Decal Size Calculator

Decal Basics

Understanding decal types and applications.

  • Standard Vinyl Basic applications.
  • Reflective High visibility.
  • Perforated Window graphics.
  • Metallic Special effects.

Application Methods

Wet

Repositionable.

Dry

Direct stick.

Transfer

Complex designs.

Heat

Permanent bond.

Surface Preparation

  • Cleaning Remove debris.
  • Temperature Ideal conditions.
  • Moisture Dry surface.
  • Testing Adhesion check.

Installation Tips

  • Alignment Proper positioning.
  • Air Bubbles Smooth application.
  • Edge Sealing Long-term durability.
  • Maintenance Care instructions.

Decal Material Science

Comprehensive guide to vinyl types, properties, and applications for optimal performance.

  • Cast Vinyl Properties Thickness: 2.0-2.2 mil. Dimensional stability: ±0.1%. Outdoor durability: 7-10 years. Conformability: 3D surfaces. Temperature range: -50°C to +110°C.
  • Calendered Vinyl Specs Thickness: 3.0-4.0 mil. Shrinkage: 0.5-1.5%. Durability: 3-5 years outdoor. Conformability: 2D surfaces. Temperature tolerance: -40°C to +80°C.
  • Reflective Material Retroreflectivity: 100-900 cd/lx/m². Observation angle: 0.2-0.5°. Entrance angle: -4° to +30°. Night visibility: 150m minimum. Weather resistance: 5-7 years.
  • Perforated Film Perforation ratio: 50/50 to 70/30. Hole size: 1.5-2.0mm. Visibility range: 20-30ft. Light transmission: 30-50%. UV resistance: 3-5 years.
  • Metallic Finishes Metal content: 30-40%. Thickness variation: ±5%. Color stability: ΔE ≤ 3.0. Gloss level: 85-95 GU. Chemical resistance: 24hr exposure rating.

Application Techniques

Wet Application

  • Solution ratio: 5:1 water
  • Working time: 3-5 min
  • Squeegee angle: 45-60°
  • Cure time: 24-48 hrs
  • Temp range: 16-27°C

Dry Application

  • Surface temp: 10-32°C
  • Pressure: 30-40 PSI
  • Speed: 75-100 cm/min
  • Overlap: 3-5mm
  • Bond strength: 15N/25mm

Transfer Tape

  • Adhesion: 2-4 N/cm
  • Release angle: 150-180°
  • Application speed: slow
  • Tape grade: medium-high
  • Removal angle: 45°

Heat Application

  • Temp: 150-165°C
  • Dwell time: 10-15s
  • Pressure: 40-60 PSI
  • Cool peel: 20-30s
  • Coverage: 98-100%

Surface Engineering

  • Surface Preparation Standards Cleanliness: ISO 8502-3 grade 3. Surface energy: >38 dyne/cm. Roughness: Ra 1.5-2.5μm. pH balance: 6.5-7.5. Moisture content: <15%.
  • Environmental Controls Temperature range: 18-24°C (±2°C). Relative humidity: 45-55%. Air quality: ISO class 8. Light level: 800-1000 lux. Air flow: 0.3-0.5 m/s.
  • Material Compatibility Substrate testing: ASTM D3359. Chemical resistance: 24-hour exposure. UV stability: Q-Sun 1000hrs. Salt spray: ASTM B117 500hrs.
  • Quality Verification Adhesion test: cross-hatch 5B. Bubble tolerance: <1 per m². Edge seal integrity: 100%. Color match: ΔE ≤ 1.0. Gloss retention: >80%.

Performance Metrics

  • Durability Factors UV resistance: 8000hrs QUV-B. Abrasion resistance: CS-17, 1000g load, 1000 cycles. Chemical resistance: 24hr immersion. Impact resistance: 80 in/lb.
  • Environmental Resistance Temperature cycling: -40°C to +90°C. Humidity resistance: 1000hrs at 95% RH. Salt spray: 1000hrs neutral. Water immersion: 72hrs at 23°C.
  • Adhesion Properties Initial tack: 400-600 g/inch. Ultimate bond: >4.0 lbs/inch. Shear strength: >24hrs/1kg. Peel adhesion: 180° test >2.0 N/cm.
  • Print Compatibility Resolution: 720-1440 dpi. Color gamut: >85% RGB. Dot gain: 15-20%. Ink adhesion: 5B cross-hatch. Light fastness: Blue wool scale 6-8.