Reflective Car Decals

What it is

Reflective Car Decals print your design — full color on Car Decal Vinyl, or single-color cut vinyl in 13 colors — on a reflective film base, so the graphic bounces light back at its source and reads clearly in headlights after dark, not just in daylight. Reflective is a built-in part of this product rather than an optional add-on, so every decal you order here comes out reflective.

Popular sizes and where they go

Prices shown are for full-color Car Decal Vinyl; single-color cut vinyl at the same sizes runs higher.

Size	Typically used for	Price
24 x 12 in	a door panel logo or safety marking	from $61.43
24 x 18 in	a larger door panel or rear window graphic	from $81.90
36 x 24 in	a box truck side panel or large safety graphic	from $143.33

Need a size that is not on this list? Enter your own width and height at checkout or in the Design Studio — pricing scales with the area, and every custom size still gets a free proof before it prints.

Daytime and nighttime visibility

In daylight, a reflective decal looks and reads the same as a standard printed or cut decal — the reflective base does not wash out the colors or make the design harder to see up close. The difference shows up at night: when a headlight beam hits the film, it reflects light straight back toward the light source, which is what makes the graphic visible to an approaching driver from much farther away than a non-reflective decal at the same size. This works the same whether you choose printed full color or cut single color.

Why it holds up

The reflective film base is rated for 5+ years outdoors like our other vinyl, so the reflective performance does not fade out faster than the color does. It removes later without residue, and single-color reflective decals include free transfer tape for straight installation of text or numbers.

Uses by vehicle type

• Roadside assistance and tow trucks — visibility for vehicles working on the shoulder after dark.
• Utility and service fleets — night calls and early-morning routes where headlight visibility matters.
• Delivery vehicles — added visibility for vehicles making evening stops.
• Personal safety and hobby use — reflective lettering or graphics for trailers, bikes or equipment moved after dark.

How to apply

Installation is identical to a standard decal or cut lettering — the reflective property comes from the film itself, not from any special application step.

1. Wash the panel with soap and water, then wipe it with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely — any wax, dust or grease under the vinyl will shorten how long it holds.
2. Work in a shaded spot between about 60 and 90 degrees F. Direct sun makes the adhesive grab too fast; cold makes it grab too slowly.
3. Peel back a corner of the backing paper and tack the decal in place to confirm the position before committing.
4. Use a strip of painter's tape as a hinge at the top so the decal stays aligned while you peel away the rest of the backing paper.
5. Squeegee from the center outward in overlapping passes to push air out toward the edges, not trap it in the middle.
6. If the order includes transfer tape, squeegee firmly over it, then peel the transfer tape back slowly at a low angle, checking that every letter released onto the surface.
7. Press down any edges or corners that did not fully bond, working from the center out.
8. If a small air bubble remains, prick it with a pin and press it flat — do not try to squeegee a large bubble out through the edge.
9. Give the adhesive time to cure — avoid washing the vehicle for at least 48 hours after installation.

Removal and care

Warm the film with a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting, then peel it back slowly at a low angle rather than straight up — heat keeps the vinyl from tearing into small pieces. Any adhesive left behind comes off with an adhesive remover or rubbing alcohol, then a regular wash. Because it is rated for 5+ years outdoors, you can leave it on through winters and regular washing and remove it later without stripping paint, as long as the clear coat underneath is in normal condition.