Frequently Asked Questions & Shop Policies

Thanks for shopping with Southern Maryland Decals. Below are our basic shop policies and frequently asked questions for premade decals, custom vinyl, DIY iron-on transfers, boat lettering, business vinyl, pickup, shipping, and installation.

 

Where is Southern Maryland Decals located?

Southern Maryland Decals is a local family-run decal shop based in Lusby, Maryland. We serve customers around Southern Maryland and beyond through local pickup, meet-up when available, and shipping for eligible orders.

 

What do you make?

We make premade vinyl decals, custom personal decals, names, phrases, boat lettering, business vinyl, vehicle/window lettering, cooler decals, tumbler decals, laptop decals, signs, and DIY iron-on transfers by request. Most of our adhesive vinyl products are made for clean, smooth hard surfaces.

 

What surfaces can vinyl decals go on?

Vinyl decals work best on clean, dry, smooth surfaces such as glass, painted metal, fiberglass, smooth plastic, coolers, tumblers, laptops, car windows, truck windows, boats, trailers, signs, and similar surfaces. Vinyl may not stick well to rough, dirty, oily, soft, flexible, heavily textured, or fabric surfaces.

 

Do you install decals?

Most Southern Maryland Decals products are made for DIY installation. We provide decals prepared with transfer tape when appropriate, and customers are responsible for applying them unless small application help is specifically arranged ahead of time.

 

Do you make decals for fabric or clothing?

Adhesive vinyl decals are not meant for fabric. For shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and similar fabric items, we may offer DIY iron-on transfers by request. These are applied by the customer using provided instructions.

 

What sizes do your premade decals come in?

Most standard premade decals are offered in Small 6", Medium 8", and Large 10" sizes. Some detailed designs may only be offered in Medium 8" and Large 10" because smaller versions may be harder to cut, weed, or apply cleanly.

 

Will the final decal size be exact?

Final size may vary slightly depending on the shape and proportions of each design. Size usually refers to the longest side of the decal unless otherwise stated.

 

What colors are available?

Standard color options may include black, white, red, blue, gold, and silver depending on current material availability. Colors may appear slightly different on screens than they do in person.

 

Are decals matte or glossy?

Matte may be used as the standard finish for many products, with glossy options available by request when material is stocked. If finish matters for your project, please ask before ordering.

 

Are your product photos actual installed decals?

Many product images are digital mockups created to show how the decal may look on different surfaces. Mockups are for display purposes only. Final size, placement, surface appearance, and color may vary slightly.

 

Do you test cut every design before listing it?

Not every premade design is physically test cut before listing. We use a digital quality check process to review designs for cut readiness and simplify designs when needed. Designs that are especially detailed, risky, or material-specific may be test cut or adjusted before fulfillment.

 

How long do premade orders take?

Premade decals may be ready quickly if already made or in stock. Made-to-order premade decals are usually prepared as soon as possible based on current workload, material availability, and order volume.

 

How long do custom orders take?

Small simple custom decals are usually ready within 1–2 days when schedule and material allow. More detailed custom designs usually take 2–5 days. Boat, business, bulk, or more complex projects may take longer depending on size, design work, approval time, and material availability.

 

Do you offer rush orders?

Rush orders may be available depending on the project, schedule, and material availability. Rush fees may apply. Same-day rush may not always be possible.

 

How do custom orders work?

Custom orders start with a request. We review your details, ask follow-up questions if needed, provide a quote or proof when applicable, and wait for final approval before cutting or producing the order. Nothing custom is cut or made until the final design is approved.

 

Do custom orders require payment or a deposit?

Simple custom decals may require payment before cutting. Detailed custom design work may require a design deposit starting around $25. Complex custom artwork or larger projects may require a $50+ deposit. Deposits apply toward the final order total but may become non-refundable once design work begins.

 

How many revisions are included with custom work?

Custom orders may include an initial proof and one revision round when applicable. Additional changes, extra revisions, or changes requested after approval may require an extra design fee, revision fee, or remake fee.

 

Can I cancel a custom order?

A custom order may be cancelled before design work or production begins. Once design work has started, a deposit may become non-refundable. Once a custom design is approved and produced, the order cannot usually be cancelled or refunded unless Southern Maryland Decals made an error.

 

Can I return a premade decal?

Unused, undamaged premade decals may be eligible for return or exchange depending on the situation. Decals that have been applied, damaged, altered, or removed from transfer tape are not returnable.

 

Can I return a custom decal?

Custom decals, custom lettering, boat names, business vinyl, personalized designs, and made-to-order custom products are non-refundable once approved and produced unless Southern Maryland Decals made an error.

 

What if Southern Maryland Decals makes a mistake?

If we make an error with wording, color, size, or production compared to the approved order details, we will work with you to correct it. Please contact us as soon as possible with photos and your order details.

 

What if I make a mistake during installation?

DIY installation is the customer’s responsibility. If something goes wrong during application, contact us and we may be able to offer a replacement at a discounted rate on a case-by-case basis.

 

Do you ship orders?

Shipping may be available for eligible decals and transfers. Shipping times may vary depending on the carrier, order size, packaging, and destination.

 

Do you offer local pickup?

Local pickup may be available in Lusby by arrangement. Local meet-up may be available in town when schedule allows. Delivery may be available within the Lusby/Solomons area depending on the order.

 

Do you do boat lettering and business vinyl?

Yes. Boat names, business window lettering, vehicle lettering, trailer lettering, storefront lettering, signs, and larger vinyl projects are handled by quote. These projects may require measurements, photos, design approval, payment, or a deposit before production.

 

Do you copy logos, characters, team designs, or copyrighted artwork?

Reference images are helpful, but Southern Maryland Decals may not be able to copy copyrighted characters, brand logos, team logos, trademarked artwork, or designs that belong to someone else. We may be able to create original artwork inspired by your general idea instead.

 

Can I send reference images or sketches?

Yes. Reference images, sketches, screenshots, and photos can help explain your idea, style, surface, or placement. If the form does not allow uploads, submit the form first and then reply to our email with your files.

 

Can I use my own logo?

Yes, if you own the logo or have permission to use it. For business logos, we may need a clean file or may need to recreate/simplify the artwork for vinyl cutting. Additional design fees may apply.

 

Do you offer bulk or quantity discounts?

Quantity discounts may be available for multiple decals of the same design, depending on size, color, material, and production difficulty. Bulk pricing is quoted case by case.

 

How should I prepare a surface before applying a decal?

Apply decals to a clean, dry, smooth surface. Remove dust, dirt, wax, oil, and residue before applying. Avoid applying decals to wet, cold, dusty, heavily textured, or freshly painted surfaces.

 

Can decals go through a car wash?

Outdoor vinyl is made to hold up well, but harsh scrubbing, pressure washing, ice scraping, chemicals, and automatic car washes may shorten decal life. Gentle hand washing around the decal is best.

 

How long do decals last?

Decal life depends on the material, surface, sun exposure, weather, cleaning habits, and installation quality. Outdoor vinyl is designed for exterior use, but no decal is permanent forever.

 

Do you guarantee DIY installation?

We cannot guarantee DIY installation results because application depends on surface prep, temperature, pressure, placement, and customer handling. We do our best to provide clean decals and helpful instructions.

 

How do I contact you? 

You can contact Southern Maryland Decals through the website contact form, by email at steven@somdecals.com, or by phone/text at 240-434-5968. We usually respond within 24 hours.

 

Final Note 

Southern Maryland Decals is a small local family-run business. We do our best to provide clean work, fair pricing, clear communication, and honest expectations. If you have a question before ordering, please reach out so we can help you choose the right product, size, color, material, or custom option.