Show Off Your Love of Anime with an Ace Car Decal

The Inspiration Behind My Ace Decal

As an avid fan of the popular anime One Piece, I've always loved the character of Portgas D. Ace. With his fiery Devil Fruit powers, laidback personality, and tragic backstory, Ace has resonated with me since I first started watching the show. So when I finally got my own car, I knew I wanted to decorate it with an Ace decal to show my love for one of my favorite characters.

Ace is the son of the infamous Pirate King Gol D. Roger, but chooses to take his mother's last name to avoid association with his father's legacy. Despite this, Ace possesses incredible strength and eventually becomes captain of the Spade Pirates and later a commander in the Whitebeard Pirates. His powers from eating the Flame-Flame Fruit allow him to control fire and make him a formidable foe to Marines and pirates alike.

I relate to Ace's struggle to find his own identity and purpose in life outside of his father's shadow. And his carefree attitude and loyalty toward those he considers friends and family are incredibly endearing. The tragic circumstances of his eventual death at the hands of Admiral Akainu during the Summit War Saga left me heartbroken but also emphasized just how far Ace was willing to go to protect his loved ones.

Finding the Perfect Ace Decal

After deciding I needed an Ace decal for my car, I browsed various Etsy shops and online retailers looking for the perfect design. I wanted something that really captured Ace's playful personality and cheeky grin. Some decal shops had more minimalist designs with just Ace's signature hat and freckles. Others featured full body portrayals of Ace standing with fists ablaze.

Eventually I found the perfect decal on Redbubble - a smiling Ace giving a thumbs up, with a bold pirate flag design behind him. His iconic orange cowboy hat and distinctly styled wavy black hair were instantly recognizable. The art style was also very faithful to how Ace looks in the anime. I knew this playful and upbeat depal would be ideal for highlighting my love of One Piece on my car.

Deciding on Size and Location

Once I had the design picked out, the next step was determining size and placement for the decal. I drive a small hatchback coupe, so I didn't want anything too large and overpowering. But I still wanted the artwork to pop. After measuring out different sizes on paper cutouts, I opted for a 8 inch x 10 inch decal - big enough to see clearly but not so huge it would dominate my rear windshield.

In terms of placement, I decided to put Ace on the lower left corner of my rear windshield. That way it would be visible but wouldn't obstruct my vision while driving. I also thought the bottom corner placement gave a nice floated look compared to centering it. Plus it provided ample space in case I ever wanted to add other anime decals later on!

Preparing the Surface

Before applying any decal, it's important to properly clean and prepare the mounting surface. I gave my rear windshield a thorough wash to remove any dirt, dust, or grime. Making sure the glass is completely smooth and grease-free helps the decal properly adhere.

Next, I used isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth to further prep the application area. Rubbing alcohol removes any remaining oils or residue. It also adds a small amount of haze to glossy surfaces like glass, giving the decal material something to lightly stick to before firm bonding takes place. Proper prep work is key for getting that decal to stay put!

Applying the Ace Decal

Once my rear windshield was squeaky clean, it was time to finally apply the Ace decal! The decal arrived on a sturdy backing paper, with thin transfer tape keeping the design intact. I carefully peeled away the backing layer and positioned the decal where I wanted it, using small pieces of masking tape to temporarily hold it in place.

I gradually removed the transfer tape, working from one side to the other and using a debit card to smoothly press the decal against the glass as I went. This prevented air bubbles from getting trapped underneath. I continued firmly pressing for 30 seconds after fully applying the decal to promote solid adhesion.

Finishing Touches

With my Ace decal fully applied, there were just a few finishing touches left. I trimmed off any excess decal material around the edges using an Exacto knife. This gave my new rear windshield art a clean, crisp look.

As a final step, I used a microfiber cloth to give the whole decal area one more buffing. This ensured maximum stick and also cleaned up any leftover residue from the transfer tape adhesive. After admiring my work, I was ready to hit the road in true pirate style with Portgas D. Ace watching my back!

The Joys of Anime Decals

Adding an anime decal like Ace to your car can be incredibly fun and satisfying. Beyond showing off your fandom, it provides a dose of personality and flair to an otherwise plain vehicle. I love catching glimpses of Ace's smiling face every time I look in my rearview mirror or backing up - it never fails to make me grin!

Fellow One Piece fans will also appreciate the nod to one of the anime's most beloved characters. I've already had a few enthusiastic compliments from strangers who recognized my decal. It's a great conversation starter and lets you connect with others who share your interests.

Anime decals are also fairly inexpensive compared to other car customizations. Ranging from $5-$20 depending on size, they allow you to stylize your vehicle on a budget. And their removable sticker-like quality means you can change them up any time you feel like a new look.

So if you want to proudly display your love of anime, games, movies, or any other fandom - decorate your ride with a fun decal! With the right design and placement, it can add some real personality and become a meaningful part of expressing who you are.

FAQs

How do I choose the right decal size for my car?

Consider the size of your car's surface area and the look you're going for. Small decals around 5 inches work well for compact cars, while larger sedans and SUVs can accommodate decals 8-15 inches big. Try paper cutouts to test sizes before purchasing.

What's the best spot to place an anime decal on my car?

Popular locations include the rear windshield, side rear windows, hood, trunk, and front fenders. Choose a spot that's visible but doesn't obstruct your vision. The rear windshield offers great visibility and ample space.

How do I apply an anime decal smoothly and prevent air bubbles?

Work slowly removing the transfer tape while pressing the decal against the surface. Use a debit card or squeegee to apply pressure and smooth from one end to the other. This pushes out air pockets for a bubble-free application.

How can I remove an anime decal from my car?

Carefully peel up a corner and slowly pull the decal off. Use a hair dryer to heat the adhesive if needed. Any sticky residue can be cleaned off with isopropyl alcohol or Goo Gone. Be gentle to avoid damaging the paint.

Where can I buy cool anime decals for cars?

Great places to find anime decals include Etsy, eBay, Amazon, and specialty retailers like AnimeDecalStore. Redbubble also has awesome fan art decal designs you can customize to any size.