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Did you know your car experiences a hundred different types of damages every day? Even when your car is parked, it may pick up sunlight damage, moisture damage, etc. That’s why smart car owners always applyvinyl decalsto their cars. The strong vinyl materials prevent harsh UV sun rays from doing too much damage to the cars’ exterior regions.
Even thesolid glass in car windows can’t block UV rays. These rays penetrate car windows and cause all types of damages to car seats and the skins of the drivers. Vinyl stickers and decals are easy tools for providing additional protection to exposed car surfaces. But, many car owners are apprehensive about installing decals on their cars because of safety reasons. Vinyl stickers and decals are printed on high-quality material like avery dennison vinyl are easy tools for providing additional protection to exposed car surfaces. But, many car owners are apprehensive about installing decals on their cars because of safety reasons.
Let’s squash some myths about car decals.
Are decals bad for car surfaces?
The best vinyl stickers and decals in the market today are all ‘car-surface-friendly’. They don’t damage car windows or car paints. Instead, they protect car windows and surfaces from long-term sunlight damage. Permanent outdoor vinyl, for instance, can increase the lifespan of car paint by up to seven years.
Here are some ways in which decals protect car windows and surfaces:
- Vinyl is a pretty strong and weather-resistant material. Decals made of this material last for very long periods, even if they’re consistently exposed to external elements.
- The decals pick up all the pollutants, grease stains, dirt, debris, etc. The covered car surfaces experience no damage.
- Car decals can be easily removed and replaced when they get sun-faded or sun-damaged. Car paints, on the other hand, are harder and more expensive to replace.
Can the adhesives on my vinyl decal damage my car’s paint?
Yes and no. If car owners apply and remove their decals properly, they won’t damage your car or its paint. But, if you don’t follow the right decal application process, your paint may get chipped or damaged. Always clean the surfaces of your vehicle before applying decals on them.
Dirt or debris may mix with the adhesives on the decals to cause unnecessary damage to the car’s paint. When you take off your vehicle decal after an extended period of time, you might notice some blank spots. The regions of the car that were covered by decals may appear less dark or less faded than the other regions.
Don’t worry – most automotive paints are very thick and durable. The adhesives on your vinyl won’t eat through that paint. The blank spots can be easily removed via regular cleaning. Use squeegees to directly wash the blank or faded regions of the car. Carefully wash and dry the exposed surfaces of your car. The remaining adhesives or colour differences will soon fade away.
How to make my decals last longer?
Any area of the car you have covered with decals will receive UV protection. But, how to protect these decals from external damages? Follow these steps:
- Minimise the exposure of the car and its decals to direct sunlight.
- Check the decals regularly for moisture damage.
- Apply protective laminates on top of your decals to make them more durable.
Are decals good for your car? Yes. If you follow these guidelines, they’ll be even better for your vehicle’s health.
Helen Bradfield did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She is interested in mental health and well-being.
