Latest Facts and News Related to Bumper Stickers
- Bumper stickers are increasingly being used for personalised branding and marketing by businesses in Australia.
- Studies show that PVC-based stickers are the most durable for outdoor use, lasting up to 5 years.
- Eco-friendly bumper stickers made from biodegradable materials are gaining popularity.
- Australian motorists often prefer minimalist designs for better readability.
- A recent survey revealed that 65% of Australians believe bumper stickers reflect personal identity.
Applying a bumper sticker seems easy, but without the right technique, you could end up with bubbles, wrinkles or peeling edges. A smooth, long-lasting finish comes down to proper preparation and careful application.
This blog post will take you through simple, step-by-step instructions for how to apply bumper stickers the right way.
What Are Bumper Stickers and Why Use Them?
Bumper stickers are adhesive labels meant for automobiles. Resistant against the weather, they are made of vinyl so that they can stand up to sun, rain and road conditions without fading or altering designs.
Why Use Bumper Stickers?
Bumper stickers are a cost-effective, long-lasting way to share a message. Unlike digital ads or billboards, they offer constant exposure without ongoing costs.
- Budget-friendly: A low-cost marketing tool that keeps working for you.
- Weather resistant: Made to last, even in harsh outdoor conditions.
- Easy to apply and remove: Sticks well but won’t leave damage when taken off.
- Versatile: Perfect for business promotion, personalisation and advocacy efforts.
Popular Uses of Bumper Stickers in Australia
Bumper stickers are a simple and effective way to communicate a message. They’re commonly used for:
- Branding & Promotion: Businesses use them to boost brand awareness and reach a wider audience.
- Personal Expression: People apply them to show off their personality, humour or affiliations.
- Awareness & Advocacy: Organisations hand them out to promote social, political or environmental causes.
- Event Marketing: Festivals, concerts and community events use them to spread the word and attract attendees.
Tools and Materials Needed to Apply a Bumper Sticker
You need the appropriate tools and materials given below to apply bumper sticker on your vehicle:
| Tool | Material |
| Squeegee or credit card for smoothing stickers and whipping air bubbles. Measuring tape or ruler for lining up the sticker properly. Masking tape for holding the sticker in place while positioning it. Needle or pin for popping any stubborn air bubbles. | Clean cloth or microfiber towel to wipe dust and dirt away from the clean surface. Mild soap and water for cleaning the area without leaving residue. Rubbing alcohol is optional and can be used to remove grease or wax, avoiding adhesion. |
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply a Bumper Sticker
In order to help you understand how to apply bumper sticker, we need to dissect the four primary steps:
Step 1: Choose the Perfect Spot To Apply Bumper Sticker
Choosing the right spot for DIY sticker projects means looking for place on your vehicle that:
- It comes with a smooth and flat surface area and is not rusty or has a texture for proper application.
- Is distinctly visible but not obtrusive.
- Won’t violate local vehicle regulations or block visibility to your licence plate if the PVC signs are placed there.
Step 2: Clean the Surface
Before you apply bumper sticker, clean that specific area on your car thoroughly. Use soapy water on that surface with a spray bottle and rinse thoroughly to ensure dust particles don’t affect the sticker’s adhesion to the surface. Wipe it off with a soft, lint-free or microfiber cloth to dry the surface before you apply bumper sticker.
Step 3: Position the Sticker
When you apply bumper sticker, hold it against the area on your car in a way that there are no alignment issues or misplacement. Before you peel off the sticker, make sure it is not damaged. You can use the masking tape on top of it to temporarily hold the sticker in position when you apply it to the car.
Step 4: Apply the Sticker
Slowly peel off the sticker’s backing paper and as you go, apply it on the car bit by bit. Give the alignment a final check to see if it is going the same way you imagined. Use a squeegee or plastic card to press the sticker firmly on the bumper and remove air bubbles as you keep applying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Bumper Stickers
To extend the longevity of bumper stickers, you need to avoid these common mistakes at all costs:
- Invest in a high quality sticker: You should spend more now to save more later. Cheap stickers are generally low-quality and although they may appear all new and shiny now, their adhesive may come out quicker or lose their shine while still being new. Invest in quality stickers from print and laminating specialists (PALS) to avoid that.
- Applying in extreme temperatures: Temperature plays a huge role in how well a bumper sticker sticks. If it’s too hot, the adhesive can become too soft, making it difficult to position correctly and increasing the risk of bubbles or stretching. If it’s too cold, the adhesive won’t bond properly, causing the sticker to lift or peel off sooner than expected.
| 💡Pro Tip: For best results, apply the sticker on a mild, dry day (10°C–25°C). If it’s too hot, apply in the shade. If it’s too cold, warm the surface slightly with a hairdryer to help the adhesive bond. |
- Avoid reapplying the sticker: The car sticker may have come out due to a number of reasons and the adhesive in it may still seem to be workable enough to stick it back on. But do not stick it back, either at the same place or at a different area on the car bumper as it won’t stick for long and may even damage the surface.
- Ignoring the Edge Seal: The edges of a sticker are the most vulnerable to peeling, especially when exposed to wind, water and car washes. If the edges aren’t properly sealed, dirt, moisture or air can get underneath, causing the sticker to lift over time.
Latest Trends in Bumper Stickers
If you are confused about what designs or patterns to pick for your car bumper sticker, here are some of the latest ongoing trends in Australia that may resonate with you and give you ideas for your own car bumper sticker:
- More people are opting for one-off custom designs or small-batch prints instead of mass-produced stickers.
- Bold typography is being used increasingly more in stickers, as such fonts have greater visibility at a distance while also being stylish enough to give the overall sticker a unique personality.
- Interactive elements like QR codes, augmented reality (AR) and even Near Field Communication (NFC) tags are also being used to connect with people by the more modern businesses.
- Stickers with reflective finishes or glow-in-the-dark elements are trending, especially for road safety messages, branding and novelty designs.
Get Your Own Custom Car Bumper Sticker with PALS Now!
Car bumper stickers are gaining momentum in the market as they are a low-cost, yet effective way to enhance the personality of the owner depicted on their car. If a sticker for your car bumper interests you, check out PALS to get your own sticker. From vinyl printable stickers to custom car stickers, they have everything you need to give your car the modern makeover it deserves.
Get your custom sticker today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove a bumper sticker without damaging my car?
To remove it, you first need to weaken the adhesive with a hairdryer on a low setting. Move it back and forth across the sticker, keeping it about 6 inches away from it. Peel the sticker gently off the car with your fingers or a plastic scraper. Don’t forget to wash any adhesive residue with water and apply car wax to preserve it.
Can I reapply a bumper sticker after removing it?
Technically, this can be, it is advisable not to apply bumper sticker again on the car once it has been removed. The adhesive power of a bumper sticker weakens considerably once it is removed after being used and so the sticker can fall off anytime even after it has been reapplied.
What’s the best weather condition for applying bumper stickers?
For best results, try to apply bumper sticker when the temperature is above 50℉ and below 90℉. Too cold temperatures may make the vinyl brittle and reduce the sticker adhesion, while temperatures too high can make it too soft, allowing more air bubbles to be trapped. Apply it in an area away from direct sunlight and in a shady area.
How do I prevent air bubbles when applying large decals?
Use a squeegee or plastic card to gently push out air bubbles while applying the decal to your car. If bubbles persist, use a hairdryer on a low setting to remove them during application.
