An air bubble trapped under the surface is what you notice when you step back to admire your work.Sounds familiar?We have been there.There are a few easy ways to remove the air bubbles.In a few minutes, your sticker will look great and no one will ever know about it.
Step 1: Press down on bubbles with your thumb.
If you're dealing with a vinyl sticker or decals, this can work for bubbles that are small.Press down on the top of the bubble with your thumb and hold on for a few seconds.If you're dealing with a long bubble, divide it into smaller sections first.Press your thumb against the surface and drag it through the center of the sticker to create two pockets of air.
Step 2: Air bubbles can be seen near the edge of a sticker.
If you have an air bubble a few inches from the edge of the sticker, you should be able to get rid of it.Place the edge of a credit card against the bubble.The bubble should be pushed to the edge of the sticker by using short strokes.If you have to, work from a few different angles to get the bubble along.Any flat surface, like glass, metal, or plastic, is safe to use with a squeegee.It's a good idea to be gentle on surfaces that can be scratched.It doesn't matter what shape the sticker is!You can try it.
Step 3: Apply heat to the large air bubbles with a hair dryer.
Turn the hair dryer on low if you hold it a few inches from the surface.The bubble needs a few seconds to flatten.If it doesn't flatten out on its own, use a squeegee or the edge of a credit card to gently work the bubble.If you want to make paper stickers, heat up the glue with a blast from your hair dryer.Lift the corner of the sticker, smooth out the paper, and then position it.
Step 4: To get rid of a stubborn bubble, lift the corner of the vinyl decals.
This may not work on all surfaces, but it is worth a try.The bubble or crease can be reached by lifting the corner of the decals.When you reach the crease/bubble, peel the vinyl decals away from the surface.Press it back into place after smoothening it with your hand.Leave the edge of the decals alone if it doesn't lift with gentle pressure.
Step 5: Push out the air with the tip of the razor blade.
A tiny hole can be created by pressing the tip of a box cutter into the bubble.To smooth out the sticker, use your finger, a squeegee, or the edge of a credit card to push the air out of the hole.You can use a straight pin from your sewing kit.It's possible to try this on any sticker size or shape.Remove the larger bubble before smoothing it out.You don't want to scratch the surface underneath the sticker.
Step 6: Use a sharp blade to slice along the edge of the bubble.
If you puncture it and push it flat, you may end up with a crease.You can slice along the edge of the bubble with the tip of a razor blade.You can flatten the sticker with your finger or the edge of a credit card.The cut won't be visible if you use a sharp blade.If you have stubborn bubbles, try a combination approach of slicing and puncturing.Don't damage the surface by working slowly and carefully.
Step 7: This trick can only be used for vinyl stickers.
Most stickers are made of vinyl, which is long- lasting and durable.If you're dealing with bubbles in a paper sticker, try to smooth it out instead of puncturing it.The following decals are usually made of vinyl.
Step 8: Dust can be removed with a damp microfiber cloth.
If there is dirt in the way, Stickers won't stick.If you want to get rid of the excess, start with a clean microfiber cloth.To wipe down the surface, use long, smooth strokes.If you want to apply water directly to the surface, you can use a spray bottle and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth.Either way works well!
Step 9: Rub alcohol on the cloth and wipe it off.
Dust removal with plain water won't remove gunk.Give the surface a second try with a microfiber cloth that has rubbing alcohol on it.This is important for vehicles that have a lot of oil and grease in them.
Step 10: Remove the bottom portion of the sticker.
Don't remove the entire backing from the sticker yet.Lift up the bottom third of the backing and fold it out of your way.
Step 11: The sticker needs to be placed on the surface.
If you don't know where you want the sticker to be, hold it over the surface.Press down on the bottom edge of the sticker with your fingers if you're happy with the positioning.It may be easier to start with one of the bottom corners if your sticker is large.Put a piece of painter's tape at the center of the sticker to hold it in place.Lift one side of the sticker and peel away the backing.
Step 12: The sticker has a bottom edge.
The edge of a credit card should be against the sticker.Push the squeegee against the surface, working from the bottom edge of the sticker to where the backing is still attached.The edge of a credit card might be easier to use for small stickers.Press against the sticker until you get to the edge of the backing.
Step 13: Remove the backing and use the squeegee to apply the sticker.
With your dominant hand, grab the backing and hold the squeegee.To apply the sticker to the surface, push against it with the squeegee.As you peel away the backing, press down on the rest of the sticker.