How to Apply Personalized Kennel Name Plates Without Damaging Your Kennel

Quick Answer

To attach a personalized name plate to your GUNNER kennel without causing damage, use a strong but removable adhesive like 3M VHB tape, clean the surface with rubbing alcohol, and let the plate sit for 24 hours. Place it on the flat side of the kennel away from hinges and latches.

Adding a personalized name plate to your GUNNER kennel is a great way to make it unmistakably yours, whether you're heading to a hunt test or just want to add a touch of identity. But the last thing you want is to leave a sticky mess, scratches, or discoloration on a kennel that's built to last.

The good news: you can attach a name plate cleanly and remove it later without damaging the kennel's surface—if you choose the right adhesive and follow a few simple steps. Here's how to do it.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather a few supplies: your personalized name plate, a roll of 3M VHB double-sided tape (a removable version works best for a clean peel later), a clean microfiber cloth, isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%), and a grease pencil or tape measure for marking placement.

We're going to use adhesive rather than screws for this project. Screws can crack plastic, require drilling that voids warranties, and create permanent holes. Adhesive, when chosen carefully, holds strong until you decide to remove it.

• Use removable 3M VHB tape—it holds strong but peels off cleanly when you pull it slowly at a low angle.
• Avoid superglue or epoxy; these create an almost permanent bond that can damage the kennel when you try to remove the plate.

Clean the surface thoroughly

The kennel's surface might look clean, but it can have oils from your hands, dust, and other residues that will weaken the adhesive's grip. Wipe the area with a microfiber cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Let it dry completely for at least 10 minutes. This is the most important step for a bond that lasts.

A common mistake is using household cleaners, which often leave a film. Stay with the alcohol for best results.

• If you see any polish or residue after the first wipe, do a second pass with fresh alcohol.

Mark placement carefully

Position the name plate on the kennel and use a grease pencil to outline it. Step back and check the alignment. You want the plate centered and straight. The side of the kennel that faces a wall or is less visible is a smarter choice if you think you might ever remove it—you'll see fewer marks if any adhesive residue stays behind.

Keep the plate at least 2 inches away from the door's latch and hinges. These are moving parts, and a plate that touches them can interfere with the door's operation.

• Use a level if the kennel has a curved surface; a small bubble level helps ensure the plate doesn't look tilted.

Apply the adhesive and plate

Cut the double-sided tape to cover the back of the name plate. If the plate has a recessed center, apply the tape around the edges, not in the middle. This creates a firm border hold and leaves fewer contact points for residue if you ever remove it.

Peel off the backing, press the plate onto the kennel, and hold it firmly for at least 30 seconds. Use even pressure across the entire plate. Don't slide the plate around after it touches the surface—it will smear the adhesive and affect the bond.

• If you have a heat gun or hairdryer, warm both the tape and the kennel surface slightly on a low setting. This softens the adhesive and helps it flow into the surface for a stronger hold—but don't overheat and warp the plastic.

Let it cure

The adhesive needs time to reach its full strength. Set the kennel aside and wait at least 24 hours before handling it or putting it in a vehicle. The bond builds as the adhesive flows into the surface's microscopic pores, so patience pays off.

If you're traveling or using the kennel outdoors, give additional cure time in warm weather (or a heated garage) because cold temperatures slow down the process.

• Test the hold after 24 hours with a gentle tug. If it feels loose, press it down again and wait another day.

Remove the plate cleanly if you change your mind

When you want to remove the name plate, don't pry it off—that can leave adhesive residue or damage the kennel. Instead, use a hairdryer on low heat to warm the tape for a few minutes. This softens the adhesive, making removal easier and cleaner.

Then, using a piece of dental floss or a plastic trim tool, gently work it between the plate and the kennel to break the bond. Pull slowly and at a low angle (like peeling tape off glass). After the plate is off, any small residue can be rolled off with your finger or removed with an adhesive remover (test it in an inconspicuous area first). Wipe the surface with isopropyl alcohol to finish.

• Avoid metal scrapers or sharp tools; they can scratch the kennel's surface, especially on textured areas.

Step-by-Step: Apply a Name Plate Without Damage

1. Clean the surface: Wipe the kennel area with isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth. Let it dry completely. Skipping this step is the most common reason name plates fall off. Make sure the surface is dry for at least 10 minutes.
2. Mark your placement: Use a grease pencil to outline the name plate, keeping it away from latches and hinges. Check alignment with a level. A temporary marking lets you step back and confirm placement before you commit—mistakes at this stage are easy to fix.
3. Apply adhesive and plate: Cut 3M VHB tape to the plate's edges, peel the backing, press firmly for 30 seconds, and let it cure for 24 hours. Hold pressure evenly and resist sliding the plate. A full cure is essential for a strong, lasting bond.
4. Remove cleanly when needed: Warm the tape with a hairdryer, floss the plate off, and roll away any residue with your finger. Clean with alcohol. Patience and low heat win. Avoid prying with tools that can scratch and damage the kennel.

GUNNER products that help

• GUNNER DOG BOWL - BLACK: Sturdy construction built to handle daily use and travel. It is available in Standard and Personalized versions for a custom touch. If you're adding name plates to your kennel, you might want to personalize other gear too. The GUNNER Dog Bowl's Personalized version gives you a custom touch that matches your kennel's new look, and it's built to travel as hard as your kennel.
• FOOD SCOOP: GUNNER's dog food measuring scoop, holding up to 3 cups of dry kibble. Easy to use, easier to clean. Made with the same heavy-duty material as our Kennel Bowl to ensure durability. After you've labeled your kennel, keeping your dog's feeding routine organized helps the whole system work. A durable scoop with a no-slip grip makes portioning kibble at home or on the road easier—and it's as tough as the kennel you just personalized.

Personalizing your GUNNER kennel doesn't have to mean permanent damage. With a little prep, the right adhesive, and careful removal, you can enjoy a clean, custom look that stays put and can be changed whenever you like. Take your time, and your kennel will keep its rugged good looks for years.