How to Attach a Car Bow Safely
Everything You Need to Know About Fitting a Car Bow
Whether you’re surprising someone with a brand-new car, decorating a showroom vehicle or preparing for a special occasion, fitting a car bow correctly will ensure it looks its best while helping to protect the vehicle’s finish.
At Car Bows, we’ve been designing and supplying decorative car bows since 2007, so we’ve learned a few tips over the years. This guide explains the best way to position your bow, how to secure it safely and how to achieve that professional showroom look.
Step 1 – Clean the Vehicle
Before placing your bow on the bonnet, make sure the surface is clean and dry.
Removing dust, grit and moisture helps the bow sit neatly and reduces the chance of dirt becoming trapped between the bow and the paintwork.
Step 2 – Position the Bow
Most customers position the bow:
✓ Centre of the bonnet
✓ Near the front edge
✓ Or where ribbon crosses the bonnet
Take a step back and check it from different angles before securing it.
Step 3 – Use the Positioning Magnet
Some of our bows include a soft positioning magnet on the reverse.
This magnet is designed to help you temporarily position the bow while you adjust it for the best appearance.
Please note: the magnet is not intended to hold the bow securely for extended periods or while the vehicle is moving. Additional fixings may be required depending on the size of the bow, weather conditions and where the vehicle will be displayed.
We intentionally do not supply stronger magnets because excessively powerful magnets could increase the risk of marking or damaging some vehicle finishes.
Step 4 – Secure the Bow
Depending on the bow and the occasion, you may choose to use additional temporary fixings suitable for the vehicle and display conditions.
Always ensure:
- The bow cannot slide unexpectedly.
- Nothing scratches the paintwork.
- The bow does not obstruct the driver’s view.
- The bow is removed before driving.
Step 5 – Stand Back!
The best part…
Take photographs!
Whether it’s an 18th birthday, Christmas morning or a dealership handover, the reveal is often over in seconds—but the photographs last forever.
FAQ's On Fitting Your Bow
Bow On The Bonnet
The classic choice for new car gifts. Position a large bow in the centre of the bonnet to create maximum impact and an unforgettable first impression.
Bow on the Roof
Create a striking showroom-style presentation by positioning the bow on the roof of the vehicle. This works particularly well on sports cars, convertibles and prestige vehicles, allowing the bow to be seen from every angle while leaving the bonnet and grille unobstructed.
Small Bonnet Bow
Perfect for a more understated look. Ideal for smaller vehicles, subtle celebrations or dealership handovers where a neat, elegant finish is preferred.
Bow with Crossed Ribbon
Create the traditional gift-wrapped appearance by adding wide ribbon across the bonnet and placing the bow where the ribbons meet. A popular choice for birthdays, Christmas and surprise car reveals.
Bow with Giant Gift Tag
Add a personalised finishing touch with an oversized gift tag. Write a heartfelt message, congratulations or birthday greeting to make the presentation even more memorable.
Dealership Display
Designed for professional showroom presentations. Large bows help attract attention, create a premium customer experience and make every new vehicle handover feel extra special.
When used correctly, a decorative car bow should not damage clean, well-maintained paintwork.
Always ensure the surface is clean before positioning the bow and avoid dragging it across the vehicle.
We recommend removing the bow before driving and after the presentation has finished.
No.
Car bows are decorative products designed for stationary vehicle presentations.
Always remove the bow and any ribbon before driving the vehicle.
Most bows can be positioned in just a few minutes.
Many of our bows can be stored carefully and reused for future celebrations.
Yes. All of our bows arrive fully assembled with no construction required.
Absolutely. Most customers fit their bow without assistance, although very large bows may be easier to position with two people.
Large decorative bows are best used indoors or in sheltered locations. If displaying a bow outdoors, additional temporary fixings may be required depending on the weather conditions.
Our larger satin bows and reusable display bows are popular choices for vehicle handovers and showroom promotions. Although the card bows are also very popular as they are recyclable and available in 40 colours.
No - these bows are designed to be used in a horizontal position on a flat surface.
- ❌ Placing the bow on a dirty bonnet
- ❌ Using strong magnets that could mark paintwork
- ❌ Driving with the bow attached
- ❌ Positioning the bow too close to the windscreen
- ❌ Forgetting to take photographs before the reveal