( 
)Hey folks,
JiMi-G here (of the JiMi-G eBay Store) with the low-down on getting stickers and decals to stay where you stick them. Since I currently have a line of those fake 'shattered glass' stickers that make it look like a golf ball, hockey puck, football, rock, 8-ball or even dog-poo (sorry, all out of baseballs) are lodged partly in your window (great for vehicles and good conversation starters), I figured I'd let you in on the secret to making them stick for a long time. I've had my 'shattered glass' baseball on one of the back side windows of my car since late 2004 and it hasn't budged an inch. Yes, it's on the outside (wouldn't make much sense to have it on the inside where it would only be funny to the very few back seat passengers that I get!) and it's made it through countless automatic and hand washes and is going on it's third Ohio winter. Granted, some of the color is starting to fade from sun-bleaching, but it still gets looks, laughs, and conversations started.
The first thing you want to do is wait for a sunny, warm day. If you buy your sticker/decal in the winter and can't wait, you will need to be able to get the area of the window where the sticker/decal will be placed warm either through direct sunlight or, if you have a garage, with a hair-dryer or other heating apparatus. The other product you will need is a damp, soapy sponge. You can use the sponge you normally use for dishes. Soak it in some hot, soapy water, then ring it out at least twice so that it is only damp, not dripping. Set it aside and allow it to dry a little bit while you prepare the surface.
The next step involves cleaning the entire window. I've found Windex and a regular black & white newspaper work best, but pretty much any window cleaner will do. I don't recommend using paper towels as they tend to leave microscopic pieces of themselves on the window, although the blue mechanic's paper towels do fare much better.
Once you have cleaned the entire window, make sure it dries completely and without streaks. If you notice any streaks in the area where you are going to place the sticker/decal, you will need to repeat the process.
Once you have a streak-free area, grab your sticker/decal and peel the backing carefully, trying not to touch any of the sticky surface with your hands or fingers, but don't worry about it if you do, that's what the sponge is for. After you have removed all the backing and the sticky surface is completely revealed, take your sponge and wipe any places where your fingers or hands touched it first, then wipe the entire sticky area down. Wait a few seconds until you can see it start to evaporate, then place your sticker/decal on the window where you want it. You should have a few seconds to do some minor adjusting before the soapy film from the sponge evaporates completely. As soon as the placement is where you want it, apply some pressure. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, though, this is, after all, a window! If you notice any bubbles forming, use the sponge on the outside of the sticker/decal and try to squeeze them out moving from the center of the sticker/decal outward to the edge.
That's it! Now place your car so the sun is shining directly on that window (or use your heating device) and let it set for a good 20-30 minutes. Check it once more for bubbles. If you see any, you can either retry the entire process, or use an exacto/razor blade knife to cut the bubble and let the air out. Use the sponge again to smooth it out after the air has been released.
Now go enjoy the stares, laughs, looks and conversations as you drive around with your masterpiece!
-JiMi-G
P.S. This method should work for other surfaces as well, just make sure you replace the window cleaner with the appropriate cleaner for the surface you'll be working with, and be VERY careful if using a blade to remove any air bubbles!
My Store
JiMi-G here (of the JiMi-G eBay Store) with the low-down on getting stickers and decals to stay where you stick them. Since I currently have a line of those fake 'shattered glass' stickers that make it look like a golf ball, hockey puck, football, rock, 8-ball or even dog-poo (sorry, all out of baseballs) are lodged partly in your window (great for vehicles and good conversation starters), I figured I'd let you in on the secret to making them stick for a long time. I've had my 'shattered glass' baseball on one of the back side windows of my car since late 2004 and it hasn't budged an inch. Yes, it's on the outside (wouldn't make much sense to have it on the inside where it would only be funny to the very few back seat passengers that I get!) and it's made it through countless automatic and hand washes and is going on it's third Ohio winter. Granted, some of the color is starting to fade from sun-bleaching, but it still gets looks, laughs, and conversations started.
The first thing you want to do is wait for a sunny, warm day. If you buy your sticker/decal in the winter and can't wait, you will need to be able to get the area of the window where the sticker/decal will be placed warm either through direct sunlight or, if you have a garage, with a hair-dryer or other heating apparatus. The other product you will need is a damp, soapy sponge. You can use the sponge you normally use for dishes. Soak it in some hot, soapy water, then ring it out at least twice so that it is only damp, not dripping. Set it aside and allow it to dry a little bit while you prepare the surface.
The next step involves cleaning the entire window. I've found Windex and a regular black & white newspaper work best, but pretty much any window cleaner will do. I don't recommend using paper towels as they tend to leave microscopic pieces of themselves on the window, although the blue mechanic's paper towels do fare much better.
Once you have cleaned the entire window, make sure it dries completely and without streaks. If you notice any streaks in the area where you are going to place the sticker/decal, you will need to repeat the process.
Once you have a streak-free area, grab your sticker/decal and peel the backing carefully, trying not to touch any of the sticky surface with your hands or fingers, but don't worry about it if you do, that's what the sponge is for. After you have removed all the backing and the sticky surface is completely revealed, take your sponge and wipe any places where your fingers or hands touched it first, then wipe the entire sticky area down. Wait a few seconds until you can see it start to evaporate, then place your sticker/decal on the window where you want it. You should have a few seconds to do some minor adjusting before the soapy film from the sponge evaporates completely. As soon as the placement is where you want it, apply some pressure. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, though, this is, after all, a window! If you notice any bubbles forming, use the sponge on the outside of the sticker/decal and try to squeeze them out moving from the center of the sticker/decal outward to the edge.
That's it! Now place your car so the sun is shining directly on that window (or use your heating device) and let it set for a good 20-30 minutes. Check it once more for bubbles. If you see any, you can either retry the entire process, or use an exacto/razor blade knife to cut the bubble and let the air out. Use the sponge again to smooth it out after the air has been released.
Now go enjoy the stares, laughs, looks and conversations as you drive around with your masterpiece!
-JiMi-G
P.S. This method should work for other surfaces as well, just make sure you replace the window cleaner with the appropriate cleaner for the surface you'll be working with, and be VERY careful if using a blade to remove any air bubbles!
My Store
Guide created: 02/07/07 (updated 09/03/08)
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