A vinyl window decal is an image printed directly onto a transparent 3mm vinyl material sheet, allowing you to display your logo or message on your business’s storefront, windows or glass doors without entirely obstructing the view.
Why Get a Window Decal for Your Business?
An affordable, customizable solution for many businesses, window decals and graphics are made from durable vinyl.
Clear vinyl window decals are made for both indoor and outdoor use. The ideal surface they are meant to be used on is glass, but may also be used on other surfaces. For businesses they are commonly used for advertising, displaying store hours, product promotion, and office branding.
Because window decals aren’t permanent, you can remove them when a promotion is over. Vinyl window decals and graphics can:
- Be as simple or complex as you need
- Make your storefront design pop
- Advertise specials and sales
- Introduce new services and special event details
- Create privacy for your storefront or office
What Is a Clear Window Decal?
A clear window decal is an image or graphic printed directly onto a transparent 3mm vinyl sheet. These decals are transparent anywhere that does not contain your design, allowing you to display your logo or message on your window, glass door, or storefront without entirely obstructing your view.
They are also called vinyl window stickers and window graphics. Because vinyl is a durable material, decals can be applied on the inside or outside the window.
Types of Window Decals
The five main types of window decals: clear decals, opaque decals, perforated decals, frosted decals, and lettering for different kinds of applications:
Clear decals: Printed on a transparent vinyl sheet; there is no visible background, and the window remains completely see-through.
Opaque decals: Printed on a white vinyl sheet; it provides a solid background, and the view from the window is obscured.
Perforated decals: Printed on a perforated vinyl sheet (small circular perforations); it provides a medium background but doesn’t block the view completely.
Frosted decals: These are printed on a sheet with a frosted finish. The sheets can be perforated or opaque; part of the sheet or all of it may be frosted.
Vinyl lettering: Individual cut numbers, letters and graphics are cut and stuck to the window.
What Is the Difference Between a Window Cling and Decal?
Window Decal
Window decals all have some adhesive backing that is stuck to a window. Decals can be installed on the outside or inside of the window inside, or from the inside facing out – this last option is called “inside glass”.
Because of the adhesive material used, your actual window sign is “semi-permanent.” This means that when installing the decal, there will be some wiggle room to adjust it as needed, but it will be tough to reposition once the decal’s adhesive kicks in.
Window Cling
Window clings use static electricity (not an adhesive like vinyl decals) to stick to windows, so no glue is involved.
They are made from a rubber-like substance that can be cut into custom shapes using a die cutting machine.
What Material Is Used for Window Decals?
Window decals are usually made from clear polyester. Clear polyester or transparent vinyl (with adhesive on the back) is often used on car windows when a smaller decal is needed. Examples include school and college decals and smaller printed graphics that do not work on a solid coloured background due to shape or graphics. Clear window stickers require added backing of white ink for proper visibility.
How Long Do Vinyl Decals Last?
How long will vinyl graphics last? It depends on the quality of the installation and environmental factors from a couple of years and others after ten years on the road. So what’s the difference? The best answer to how long will vinyl graphics last is, it depends. There are multiple factors involved in determining the lifespan of any vinyl graphic, but in general, a quality installation using superior materials should last five to seven years, occasionally longer. Here are some things that can shorten or lengthen the life of an adhesive vinyl wrap or decal.
There are a few factors that will affect how long the decals last.
- Material used
- Colour used
- Installation
- Climate
Material
There are literally hundreds of grades of vinyl adhesive material designed for different uses. But using the wrong material for the job, such as a short-term vinyl for a long-term application, will cut the life of any sign.
The material used is key to knowing how long your sign will last. Choose the best material for your job. Using a cheaper material for short term use is fine, but remember it’s never intended for extended use and will create problems if over-used.
Colour
Some colours, such as reds and yellows, may fade faster, shortening the warranty. They can be more adversely affected by sunlight than other colours. Reds and yellows often fade in a shorter time than many oher colours. Before deciding on a colour for your graphics, check the warranty for exceptions by colour. If your branded colour is red or yellow, we recommend lamination, which slows the fading process.
Climate
Areas with extremely high temperatures and above-average direct sunlight will take their toll. Ask your sign provider how your climate may spoil printed adhesive vinyl.
Installation
Proper installation with approved tools is crucial. An improper installation will make for a short term graphic.
Remember that potential customers will judge you by the face your business presents, be it the storefront, interior signage, or vehicle graphics. And a peeling graphic certainly doesn’t present a good image.
In Conclusion
Clear Window Decals are a great solution to add quality signage or designs to your windows. In this article, we’ve covered some of the different types of window decals that can be used to advertise your business location and how they are affected by weather and other climate and use factors.
If you’re in the Vancouver area, you can find business window decals near me at QuarterCheaperSigns.ca.
