Car decals let you brand a vehicle, show some personality, or advertise a business on every drive. Since 2003, Hoosier Decal has cut and printed custom car decals and auto graphics in the USA, built from automotive-grade vinyl that survives sun, rain, and the car wash. This guide covers the types of car decals we make, where they go, the vinyl that lasts, how to apply them without bubbles, and how to order. Design online in minutes or upload your own artwork for a free proof.
Types of Car Decals and Stickers
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Die-cut car decals | Logos and shaped designs with no background |
| Window decals | Family stickers, brand marks, rear-window graphics |
| Business car decals | Name, phone, and services for advertising on the move |
| Bumper stickers | Printed full-color messages and slogans |
| Lettering and numbers | Custom text and racing numbers in any font and color |
Where Car Decals Go
Car decals apply to almost any smooth surface on a vehicle: rear and side windows, doors, tailgates, bumpers, and painted panels. The best spot depends on your goal.
- Rear window: the most-seen spot in traffic, great for family stickers, logos, and statements.
- Doors: highest impact for business advertising. See our custom truck lettering for trucks and vans.
- Bumpers and panels: good for slogans, sponsorships, and accents.
Material and Durability
- Automotive-grade vinyl rated 5 to 7 years outdoors.
- UV-resistant color that survives sun and repeated car washes.
- Adhesive that bonds firmly to glass and cured paint, then removes cleanly without lifting factory finish.
- Reflective and specialty options for visibility and custom looks.
Comparing vinyl grades for your car? Our standard vs premium vs reflective vinyl guide helps you pick.
How to Apply a Car Decal
- Park in the shade. Applying vinyl in direct sun makes it stretch and bubble.
- Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol and dry it fully.
- Position the decal with the transfer tape and tape one edge as a hinge.
- Squeegee from the center outward to push out air.
- Peel the transfer tape away slowly at a sharp angle, then wait 24 hours before washing.
How to Order Car Decals
Design online
Use our designer to type text, choose fonts and colors, and preview before checkout.
Upload your design
Send a logo or graphic and we turn it into clean car decals. Upload your artwork for a proof. Want decals beyond the car? See our custom vinyl stickers and custom decals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will car decals damage my paint?
No. Quality vinyl applied to a clean, fully cured surface removes cleanly without harming factory paint. Avoid applying over fresh paint that has not cured for at least 30 days.
Are car decals waterproof?
Yes. Automotive vinyl handles rain, sun, and car washes for years. Wait 24 hours after applying before the first wash.
Can I put a decal on my car window?
Yes. Window decals work on glass. For rear windows you can also choose perforated window-perf styles that keep visibility from inside.
How do I remove a car decal later?
Warm it with a hair dryer or heat gun on low, peel slowly, then wipe any residue with a citrus adhesive remover.
Can you make matching decals for a fleet?
Yes. We produce consistent runs so every vehicle in your fleet matches. Upload your artwork and request a quantity quote.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes. We ship car decals across all 50 states from Indiana, most within a few business days.
Get Your Car Decals
Design custom car decals online or upload your artwork for a free proof. USA made, automotive-grade vinyl, fast shipping.