Where to put a bumper sticker

What is a bumper sticker? The history of bumper stickers starts not with the sticker, but with the bumper. Ford Motors was the first to introduce a bumper on their Model A car, released in 1927. Stickers themselves came along shortly afterward in the 1930s.

But putting the bumper and the sticker together wouldn’t happen until sometime after World War II, when a print shop owner found himself with a surplus of self-adhesive paper strips left over from the war. These adhesive strips had previously been used to mark tanks and planes with America’s military insignia.

Soon enough, an idea was born, and he began printing bumper stickers for businesses across America. But the presidential election of 1952, between Dwight Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson, sent bumper stickers into the mainstream, as both campaigns handed them out to supporters by the handful.

Nowadays, you can find bumper stickers for everything—from political candidates to niche hobbies to television shows. Since their invention, they’ve remained a popular way to express yourself for everyone to see.

How to place a bumper sticker properly

When placing a self-adhesive sticker, you only get one shot to do it right—so plan your placement carefully. You’ll want to find a space on your car’s bumper that is clean and free from scratches. For metal bumpers, avoid rusty areas.

Gently clean the chosen spot with a cloth to prepare it for application. Next, if you have some chalk or an easily erasable marker, grab a ruler or a leveling tool, and use it to draw a straight line where you want your sticker to go. Nothing is worse than a crooked bumper sticker you can’t reapply.

Carefully peel back one side of your bumper sticker and align it with the line you’ve drawn on the bumper. Continue peeling the backing away with one hand while using your other hand to smoothly press the sticker onto the bumper. Keep a bit of tension on the sticker as you go to prevent wrinkles and ensure a smooth finish.

Where not to place bumper stickers

Be careful not to place bumper stickers in areas that aren’t coated in automotive paint. Otherwise, the sticker could pull the paint off if someone tries to remove it. Be mindful of the size of your bumper sticker to make sure it doesn’t cover rearview cameras, brake lights, or turn signals.

Avoid placing stickers on windows, as they may obstruct your visibility. In some states, putting stickers on your windshield or anywhere that blocks your view may be illegal. Always check local laws before placing a bumper sticker.

Make your own custom bumper stickers

With Sticker it, you can create your own custom bumper sticker in seconds. Choose the size, quantity, and upload your image to get started.

Within a day, you’ll receive a digital proof—an image showing what your sticker will look like before it’s printed. If you're happy with it, your stickers will be shipped and delivered within five business days. Need a change like trimming a border or resizing your image? Just let us know. Our sticker experts will take care of it and send the updated proof for your approval. If you aren't sure, order custom samples and see for yourself!