Your RC rig runs hard. It should look the part too. Whether you're building a scale crawler that looks like it just rolled off a trail or a drift car with a full sponsor livery, the right decals make all the difference. At Real Sticky, RC car decals are a passion — and we've been helping builders and racers detail their rigs for years.
Here's your complete guide to choosing, designing, and applying RC car decals like a pro.
Why RC Decals Matter
At 1/10 or 1/8 scale, every detail is magnified. A rig with quality decals looks intentional, finished, and ready for the show table or the trail. Decals add scale realism — sponsor logos, warning labels, gauge graphics, door handles, wood grain interiors, chrome trim — all the things that make a full-size vehicle look like a full-size vehicle, just scaled down.
Beyond realism, decals are a way to personalize your build. Your rig should look like YOUR rig — not the same generic body that came out of the box.
Types of RC Decals We Make
Scale interior decals — dashboard panels, gauge clusters, door cards, seat details, roll cage labels. These are some of the most impactful upgrades you can make to a scale build. Our 59 Impala interior sticker sheets are a great example of how much a detailed interior transforms a build.
Sponsor and livery decals — full or partial sponsor sheets with logos, numbers, and graphics that give your rig a race-ready look. Great for drift builds, 1/10 touring cars, and monster trucks.
Body graphics and stripes — hood stripes, door graphics, roof designs, and accent graphics to complement your paint or Lexan body.
Warning and data decals — those tiny scale stickers that say things like "WARNING: HIGH VOLTAGE" or "THIS SIDE UP" add incredible realism to any scale build and are very popular in the crawler and scale truck community.
Custom logo and brand decals — if you run a team, club, or RC business, branded decals make your builds recognizable on the track or the trail.
Choosing the Right Size
Scale realism depends heavily on getting the size right. A decal that's 20% too large looks out of place immediately. Here are some tips:
- Measure your body first. Use a ruler or calipers to measure the area you're placing the decal before ordering. Even a few millimeters can matter at 1/10 scale.
- Reference real-world dimensions. If you're replicating a real vehicle's markings, look up the actual size of that decal on the full-size vehicle, then divide by your scale factor (10 for 1/10, 12 for 1/12, etc.).
- Order slightly larger if unsure. It's easier to trim a decal slightly than to reorder because it was too small.
Applying RC Car Decals: Step by Step
Even the best decals look bad if applied incorrectly. Here's how to get a clean, professional application every time:
What you'll need:
- Your decals
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)
- A soft lint-free cloth
- A credit card or squeegee
- Optional: a heat gun or hair dryer
Step 1 — Clean the surface. Wipe down the area where the decal will go with isopropyl alcohol. Remove any dust, oil, or fingerprints. Even invisible oils from your fingertips can cause edges to lift over time.
Step 2 — Dry fit first. Before peeling the backing, hold the decal in position and check the placement and scale. Use a piece of masking tape as a hinge if needed.
Step 3 — Peel and position. Peel the backing carefully and position the decal from one edge, working across to avoid air bubbles.
Step 4 — Smooth it out. Use a credit card or squeegee wrapped in a cloth to press out any air bubbles, working from the center outward.
Step 5 — Apply gentle heat for curves. If the surface has curves (like a Lexan body), use a heat gun or hair dryer on low heat to soften the vinyl slightly. This lets it conform to the curve without creasing.
Step 6 — Press the edges. Use your fingernail or a blunt tool to firmly press down all edges, especially corners. This is where most decals start to peel if not sealed properly.
Designing Custom RC Decals
Already have artwork? Great — we print from PNG, PDF, AI, and SVG files. Just make sure your design is at 300 DPI or higher and sized correctly for your scale.
Don't have artwork? We can work with you. If you have a reference photo of what you're going for — a real vehicle, a livery you've seen online, or a sketch of what you're imagining — send it over and we'll help translate it into a printable design.
Why Real Sticky for RC Decals?
We're not a generic print shop — we're hobbyists and builders who understand what RC builders need. Our decals are printed on premium vinyl with a UV-resistant finish so they hold their color even on rigs that spend time outdoors. They're thin enough to conform to Lexan bodies and sturdy enough to handle the bumps and scrapes of a working rig.
We ship to the entire USA from our shop in Sharpsburg, Georgia. Fast turnaround, digital proofs on every order, and quality you can see.
Shop RC scale stickers here or call us at 770-755-9452 to discuss a custom project.