Installing to a Vehicle Body or Level with the Ground

When it comes to placing vinyl door stickers on your vehicle, there are two main approaches: aligning the sticker to follow the body contour or angle of the vehicle trim and windows or installing it level with the ground. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, which can significantly impact the final look and effectiveness of the sticker.

Aligning to Follow the Body Contour or Angle of the Vehicle Trim and Windows

This positioning method means placing a vehicle vinyl door or body sticker to match the car’s natural lines. This method makes the sticker look like it belongs on the car, improving its overall look. This approach aims to create a cohesive and integrated look that enhances the vehicle’s aesthetic by following its contours, resulting in a dynamic and visually appealing appearance.

This example shows the vinyl installed at a slight angle to match the slope of the vehicle body contour.

Installing Level with the Ground

Choosing this method means putting a vehicle vinyl door sticker on so it’s straight, level, and parallel to the ground. This method ensures that the text or logo is horizontally straight regardless of the vehicle’s design lines. It’s easier to put on this way and you’re less likely to make mistakes.

This mockup shows the vinyl prints installed that are level to the ground.

How to Make Sure You Are Level To The Ground

You have two basic methods to measure and make sure you are level with the ground.

1. Use a level. Plain and simple, use a level and double-check to ensure your prints are level. You can place the level along the top, bottom, or a straight line on your design. 
2. Use a measuring tape and align two portions of the design that are level with each other and spaced apart to the same dimensions. For instance if you were to align a rectangle, you would want to measure the top left to the same dimension as the top right. 

You can use the liner paper edges to make your measurements or align the level, but keep in mind that these are hand-trimmed and may not be perfectly straight. It’s best to use elements of your design that are cut by a machine and are very precise. However, in most cases the liner paper will work just fine unless you are a perfectionist!

Conclusion: The Choice Is Yours

The choice between aligning a vehicle vinyl door sticker with the body contour or keeping it level with the ground depends on the specific goals and context:

• For Branding/Advertising: If readability and clarity are the primary concerns, especially for commercial vehicles or advertising purposes, keeping the sticker level with the ground is often the better choice.
• For Aesthetic Integration: If the goal is to achieve a cohesive and dynamic look that integrates well with the vehicle’s design, aligning the sticker with the body contours or trim angles might be preferable.

Ultimately, the decision should consider the specific design of the vehicle, the purpose of the sticker, and the desired visual impact. Since the final placement is subject to personal preferences, the choice should be made by the project manager, business owner, or vehicle owner.

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