step 4 - Lower the decal onto the surface CAREFULLY

Slowly lower the decal onto the surface and rub it in place firmly with a squeegee or credit card. Remember the decal will not come back of without damaging the decal.

Step 5 - Slowly peel the clear transfer tape off
Slowly peel the clear transfer tape off at an angle. Be careful not to pull the decal off the surface. If decal pulls away from the surface repeat Step 4.

** Use a pin to poke any air bubbles in the centre and push the air out through the hole.

** For best results do not apply a decal in extreme hot or cold temperatures.

Washing Instructions

✪ Wait 24h before first wash

✪ Hand wash only with warm water

✪ Do not leave to soak in water

✪ Do not wash in a dishwasher

✪ Towel dry

✪ Do not use aggressive chemical agents