File types & how vinyl stickers are made

Everything you need to know to prepare your artwork and understand the vinyl graphics process — so you get the best possible result.

Recommended file formats

Preferred

Vector files give us the sharpest, most accurate results at any size — from a small bumper sticker to a full bonnet wrap. These are our preferred formats:

.AI

Adobe Illustrator — ideal format

.EPS

Vector, widely compatible

.PDF

Vector PDF, fonts outlined

.SVG

Scalable vector graphic

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Vector files are made of mathematical paths rather than pixels, so they scale to any size without losing sharpness. If your designer used Illustrator, Inkscape, or CorelDRAW, ask them for a vector export.

Raster / image files

High-res only

If you only have raster (pixel-based) files, that's okay — but they must be high resolution at the intended print size. Low-resolution images will produce blurry, pixelated results and we may need to request a better file before proceeding.

.PNG

300 dpi or above at print size

.JPG

300 dpi+, minimal compression

.PSD

Photoshop file, layers intact

.TIFF

Uncompressed, 300 dpi+

Artwork setup tips

Convert fonts to outlines — before sending, convert all text to paths/outlines in your design software. This prevents missing font issues and ensures your text looks exactly as intended.
Use CMYK colour mode — screen colours (RGB) can appear differently when printed or cut. CMYK is closer to what the vinyl will look like in real life.
Add 3mm bleed — if your design extends right to the cut edge, include a 3mm bleed border around the outside to avoid white edges after cutting.
White backgrounds — if your design has a white element, let us know. White isn't printed — white vinyl is a separate material that needs to be specified.
Send the highest quality version — we can always downsize an image, but we can't recover detail from a low-res file.
Label your files clearly — especially if sending multiple versions or colourways.

How vinyl stickers are made

Artwork preparation Your file is checked and optimised for cutting. We review the cut path, match colours, check for any issues with fonts or embedded images, and prepare the file for the plotter.

Vinyl selection We select the appropriate vinyl film for your job — colour, finish (gloss, matte, reflective, etc.), and grade (short-term or long-term outdoor rated). The colour is already part of the vinyl material itself, not printed on top.

Cutting A computer-controlled vinyl plotter follows the exact cut path of your design, cutting through the coloured vinyl film but not the backing paper beneath. This precision is why vector files produce the cleanest results — the plotter follows the mathematical paths exactly.

Weeding The excess vinyl around and inside the design is carefully removed by hand — this is called "weeding." What remains on the backing paper is the finished graphic ready for transfer. Intricate designs with small details take longer to weed, which is reflected in the pricing.

Application tape A clear transfer tape is laid over the entire design. This holds all the pieces in their correct positions so the sticker can be lifted cleanly off the backing paper and placed accurately onto the target surface.

Surface preparation Before installation, the surface is cleaned thoroughly — any dust, grease, or moisture will affect adhesion. For vehicle graphics, this typically means a wipe-down with isopropyl alcohol. For walls, we check for paint adhesion and any surface irregularities.

Installation The graphic is positioned carefully, then pressed firmly onto the surface using a squeegee to work out any air bubbles. Once the adhesive has bonded, the transfer tape is slowly peeled away — leaving the vinyl perfectly applied to the surface.

Vinyl finishes & colours

Cut vinyl comes in hundreds of pre-coloured films. The colour is built into the material — it won't scratch or fade the way printed ink can. Common finish options include:

Gloss

High-shine, vibrant finish. Most popular for vehicle and signage work.

Matte

Flat, non-reflective. Contemporary look, popular for interior signage.

Metallic

Shimmering silver or gold tones. Great for premium or decorative work.

Reflective

Visible at night when light hits it. Used for safety and vehicle signage.

Chrome

Mirror-like finish. Very eye-catching, often used for lettering accents.

Brushed

Brushed metal appearance. Adds a premium, industrial aesthetic.

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For full-colour photographic or gradient designs, digitally printed vinyl wrap film may be a better option. Just mention this in your enquiry and we'll advise the best approach for your design.

Common questions

How long do vinyl stickers last?

Quality outdoor-rated vinyl typically lasts 5–7 years when applied correctly to a clean, stable surface. Interior vinyl or short-term grades are rated for 2–3 years. UV exposure and surface condition affect longevity.

Can vinyl be removed without damaging the surface?

Yes — vinyl is designed to be removable. On painted surfaces, warm the vinyl with a heat gun to soften the adhesive, then peel slowly. Any remaining adhesive residue can be removed with isopropyl alcohol. Very old vinyl or painted surfaces in poor condition may present challenges — contact us if you're unsure.

Can you colour-match to a specific brand colour?

We stock a wide range of vinyl colours and can often match brand colours closely. For exact Pantone or RAL matches, let us know in your enquiry and we'll advise on the closest available option.

What if I don't have a logo or artwork file?

No problem — we offer design services from basic setup through to full custom design work. Describe what you have in mind in your enquiry, and we'll include design time in the quote. Rough sketches, reference images, or even a written description are all great starting points.

Can vinyl go on any surface?

Vinyl adheres best to smooth, clean, non-porous surfaces — glass, metal, painted walls, vehicle bodywork, and powder-coated panels all work well. Heavily textured surfaces, bare concrete, fabric, and some plastics can cause adhesion issues. Mention your surface type when enquiring and we'll advise.

How long does the process take?

Standard turnaround is 3–5 business days from artwork approval. Rush orders under 48 hours are available at an additional surcharge — select this option in the quote calculator. Complex jobs or large quantities may require longer lead times.

Ready to get started?

Use our quote calculator to get an instant estimate, then submit your enquiry with any reference images or artwork.

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