I also want to thank all of you who've contributed to this thread. Great information and I look forward being able to pay back with some of my own knowledge, once I figure where I put it.
Ken that is the most awsome thing, I have read someone say. I know we all do help others and to hear someone make that a goal is awsome. Good luck ...... JB
What great information on this website!! I am a little confused though...
Can you use the Roland GX 24 to cut window decals ? Also which is the best vinyl to use for car window decals that are not inkjet printed?
Yes Karen you can use that cutter and I personally think Oracal 651 series vinyl is the best for car windows considering the price, but really you can use almost any brand and anything rated 5 yrs or longer should work fine.
Thanks so much for your help David! I've really been concentrating mostly on the t-shirt information in this forum so the sign info was a little foreign to me. Thanks again...
Both of those are listed as having permanent adhesives, for something like sticks wouldn't I want removable adhesive?
I just figured that if people had to scrap and scratch off a sticker they bought from me, they probably wouldn't want to buy a replacement.
The removable adhesive vinyl was designed mainly for wraps and large graphics, and is largely one of the reasons it costs at least five times more. A few inches of adhesive isn't that hard to get rid of, a whole vehicle however would be a nightmare. Could you use the wrap material for regular decals? Don't see why not, but the cost is the main deterrent.
I'm not sure what you're looking for in a decal, but prior to being involved in this industry, I always looked for something that expressed a view or a like of mine and wasn't going to cost much, if anything at all. What adhesive it had, how hard it was to clean up, etc, was inconsequential to me.
Sooo, now I'm really interested in making these window decals...you know the sports kind that moms and dads put their back windows...I already have the cutter, so all I need now is:
Vinyl(oracal 651)
Application Tape AT-60 (is that the same as transfer tape?)
Flowerboxx hit most of the important tools you'll need. Here's my input!
I like using the clear tape (AT60) when the customer will be doing the install. Otherwise I use the yellowish transfer tape (high tack for small graphics/lettering, medium tack for big logo style stickers).
X-acto knives (I have about 4 scattered around) and cutting mats (or "self-healing") help a lot.
You'll also probably need some masking tape (used to apply via "hinging") and will want to practice a lot.
Other tools I have:
A few spray bottles (for rubbing alcohol, window cleaner, rapidtac, water/dishsoap combo)
Measuring tape, along with one of those material measuring tapes for tailors and such (which is really nice for curves!)
Bunch of squeegees
Lil chisler
Razor blade
Plastic razor blade (in case I start feeling Bruce Banner'ish and start getting angry to where I'll damage paint)
Joe while I agree it "looks" better to the customer that they see what the decal "looks" like with clear tape, I have found that the customers I deal with can install ALOT better using paper tape instead of clear plastic tape. I personally prefer paper tape over clear tape also.
I guess it's personal preference, but I use paper tape for all single color decals.
I would add my distaste for the clear tape. The yellow transfer tape work in different strengths works the best. Joe hit most of the important stuff in his list. We have been doing interior wall decor and automotive window stickers for almost 5 years now. Oracal 651 for 95% of what we do. I break out the higher grade oracal products for certian clients. I also use quantum 2000 in certian colors, black, white maroon. It has a matte finish to it.
Trent why not use Oracal 631 for interior wall decor? It has a matte finish and removable adhesive. I have only been using it for a few months now, but it definitely blows 651 away for interior walls as the matte finish looks more "painted" then does the 651.
I have a vehicle out back i just finished.. Ill have to go snap a pic.. lol.. I am really not fond of doing cars/vans /trucks most of the time.. i would rather just make a sign in my shop lol..
its why i charge them high to install.. .. It dont take that long for me most of the time.. but It gets hot working on them.. on sunny days and im a whimp
Re: Car window decal/vinly supplies 
