Are car decals removable? Although there have been “removable” sticker adhesives used for over 50 years there still is at time confusion over whether vinyl stickers damage cars. There are a couple of reasons for this, such as inferior sticker products not utilizing a truly removable adhesive. Another factor is that after about a year on a car, any type of adhesive will slowly become stronger and less removable. Let’s take a closer look at the removable decal options we have available at Websticker.
The chart on the right shows the three main adhesives typically used on car decals and sticker. The ultra removable vinyls are used on custom bumper stickers, webcam covers, mirror affirmation stickers and any use where absolutely no residue is desired or position of sticker may be shifted. A removable sticker is a bit stronger but should not be re-positioned at all. Permanent adhesive is obviously for longer term usage on equipment or uses where the intent is for the sticker to stay put as long as possible.
Of course, the degree of adhesion and hold is influenced by the surface the stickers are being applied to. With any level of adhesion a sticker can fall off of a rough, dirty, or flexible surface. But, stuck to a clean smooth surface like a car window or bumper these levels of adhesion will hold true. Are car decals removable? That depends if you want them to be.
The “peel” of a sticker is determined in pounds or grams per square inch. From the PSTC (Pressure Sensitive Tape Council): Peel adhesion is the force required to remove a pressure sensitive tape from a test panel or its own backing at a controlled angle and at a standard rate and condition. Yes, this stuff is very scientifically based, but due to unknown end uses impossible to predict accurately out in real world conditions.
It is always best to check with your manufacturer or distributor on your intended uses for custom stickers decals and labels. There are many options available for materials and adhesives. When you want your name or message to stick, make sure you have the right LOS (level of stick) for the job.
Jeff Nicholson is the founder and Creative Director at 
