What is sticker bombing - car stickers. How much and alternative

There are many production cars with good technical data. At the same time, they still remain serial, that is, they do not differ in any way from similar models produced by the manufacturer.

For this reason, many car owners use visual tuning to make their car stand out from the crowd. One of the varieties of such decoration is sticker bombing. What is it, and what are its features?

What is sticker bombing?

This is not to say that this is a new movement in the world of auto-tuning. The idea originated back in the 1980s in America, when street graffiti was gaining popularity. The bottom line is to apply a large number of stickers of different sizes and colors to the surface of the machine. These can be inscriptions mixed with pictures.

Why do this?

The main reason for using such a change in the appearance of a car is the self-expression of the vehicle owner, emphasizing his individuality. With the use of sticker bombing, the car definitely becomes unique, because it is impossible to exactly repeat all the inscriptions and drawings on another car.

However, the sticker often serves a practical purpose. If you choose the right pattern, a sticker can effectively mask even such a serious flaw as a dent. This is the cheapest way to hide a deep scratch or chipped paintwork without resorting to the services of auto-painters.

Types of sticker bombing

A large number of different patterns can be applied to any part of the transport. Some apply a layer only in one part of the car, while others cover the entire car with a film, leaving only a small section of the body open. In the second case, it is worth considering that during the registration of the vehicle, its documentation indicates not only some information on the power unit, but also the body color.

If the paintwork is completely covered with designs, the machine will not match the registration. For this reason, the maximum allowable number of extraneous stickers should not exceed 30 percent of the native body surface. Otherwise, the transport will need to be re-registered.

Sticker bombing can be divided into three main types:

• Special material - the image is applied to a layer of paper covered with a water-repellent transparent material. There is also a pre-printed plastic film. This option is a little more expensive, but it keeps more securely both in the cold and in the sun.
• They are classified by shape - the car owner can choose an individual design. For example, the shape of the stickers can be uniform - rectangular or round, or it can be combined. It all depends on the preferences of the car owners.
• Classification by drawings. In addition to the shape, the motorist can choose different styles: just an inscription, an image, or a combination of both.

Unusual features of sticker bombing

Car graffiti can be further divided into two categories:

1. Solid one-piece sticker. In terms of dimensions, they are often tailored to a specific part, for example, for a hood, bumper or fender. This accessory is based on a polymer canvas with hydrophobic properties. The advantage of this material is that you don't need to spend a lot of time on pasting it. If sticker bombing is used to cover rust, then it is better to treat the damage before applying the film. Otherwise, the body will continue to rot.
2. Small stickers. It often happens that on a solid canvas there may be drawings that are unacceptable for a particular car owner, which complicates the search for a suitable option. In this case, many people use stylized small stickers, but it will take much longer to decorate a car.

The first category of bombing in tuning car owners circles is called lazy, because the motorist uses a ready-made template, and does not express his own style.

In the category of sticker bombing, there is a separate area called JDM. The peculiarity of such stickers is in the original drawings. These can be cartoon characters or anime images.

Is there an alternative to sticker bombing?

The peculiarity of this branch of auto-tuning is that you don't have to spend a lot of money on it. Of course, if you buy film or stickers in a salon that specializes in car tuning, such material will cost a lot.

However, today every Internet user has the opportunity to purchase all kinds of stickers in Chinese online stores. The cost of a set of almost 300 pieces will be as little as $ 5 or less. If there is no time to choose and glue the vinyls on the car, then you can look for the nearest studio where the work will be done by specialists, but this will require a lot more money.

If there is more money, then a great alternative to sticker bombing is airbrushing (drawing with paints and covering with car varnish), using vinyl film or applying liquid rubber (what is the peculiarity of this material, read separately). It all depends on the financial capabilities of the car owner.

DIY sticker bombing: the secrets of self-decorating a car

If the decision is made to use a "lazy" sticker bomb, then the vinyl must be glued from top to bottom. In this case, do not immediately tear off the entire lining layer. Otherwise, the formation of folds cannot be avoided. As it adheres, the liner also comes off and the applied vinyl is immediately smoothed out to expel all the air.

The situation with small stickers is a little simpler. But in this case, it is necessary to fix them on a clean surface, otherwise the stickers will simply fly off during the first wash. The room in which the procedure is carried out should not be dusty.

As for the style, the peculiarity of graffiti is that it has no rules for combining different elements. The main thing is fantasy. Ideas can be taken on the Internet or come up with your own design, which is only welcome.

How to properly make a sticker bomb

Here is a small instruction on how to decorate a car so as not to spoil the body, but the effect remains for a long time:

1. The machine is thoroughly washed and dried (the sticky layer of the sticker will not stick to a wet surface);
2. All major defects are eliminated if sticker bombing is used to hide imperfections. Deep dents need to be leveled as much as possible, rust is removed and processed with a converter. The pits must be leveled with putty so that the film does not repeat the contour of the flaw;
3. We prime the surface of the body;
4. Smooth areas are pasted over with a special scraper, and a hairdryer should be used on ledges and transitions (for example, on the wings). Do not set the maximum temperature so as not to spoil the paint or film;
5. There should be no air bubbles under the sticker. To remove them, use a dry rag or silicone scraper;
6. Finally, the applied film is heated with a hairdryer and the surface is smoothed.

See how this work is being done live:

A penny after the accident. Part # 3. Hood Stickers

Questions and answers:

How to glue sticker bombing correctly? This is a free form of visual car tuning. Each motorist can develop his own design. The only thing is that stickers are sold both in separate fragments and as a solid canvas.