What is a Car Decal? Applications and Characteristics (2024)

Posted October 13, 2021By: Jasmin Jackson

Are you wondering what’s the difference between car decals and stickers? Would you like to adorn your vehicle uniquely and ensure that no one else has the same designs? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, keep reading our entry to learn about car decals, their applications and characteristics.

Car decals - what are they?

In your life, you’ve certainly come across terms like decals and stickers. But have you ever wondered what’s the difference between these two?

Well, it turns out that all decals can be considered stickers, however, not all stickers can be called decals. Why?

Decals are usually more durable than regular stickers, therefore, they’re suitable for being applied outside. They’re types of stickers that typically contain three layers:

• normal paper on the back,
• the design layer in the middle,
• paper on the front.

A car decal is a decorative outdoor sticker that (as the name suggests) is put on the car to either decorate it, express a catchy message or advertise a business.

Features of decals

Decals have a few important features and advantages that help them gain a competitive edge over other solutions or regular stickers.

• Durability - thanks to being made of vinyl or polyester, decals are much more durable than other options. Consequently, they can be applied outdoors, even if the selected location is exposed to changing weather conditions such as rain, wind, sun or snow. Decals don’t get damaged so easily, and are a kind of investment that will allow you to save money in the future - after all, choosing a durable option means that you don’t need to replace it every few days.
• Available range - decals can be printed in virtually all sizes, colors and shapes. If you’re looking for affordable options that will last a long time, they’re perfect for you. Moreover, you don’t need any industry knowledge or equipment. The market abounds in companies that specialize in printing custom decals and stickers.
• Cost efficiency - decals are one of the most affordable options when taking into account their durability. Properly printed designs should serve you for at least a few years. That’s why, it’s so important to choose wisely and commission the task to a company that has profound expertise of the industry. Appropriately selected equipment and materials are crucial to ensure that your investment will pay off. Before making any decision, do thorough research and ask companies about equipment and technologies they use. Read testimonials and reviews, evaluate the quality of customer service. Although the latter point may seem irrelevant at first, just think about potential conflict situations. A company that doesn’t cater to your needs from the very beginning is unlikely to do so in the future.

Custom decals are a relatively affordable and durable solution, therefore, if you want to get products meeting your expectations, it’s crucial to choose a quality printing company.

Benefits of applying custom car decals

Custom car decals can be typically used to:

• advertise your company - if you’re a business owner who tries to acquire new potential customers, car decals are a great way to promote your brand in a creative, non-intrusive manner that can effectively attract the attention of passers-by and other drivers. In order to help people reach you, complement the design with a catchy message that will encourage recipients to take further action.
• decorate your vehicle - if you're feeling bored with your car or looking for solutions that will make it stand out from the crowd, custom decals are an answer to your problem. With their use, you can easily design outstanding, unique projects that will catch the eye. Moreover, you don’t need to worry that it’s a permanent change, as stickers can be removed any time you want.
• express your personality - if you’d like to share your values, favorite quotes or witty messages, car decals are the perfect way to do it creatively. With their help, you can also inform other drivers that you’re traveling with a pet or kid.

What is a car decal? The takeaway

Car decals are simple and affordable alternatives to standard stickers. It’s worth choosing them if you search for durable solutions that can be applied outdoors and will serve you for a long time. If you’re looking for a professional printing company that offers high-end equipment and top-notch workmanship, contact specialists working at Sticky Business to get a free quote on bumper stickers.