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US 161 Iowa 1926 (Iowa) (Road Sign) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal

US 161 Iowa 1926 (Iowa) (Road Sign) STICKER Vinyl Kiss-Cut Decal

Regular price $3.59 USD
Regular price Sale price $3.59 USD
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US 161 Iowa 1926 (Iowa) Road Sign Sticker - Design Overview

This vinyl kiss-cut decal presents a faithful reproduction of the original U.S. Route 161 road sign used in Iowa when the U.S. Numbered Highway System was inaugurated in 1926. The design encapsulates the very essence of early American road signage.

Form and Function: A Historical Marker

The design takes the form of a pointed-bottom shield, instantly recognizable as a vintage U.S. highway marker. This shape was a cornerstone of the nationwide standardization efforts that sought to create a uniform and easily understood system for motorists across the country.

Clarity and Identification

Bold, sans-serif numerals, "161," dominate the shield's center, ensuring clear legibility from a distance. Above these numbers, the word "IOWA" is proudly displayed, explicitly denoting the state jurisdiction and anchoring the marker within its geographical context. This state identification was a crucial element of the sign's design.

Symbolism and Legacy

The artwork represents a significant piece of American transportation history. It symbolizes the transition from fragmented, regional auto trails to a coordinated national system of highways. The design evokes a sense of nostalgia for an era of early automobile travel and the growth of infrastructure that shaped the nation. This decal is a visual reminder of the pioneering efforts to create a standardized, recognizable network for drivers of the time.

Size
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Bulk Discounts Available

These discounts apply to all Kiss-Cut Stickers.

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20% OFF
Buy 5+
30% OFF
Buy 10+
40% OFF
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50% OFF

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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.