• Alps, The - Europe's Backbone (1965) (Map) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal 2 Inch White - The Sticker Space
  • Alps, The - Europe's Backbone (1965) (Map) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal 3 Inch White - The Sticker Space
  • Alps, The - Europe's Backbone (1965) (Map) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal 4 Inch White - The Sticker Space
  • Alps, The - Europe's Backbone (1965) (Map) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal 6 Inch White - The Sticker Space
  • Alps, The - Europe's Backbone (1965) (Map) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal - The Sticker Space
  • Alps, The - Europe's Backbone (1965) (Map) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal - The Sticker Space
  • Alps, The - Europe's Backbone (1965) (Map) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal - The Sticker Space
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Alps, The - Europe's Backbone (1965) (Map) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal

Alps, The - Europe's Backbone (1965) (Map) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal

$3.59 USD
$3.59 USD
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Alps, Europe's Backbone (1965) - Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal: Design Description

This decal features the iconic "Alps, Europe's Backbone" map, originally produced by the National Geographic Society in 1965. The artwork showcases a relief / physical map, prioritizing the depiction of the Alpine mountain range's majestic form over political boundaries.

Visual Elements & Representation

The design utilizes relief shading, a technique that creates a sense of depth and dimension by illustrating the varied terrain of the Alps. This method vividly portrays mountain peaks, valleys, and slopes, emphasizing the physical geography of the region.

The map's design centers on the Alps, highlighting their importance as a significant European mountain chain that stretches across multiple countries. The "backbone" metaphor is visually represented through the emphasis on the mountain range's continuous presence across the landscape, symbolizing its geographical, ecological, and historical significance to the continent.

Symbolism & Meaning

The "Alps, Europe's Backbone" map design emphasizes the enduring presence and profound influence of the Alps on European geography. By presenting the mountain range as a singular physical entity, the artwork underscores its role in shaping climate, water sources, and human settlement patterns. It is a visual testament to the Alps' central importance.

As a mid-20th-century depiction, this design offers a historical perspective on how the region was visually conceptualized. The artwork evokes a sense of exploration and discovery, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the Alps.

Size
Surface

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Glossy kiss-cut vinyl stickers made for smooth, indoor surfaces — laptops, journals, mirrors, and other finished items. Crisp edges, vivid color, strong hold, and not waterproof.

What “kiss-cut” means: the blade cuts the vinyl layer into the exact shape while leaving the backing liner whole, so pieces separate cleanly and lift off the sheet without tearing. It’s the neatest way to produce shaped stickers and multi-piece sheets.

  • Material: reliable vinyl face with a permanent acrylic adhesive formulated for smooth, non-porous surfaces.
  • Finish: glossy surface that enhances contrast and depth without feeling overly reflective.
  • Printing: eco-solvent inks provide dense color and crisp detail for fine lines and gradients.
  • Use case: intended for indoor environments only — not waterproof. Not recommended for continuous exposure to moisture or dishwashing.
  • Application friendly: easy-peel backing and a liner that releases cleanly to help reduce bubbles and misfeeds during placement.

These stickers perform best on smooth, dust-free surfaces — think laptop lids, sealed notebooks, glass, mirrors, finished shelving and lockers. They’ll stick well where the surface is flat and clean; avoid rough wood, silicone, fabric, and heavily textured paint.

  1. Clean: remove dust and oils with a lint-free cloth. For stubborn grime, use a mild soap and water rinse; let the area dry completely.
  2. Align: peel a corner, position carefully, then press the center down first.
  3. Smooth: work outward from the center with a soft card or a thumb to push air out and ensure the edges set down firmly.

Tip: give the adhesive 24 hours to fully settle before heavy handling. These are not designed for outdoor or wet conditions.

  • Gently dust with a soft, dry cloth, moving from the center outward to avoid scratching the gloss.
  • For light marks, a barely damp microfiber will lift residue — blot, don’t scrub, and dry right away.
  • Avoid bleach, solvents, abrasive pads, and steam; moisture or harsh chemicals can lift edges and fade inks.

Reminder: these stickers are not waterproof. Keep them away from sinks, outdoor exposure, and dishwasher cycles to maintain adhesion and finish.

Sizes are measured across the sticker’s longest side. For example, a 3″ sticker is 3 inches across its largest dimension (height or width, depending on the shape).

The kiss-cut follows the sticker’s outline for a tidy border; complex shapes can show small variances, but the advertised measurement refers to the maximum edge-to-edge length.