Chevrolet & GMC Colorado Decals

The Colorado is a midsize pickup, so decal choices here differ from full size trucks. Owners usually want graphics that fit the proportions of a smaller tailgate and shorter bed sides without looking oversized. Popular requests include tailgate lettering, bed side stripes, door accents and hood accents that follow the hood line of this body style. Because the Colorado sits between a compact truck and a full size, many graphics sized for larger pickups need to be scaled down, and measuring your own panels matters more here than on nearly any other truck. This page covers where decals commonly go on this vehicle, how to size them, which vinyl materials hold up on truck panels, and what to expect during installation.

Popular Decal Placements on the Colorado

The Colorado offers several flat and gently curved panels that work well for vinyl graphics.

• Tailgate: the widest visible panel on the truck and the most common spot for lettering or a single graphic.
• Bed sides: the area above the rear wheel arch is a classic location for stripes or a long decal running toward the cab.
• Doors and front fenders: small accents, logos or short text sit well here on a midsize cab.
• Hood: hood accents and stripes that follow the hood line are a frequent choice.
• Rear window: a common spot for shorter lettering on a pickup cab.

Sizing Guidance for Midsize Truck Panels

Because the Colorado is narrower and shorter than a full size pickup, decals sized for larger trucks often look oversized here. As a starting point, tailgate graphics for a midsize pickup commonly run in the range of 40 to 55 inches wide, bed side stripes in the range of 30 to 50 inches, and door or fender accents in the range of 6 to 18 inches. These are only general ranges. Always measure your own panel before ordering, since panel size varies by cab configuration, bed length and any trim differences on your specific truck. Measure the flat area you actually want to cover, not the full panel, and allow a margin at the edges so the decal does not wrap into body lines or trim.

Vinyl Materials for Truck Panels

Vehicle panels on a working pickup take more abuse than most surfaces, so material choice matters. Outdoor rated calendared vinyl handles stripes and accents at a lower cost. Cast vinyl conforms better to the tighter curves around the rear wheel arches and body lines common on midsize trucks, and it is the better choice if your decal crosses a crease. Matte and gloss finishes both work on factory paint, while printed and printed films add visibility for trucks used on job sites. If you plan to apply graphics near the bed where tools and cargo slide around, a thicker film resists scuffing better than a standard decal film.

Installation and Care for Chevrolet and GMC Colorado Decals

Most Colorado panels are flat enough for a dry application with masking tape and a squeegee, but a few areas deserve extra care.

• Rear wheel arches: bed side decals that pass near the arch benefit from a wet application so the film can slide and stretch into the curve.
• Tailgate handle and camera areas: check for a tailgate handle, backup camera or sensors before final placement and cut or plan around them.
• Body lines: the bed sides have character lines that can trap air. Work from the center outward and lift the film rather than forcing it over a crease.
• Weather: apply above roughly 60 degrees Fahrenheit or use a heat source, and keep the truck out of rain for the first day.

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Frequently asked questions

Will a full size truck decal fit my Colorado?

Often not well. The Colorado is narrower and has a shorter bed than a full size pickup, so graphics sized for larger trucks frequently overhang panels or crowd body lines. Check the decal dimensions against your own measurements before ordering, and ask whether a smaller size is available.

How do I measure my tailgate for a decal?

Measure the flat area you want the graphic to cover, using a tape measure across the widest point, and stay clear of the tailgate handle, backup camera and any sensors by an inch or two. Do not rely on listed panel dimensions, since bed length and trim differences can change the usable space on your specific truck.

Can I put a decal over the bed side wheel arches?

Yes, but use cast vinyl and a wet application. The curve around the rear wheel arch is the tightest bend on the bed sides, and calendared film can lift or wrinkle there. Apply heat as you work the film into the arch and keep the decal edges an inch or so from the arch lip.

Do Colorado decals damage the paint when removed?

Quality outdoor vinyl removed within its rated lifespan, using heat and slow peeling, generally comes off factory paint without damage. Older or sun baked decals are harder to remove, and freshly repainted panels should cure fully before any vinyl is applied. Test a small corner first.