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Illinois 97 1926 (Illinois) (Road Sign) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal

Illinois 97 1926 (Illinois) (Road Sign) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal

Regular price $3.59 USD
Regular price Sale price $3.59 USD
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Illinois 97 (1926) Road Sign Decal: A Visual Journey

Design Overview

This vinyl kiss-cut decal authentically recreates the Illinois 97 road sign design as it appeared in 1926, the dawn of standardized state highway signage in Illinois. The design epitomizes the straightforward and utilitarian aesthetic of the era, reflecting the practical nature of early road navigation.

Visual Elements and Representation

The core of the design is its stark simplicity. A white rectangular background, bordered by a clean black frame, provides the canvas. Bold, black digits "97" command the visual field, instantly identifying the route number. The absence of complex graphics emphasizes clarity and ease of recognition, essential for guiding drivers along the newly established highway system. The design subtly implies order and organization, representing the burgeoning infrastructure of the time.

Although "ILLINOIS" may not be included in the design, the stark contrast and iconic number 97 represent the state's early embrace of the automobile age. The sign's functionality, its immediate legibility, and no-frills presentation speak volumes of the era's focus on practicality and function over embellishment.

Meaning and Symbolism

This decal symbolizes the birth of modern road travel and the systematic organization of the American highway network. The design acts as a miniature time capsule, transporting the viewer back to a period when automobiles were gaining popularity, and road signs were rudimentary yet essential navigational tools. The bold number 97 represents a specific pathway through the Illinois landscape, linking communities and facilitating commerce. Its simplicity symbolizes the progress and standardization of Illinois highway infrastructure.

Size
Surface

Bulk Discounts Available

These discounts apply to all Kiss-Cut Stickers.

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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.