Printing 101: How Printing for Car Stickers and Decals Works

Car stickers and decals have become a staple in modern advertising, personalization, and branding efforts. Whether it’s a small business trying to expand its visibility, a brand promoting its services, or individuals adding a personal touch to their vehicles, car stickers and decals offer an effective and affordable solution. The automotive industry, marketing professionals, event organizers, and car enthusiasts all utilize these tools for a variety of purposes, from functional labelling to creative expression. In this article, we will explore what car stickers and decals are, their unique characteristics, and why they are essential in various industries. Additionally, we’ll highlight the benefits of printing custom car stickers and decals and how they can elevate both professional and personal projects.

What Are Car Stickers?

Car stickers are adhesive-backed graphics designed specifically for vehicles. They are typically made from vinyl due to its durability and water resistance, allowing the stickers to withstand outdoor conditions. Car stickers can be applied to a wide range of vehicle surfaces, including windows, bumpers, and body panels. Their adhesive is designed to stick securely to the vehicle while remaining removable without damaging the surface or leaving behind residue when properly removed.

Key Features of Car Stickers

Car stickers can be printed in various shapes, sizes, and colours, making them highly customizable. They can include detailed logos, text, and even photographs, depending on the design.
Built to endure outdoor elements such as sunlight, rain, and wind, car stickers are an excellent choice for short- to medium-term vehicle applications.
Car stickers are used for a range of purposes, including branding, advertising, promotions, and personal expression. For example, bumper stickers have long been a popular way to share messages, humour, or affiliations.

Car stickers are commonly used by businesses for mobile advertising. A well-designed sticker featuring a company logo, contact information, and a slogan turns a car into a moving billboard. Additionally, car stickers can be a form of personal expression, enabling individuals to display their hobbies, interests, or affiliations, such as sports teams or social causes.

What Are Decals?

Decals, often referred to as vinyl decals, are another form of adhesive-backed graphics designed for vehicles. While they share similarities with car stickers, decals tend to be larger, more durable, and often used for more professional or long-term applications. Decals are made from high-quality vinyl and are designed to endure extreme weather conditions, including prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain, and snow. They are often precision-cut to specific shapes or patterns, leaving a clean, professional look once applied.

Key Features of Decals

Decals are frequently created with die-cut technology, which removes the background and leaves only the intended design. This creates a seamless appearance on the vehicle’s surface.
Compared to regular car stickers, decals are made from thicker, more weather-resistant materials, making them suitable for long-term use. Decals are often used for vehicle wraps or large-scale branding projects.
Decals are commonly applied to car doors, windows, and full vehicle wraps. They are used by businesses for fleet branding, creating a consistent and professional look across multiple vehicles.

Decals are widely utilized in commercial industries such as logistics, transportation, and delivery services. These businesses rely on decals to display logos, contact information, and regulatory details. Additionally, car enthusiasts use decals to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their vehicles, adding stripes, patterns, or custom artwork to create a personalized look.

How to Print Car Stickers and Decals

Choose the right type of vinyl material based on the application. Standard vinyl works well for stickers, while premium, weather-resistant vinyl is ideal for decals that require long-term durability. Decide on the finish—glossy for a shiny, eye-catching look or matte for a subdued, elegant appearance.
Use a professional-grade printer designed for vinyl, such as an eco-solvent or UV printer. These printers can handle high-resolution designs and use inks that are waterproof and fade-resistant. If you don’t have access to such equipment, consider working with a professional printing company that specializes in custom car stickers and decals.
Once printed, the vinyl sheets need to be cut into the desired shapes. For precision, use a cutting plotter, which can follow vector paths to create intricate designs. Die-cutting is common for decals, as it removes the background, leaving only the intended graphic. Ensure the edges are clean and smooth for a professional finish.

Best Large Format Printers for Car Stickers and Decals

Roland DG Solutions currently has a diverse array of top-tier printers ideally tailored for crafting superior car decals. Renowned for their precision, durability, and vibrant colour output, these wide-format printers stand as industry favourites, ensuring impeccable results for all your printing needs. Here are some of the best printers to use:

TrueVIS VG3 Series Printers/Cutters
The TrueVIS VG3-540 / VG3-640 Series Printers Cutters combine cutting-edge printing technology with precise cutting capabilities, delivering outstanding graphics and designs with vivid colours and exceptional precision.
Roland VersaSTUDIO BN2 Series Desktop Printer/Cutters
Offers a compact yet powerful solution for high-quality printing and precise cutting, making it perfect for small businesses and creative endeavours. Its versatile capabilities and user-friendly design make it an ideal choice for producing a variety of graphics and designs with exceptional detail and colour.
TrueVIS AP-640
Blending the rapid drying and eco-friendly attributes of resin printing with the remarkable colour rendition, user-friendly operation, and dependable performance synonymous with TrueVIS Series printers
Roland Model LG-640 / LG-540 / LG-300
Designed to deliver high-quality UV printing on a variety of rigid and flexible substrates, allowing businesses to produce stunning graphics, signage, and promotional materials. With their advanced UV ink technology and precise printing capabilities, these printers offer exceptional colour accuracy, durability, and versatility, making them ideal for a wide range of applications in the graphics and printing industry.

Additionally, the Roland CAMM-1 GR2 Series of vinyl cutters can seamlessly complement these printers by providing precise and intricate cutting capabilities for decals and graphics.

Car stickers and decals are powerful tools for advertising, branding, and personalization. While car stickers offer flexibility and ease of use, decals provide a more durable and professional solution for long-term applications. Together, they serve a wide range of purposes, from enhancing vehicle aesthetics to creating mobile marketing opportunities. Custom printing takes these tools to the next level, enabling businesses and individuals to create eye-catching designs that leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a business owner looking to promote your brand or a car enthusiast wanting to personalize your ride, investing in custom car stickers and decals is a practical and creative choice.

Are you ready to take your vehicle wrapping and car decal business to the next level? Explore the exceptional range of Roland DG printers and unlock the potential of your creative ideas. Our expert team is here to guide you through the process, from choosing the perfect printer to optimizing your workflow for outstanding results. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stand out in the industry and offer your customers stunning vehicle transformations. Contact us today to explore how Roland DG printers can drive your business forward.