Bought a few extra decals for later – a spare for the car, a second set for the helmet, a couple to hand out at the next track day? Smart move. The catch: an unapplied vinyl decal is a little more delicate than one that’s already stuck to a panel. Store it badly and you can end up with curled edges, a transfer tape that won’t let go, or adhesive that’s picked up dust before it ever touches your car.
Keeping spares in race-ready condition takes almost no effort. Here’s how.
What’s actually in that envelope
Every die-cut decal from our workshop arrives as a three-layer sandwich:
- Backing paper – the glossy liner that protects the adhesive.
- The vinyl itself – outdoor-grade vinyl rated for 7+ years once applied, cut to the exact shape of the design with no background.
- Transfer tape – the semi-transparent top layer that holds all the cut pieces in position so you can move the whole design onto the surface in one go.
Storage is about protecting the bond between those three layers, so application day goes smoothly.
The five rules of decal storage
1. Keep it flat
Vinyl has a memory. If a decal sits rolled up or bent for weeks, it tends to keep that curve, and the transfer tape can start lifting at the edges. Store spares flat – inside a book, a folder, or between two pieces of stiff card. The original envelope is ideal – right size, everything together.
2. Cool, dry and away from sunlight
Heat softens adhesive, and UV is exactly what the vinyl is built to resist once applied – there’s no reason to burn through that resistance in a drawer by the window. Normal room temperature indoors is ideal. Avoid:
- the glovebox or parcel shelf of a car (it gets very hot in summer and very cold in winter),
- garages and sheds with big temperature swings,
- spots next to radiators, heaters or a sunny windowsill,
- damp places like basements or bathrooms.
3. Don’t stack heavy things on top
Flat is good, crushed is not. Heavy weight presses the transfer tape into the vinyl so firmly that it can be hard to release later. A book cover is fine; a toolbox isn’t.
4. Leave the layers alone until application day
It’s tempting to peel a corner “just to check”. Don’t. Every time the backing paper comes away, the adhesive is exposed to dust, fluff and skin oils – all things that weaken the bond with your paintwork. Keep the decal sealed up as one unit until you’re standing next to the clean, prepared surface.
5. Label what you’ve got
If you’ve built up a small stash, write the design, size and colour on the envelope. Keep the printed instructions that come with every order in the same envelope.
Caring for a decal you’ve removed from its envelope
Tested the position and decided to wait? If the backing paper is still fully attached, put it back in its envelope and store it flat. If the backing has already come off, it won’t store well – exposed adhesive picks up dust fast – so apply it as soon as you can.
Before you apply a stored decal
A properly kept spare should behave just like a new one. Quick checks first:
- Let it acclimatise. If the decal has been somewhere cold, bring it indoors for a while before applying. Our guide on applying a vinyl decal in cold weather covers why temperature matters so much.
- Re-burnish the transfer tape. Rub firmly over the front with a squeegee or card, then peel the backing slowly at a sharp angle.
- Prep the surface properly. Clean, dry and free of wax – check our list of the best surfaces for vinyl decals if you’re putting it somewhere new.
How long can you keep spare decals?
Unapplied vinyl isn’t meant to be stockpiled forever – adhesives gradually change with age, even in good conditions. Treat spares as something to use, not to archive for a decade. The 7+ year outdoor lifespan of our vinyl applies once it’s on a surface; for more on what helps (or shortens) that, read how long vinyl decals really last.
And if a spare does end up past its best? Every decal is cut to order in our EU workshop and dispatched within 48 hours, with tracked worldwide shipping from £2 and free shipping on orders over £35. Browse the full shop – 11 sizes from 10 to 45 cm and up to 14 colours – or head straight to the racing decals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep spare vinyl decals in my car?
Not a good idea. Cars get very hot in summer and cold in winter, which is hard on unapplied adhesive. Store spares indoors, flat, at room temperature.
Should I roll or fold decals for storage?
Neither. Folding can crease the vinyl and rolling can make it curl and lift the transfer tape. Keep decals flat in their envelope, ideally between two pieces of card or inside a book.
The transfer tape won’t release the vinyl from the backing – what now?
Lay the decal on a flat, hard surface and rub firmly over the transfer tape with a squeegee or card. Then peel the backing paper slowly, folding it back at a sharp angle. If any piece stays behind, put the tape back down and burnish that spot again.
Do spare decals come with application instructions?
Yes. Every order includes transfer tape and printed instructions – keep them with your spare and you’re ready to go.