Want to know how to apply van signs without messing it up? Scared of bubbles? Worried you'll ruin it, or end up with wonky letters? Don't be. I'll show you the easy way, step by step.
Quick answer: Clean the van. Tape the sign in place and check it's level. Peel the backing off bit by bit. Squeegee from the middle out. Peel the clear tape off slowly. Press down the edges. That's it.
Tools you will need
- Squeegee – get yours here
- Masking tape
- Ruler or tape measure
- Scissors or craft knife
- A clean, lint-free cloth
How to apply van signs: 7 easy steps
Step 1: Clean the panel
Wash the area and dry it fully. Dirt, wax or water under the vinyl is what causes bubbles and lifting. Use a cleaner that suits your van's paint, and check the instructions that come with your kit.
Step 2: Pick a good day (or a garage)
Don't fit in the rain, wind or hot direct sun. A dry, sheltered spot is best. For the right temperature, check the instructions that come with your kit.
Step 3: Measure and tape it in place
Hold the sign up with the backing still on. Measure from a straight line on the van, like a panel line or the bottom edge, not from the curvy bits. Use a few bits of masking tape to hold it. Step back and look. Is it level? Is it where you want it?
Step 4: Make a tape hinge
Put a long strip of masking tape across the middle of the sign, top to bottom or side to side. This is your hinge. It stops the sign moving while you fit it, which is how you avoid wonky letters.
Step 5: Peel and squeegee one half
Lift one half of the sign on the hinge. Peel the backing paper off up to the hinge and cut it away. Hold the sign off the van, then lay it down with the squeegee. Start at the hinge and push outwards with firm, overlapping strokes.
Step 6: Do the other half
Take the hinge tape off. Lift the other half, peel off the rest of the backing, and squeegee from the middle out again.
Step 7: Peel the clear tape slowly
Peel the clear application tape back flat against itself, slowly. If a letter starts to lift with the tape, lay the tape back down, squeegee that spot again, and try once more. Then press all the edges down with your thumb or a cloth.
Prefer to watch? View my video tutorials here.
Mistakes to avoid
- Fitting on a dirty, waxed or wet panel.
- Peeling all the backing off at once. It sticks to itself.
- Measuring from a curved edge. Use straight lines.
- Rushing the clear tape off. Go slow and flat.
- Washing the van straight away. Check your kit instructions for how long to wait.
If it goes wrong
- Small bubble? Push it to the nearest edge with the squeegee. If it won't move, prick it with a pin and press the air out.
- Letter lifting with the tape? Lay the tape back down, squeegee hard, and peel slower.
- A bit wonky? If you've only just laid it, you may be able to lift it gently and re-lay it. Once it's pressed down hard, it's set.
- Really stuck? Get in touch with me before you do anything else.
Get your kit
- DIY Van Sign Kit – designed for your van. QR codes and socials can go on this kit.
- Basic DIY Van Signs – simple ready-made layouts (no QR code or socials).
- Design My Van Signs – I'll design it for you.
- Van phone number stickers
Not sure what to put on the van yet? Read my van sign writing ideas, grab the free van sign writing template, or design it yourself in Canva.
FAQ
Is it hard to apply van signs yourself?
No. If you take your time and use the tape hinge, most people do it first go.
Wet or dry application?
I show the dry method here. Only use a wet method if the instructions that come with your kit say so.
How do I stop bubbles?
Clean panel, peel the backing bit by bit, and squeegee from the middle out with firm strokes.
How do I keep the letters straight?
Measure from a straight line on the van, tape it up, step back and check before you peel anything.
When can I wash the van?
Give the vinyl time to settle first. Check the instructions that come with your kit for how long.