Silverado 1500 Decals, Stripes, & Graphics: Overview Guide

• Vinyl exterior decals
• Painted decals
• Rear window decals
• Rocker and fender hash marks
• Racing stripes
• Light to medium window tint
• Window banner

With a large four door extended cab, your new Silverado provides you with a large enough canvas to fully customize your exterior. AmericanTrucks offers a wide variety of customization options for exterior decals and stripes including:

• Matte black
• Chrome
• Camouflage
• American stripes
• Ford logo
• Custom colors

Sure, exterior decals may serve a purely aesthetic purpose, but it doesn’t mean there’s no value in its purchase. In fact, fender hash marks and rear stripes are some of the most popular upgrades at AmericanTrucks. Beyond this, there are a number of reasons to customize your Silverado with some graphics:

• Adds a fresh and bold look to your Silverado
• Covers up scratches and scuffs
• Adds greater resale value to your vehicle
• Protects paint from the elements
• Long lasting and durable

Vinyl is the most popular material for aftermarket decals because it’s easier to install and it’s cheaper than paint. They also are not permanent, unlike paint which could end up being an awkward look if not applied properly.

There’s also greater artistic options in vinyl decals, from American flag window decals to our nation's symbol of pride, the bald eagle.

The main drawback of a vinyl decals is it’s not guaranteed to last as long as a painted graphic. If left on for a longtime, the paint underneath the decal will also appear noticeably newer if removed.

Of course, this can be fixed with an exterior detail or paint job. Probably the biggest advantage to consider is a scratch or deep scar in a painted graphic will be much harder to fix or cover up, whereas vinyl decals can just peel right off.

Some people truly enjoy painted graphics because they provide a more subtle and flush appearance to your Silverado. Of course, painted graphics require professional installation and should be done by a painter with a good reputation or one who you trust.

The cost for a paint job will be really expensive and also permanent. The biggest advantage of paint is you have the choice to pursue whatever color or look you want and are not limited in your choice.

Racing Stripe Locations

• Hood
• Tailgate
• Front fender
• Rear fender

You can choose between full or half body stripes that add a splash of color to your Silverado. There are a number of colors and customization options to choose from including camo, chrome, matte black, and whatever other color suits your Silverado.

You can even choose a nice rocker panel decal that runs adjacent to your side step bars. Hash marks serve as a nice compliment to your rig and can be placed anywhere from above your front fender to above your rear fender. You can even fully rock out your hood scoops with a nice pair of hash marks.

Window decals are quite popular because they provide the boldest statement to vehicles behind you. They also come in a variety of different stylings from full rear window decals to quarter window stickers.

They are incredibly easy to install and remove. The adhesive also does not affect glass as much as it will paint. Choose from Chevy inspired decals or an American flag to show off your patriotism.

Rear window decals are perforated, meaning drivers behind you can’t really see into your cabin, but you can see clearly out. They essentially provide a shade of tint to your rear windshield and help to limit the sun’s intensity during the morning commute.

First things first, you’ll want your vehicle to be inside or near a shaded area so the heat from the sun doesn't damage the vinyl. Ideally, you’ll want to apply it during a temperate day; not above 80 degrees or below 50. Wind can also complicate things, so be sure to be in a safe insulated area.

There are two ways to install a vinyl decal: the wet or the dry method. The dry method is better suited for small hash marks or quarter window decals. The main drawback is they’re susceptible to bubbles that are very noticeable. The dry method is not recommended for full racing stripes or full window decals.

Applying the dry method is faster and easier, but also susceptible to bubbles. All that’s required for dry application is a specific application fluid designed for vinyl. Most people avoid the dry method because it’s very easy for the graphics to stick to the substrate before they are properly lined up. The wet method takes cares of most of this, which is why we’re going to explain it in greater detail.

Materials Required for Wet Method

• Rubbing alcohol
• Distilled water
• Liquid hand soap
• Lint free cloth
• Squeeze bottle- 32oz
• Exacto knife
• Squeegee
• Graphic pencil
• Tape

First, you’ll need to clean your entire Silverado with soap and water and dry with a lint free cloth. Prepare the decal surface with some rubbing alcohol. Use a terry cloth towel to wipe off any excess residue from the rubbing alcohol.

Fill up your squeeze bottle with distilled water and a few drops of liquid hand soap. Don’t use dish soap for this application. Dish soap removes wax layers from paint.  

Measure the vinyl and lay it over the designated spot with some masking tape if necessary. You can trim the vinyl if it doesn't fit your specifications. Mark the spot where you’ll apply the vinyl with a graphic pencil.

Lightly spray the surface with your squeeze bottle, but don't get it too wet or it could affect your ability to proportionally apply the vinyl. Peel off the paper of your vinyl and spray the adhesive side very lightly with the mixture. Apply the vinyl to its specific place. Once it’s stuck, use a squeegee, credit card, or whatever you have on hand to rough out any bubbles. Start from the center and move outward so you don't end up bending the vinyl.

Once applied, you can trim the edge of the vinyl with an Exacto knife if it’s not to your liking. You can also use a pin to poke a hole in any air bubbles still left over. Let it dry for a few minutes, and it’s ready to go!