The Bullard Installation Center

This is where a good installation begins. The surface must be clean, dry, smooth, and free of grease, wax, silicone, dust, and other contamination. Wash the surface first, allow it to dry completely, then wipe the application area with an appropriate surface cleaner or isopropyl alcohol where compatible, and wipe away all residue with a clean cloth. Do not apply vinyl over freshly painted or incompletely cured surfaces.

Painted vehicle surfaces: wash away dirt and road grime, remove wax and polish residue, dry completely, and check for peeling paint, rust, or damaged clear coat. Never apply a decal over loose paint or deteriorating clear coat.

Glass and windows: clean thoroughly, remove dirt, fingerprints, and cleaning residue, pay special attention to the edges of the application area, and dry completely before positioning. Avoid applying decals where they interfere with the driver's visibility, required mirrors, lights, or legally required markings.

Metal surfaces: toolboxes, smooth metal panels, and other suitable metal surfaces make excellent decal locations. Remove dirt and grease, check for corrosion, make sure the metal is dry, and clean away any remaining residue. Avoid rough, heavily textured, or flaking surfaces.

Important: always test compatibility on unfamiliar coatings or painted surfaces before committing to a full installation.

Bullard standard decal sizes are 12, 18, and 24 inches. Our Kidz collection also includes smaller designs, generally around 8 inches.

The size listed on your product refers to the specified overall design dimension. For unusually shaped or narrow designs, the actual width and height can differ - every product page shows the exact size for each width.

Before peeling anything, hold the decal against the intended location and confirm the placement. Measure twice. Apply once.

This is our recommended starting method for many larger decals. It helps keep the design straight and prevents the entire decal from sticking before you're ready.

1. Position the decal. Place the decal on the surface with its backing paper still attached, and use masking tape to position it exactly where you want it.
2. Create your hinge. Run a strip of masking tape vertically through the center of the decal, attaching it to the surface above and below the design.
3. Lift one side. Lift one half of the decal carefully and peel the backing paper away from the transfer tape and vinyl. Do not pull the vinyl away from the transfer tape.
4. Trim the backing. Cut away the exposed backing paper without cutting the decal or the transfer tape.
5. Apply the first half. Hold the exposed transfer tape slightly away from the surface. Starting near the center hinge, press the decal outward with your squeegee in overlapping strokes. Work slowly and evenly.
6. Repeat. Remove the center hinge, lift the remaining half, remove its backing paper, and apply it the same way.
7. Remove the transfer tape. Let the decal settle, then peel the transfer tape back slowly at a low angle. If any vinyl begins lifting with the tape, stop, lay the tape back down, and press that area again.
8. Finish. Inspect the entire decal. Press down edges and small details with your finger or a soft squeegee, and take your time around small lettering.

Don't panic. Small application bubbles are common.

Small bubbles: leave them alone at first - a few warm days settle most of them. If one is still there after that, press gently toward the nearest edge with your finger or a soft squeegee.

Larger bubbles: if a larger bubble will not move, stop applying pressure. Carefully lift the affected area if it has not fully bonded, reposition, and reapply slowly. Do not aggressively pull at the vinyl. If it still will not move, use the one exception to the no-puncture rule: prick the bubble's edge once with a pin, push the air toward the hole with a fingertip, and press it flat - the full steps are in the Fix-It Guide.

Tiny trapped bubbles: a very small trapped bubble may settle over time, but don't assume every bubble will disappear. Avoid puncturing your decal with a sharp object, particularly around small lettering or layered designs.

The decal won't stick. Possible causes: surface contamination, a cold surface, moisture, wax or silicone residue, or an incompatible surface coating. Stop and recheck the preparation.

The transfer tape won't release. Lay the transfer tape back down, press the vinyl gently through the tape, and peel slowly at a low angle. Avoid pulling directly away from the surface.

Small lettering is lifting. Small lettering needs patience. Press the affected section back down and work slowly. Avoid aggressive squeegee pressure that can distort small details.

The decal looks crooked. If you catch it early, carefully lift and reposition only if the material can be released without stretching or damage. Do not repeatedly pull a fully bonded decal off and attempt to reuse it.

The edges are lifting. Check for dirt, moisture, wax, inadequate pressure, a surface that is too cold, or curves and edges that exceed the material's intended application. Do not use excessive heat to force the decal into an unsuitable surface.

Give your decal time to settle. Avoid washing the area for at least 24 hours. Avoid pressure washing directly against the edges, use gentle cleaning methods, avoid abrasive scrubbers, and do not pick at the edges. Inspect the decal periodically. For vehicle graphics, avoid directing high-pressure water at the edges or corners.

For our standard cut decals, we generally recommend the dry application method. It gives you direct control over positioning and avoids leaving moisture beneath the decal. ORAFOL permits wet application for ORACAL 651 on glass and automotive surfaces under appropriate conditions, but wet application requires proper technique and sufficient drying time. For your first installation, we recommend dry application.

ORACAL 651 is a quality intermediate calendered vinyl intended for medium-term indoor and outdoor lettering, markings, and decoration. It is not vehicle wrap film, and it is not intended to transform a complex curved surface into a wrapped finish. Different colors and finishes may have different published durability characteristics. Actual service life depends on exposure, orientation, surface condition, installation, and care.

We won't promise a decal will last forever. We will help you choose and apply it properly.