Clear Window Decals vs. Window Clings
By: Naomi J. Myrick, Decals.com Staff Writer
Clear decals and window clings are the ideal choice for eye-catching storefront advertising. While both have transparent vinyl backings, a few key differences set them apart
Let’s break it down:
Why Clings Aren’t Actually That Clingy
Window clings kind-of-sort-of defy the definition of clingy! In fact, they are produced from a 4 millimeter removable vinyl material.
Removable, eh? Wait, so they really aren't that clingy? Nope, not in the traditional sense anyways.
That's right, they’re easily removable and repositionable. They’re not at all like stubborn koalas wrapped around eucalyptus trees or needy kids in the toy aisle.
Basically, clings are made out of vinyl with a low-tack adhesive or less-sticky adhesive, making them ideal for temporary window signage.
Remember those cute Rudolph and Frosty Christmas decorations? Those are static clings in most cases, and they use friction instead of an adhesive. Window clings are basically the same concept, which is great if you own a business with ever changing window decorations!
Why Clear Decals Are So Dedicated
Clear window decals are also made of 4 millimeter transparent vinyl material. Unlike clings though, this vinyl uses a stronger adhesive. This strong adhesion makes these decals excellent for graphics that need to stick around for a while.
Due to their superior stickiness, these decals are intended for permanent use. But they can typically be removed (just not repositioned) with little to no residue. If you do have some leftover goo, just use some warm soapy water to remove it.
Therefore, thanks to the marriage of durability and longevity, clear decals are considered committed to adhesive oriented projects. Happily ever after!
Indoor vs. Outdoor Durability: Which Are Better?
Outdoor use, car windows, storefronts? Your best bet is Clear Decals for permanent outdoor branding.
While window clings work great for short-term outdoor stickers, they are best suited for indoor environments where they won't be exposed to heavy wind or rain for long periods of time.
Front-adhesive vs. Back-adhesive
Both clear window decals, as well as clings, have different sided-adhesive options.
Picture an indoor shopping mall, with advertisements on every storefront, many of those are probably front-adhesive products. These front and back adhesive options each offer great versatility for these vinyl products.
Front-adhesive means that the front of the product sticks on the inside of a window, facing outward. This way, the decals or clings won’t be susceptible to outdoors—or theft.
Back-adhesive is used for a typical decal or sticker, just like one you’d place on a laptop. The adhesive is placed on the back of the product which sits on the outside of a window, exposed to the elements, facing outward.
The Breakdown
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Clear vinyl clings may have either front adhesive or back adhesive.
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White vinyl clings may only have back-adhesive.
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Clear decals may have either front adhesive or back adhesive.
Common Uses for Clear Window Decals
If you’re curious how others are using these useful clear decals, here are some everyday examples.
These decals are used for car windows, or for just about anything that needs to go on a window for a while! Many establishments use them for displaying logos or branding in a crisp and easy to notice manner.
Clear material eliminates the white background, which can sometimes look tacky, depending on the circumstances. It also allows colorful decals to really pop out at passersby. This is especially useful for marketing diners or food at a busy food court.
A few more uses include:
- Fun-shaped decals to draw attention
- Permanent signage for businesses
- Visual aids for classrooms
Common Uses for Clear Window Decals
If you’re curious how others are using these useful clear decals, here are some everyday examples.
These decals are used for car windows, or for just about anything that needs to go on a window for a while! Many establishments use them for displaying logos or branding in a crisp and easy to notice manner.
Clear material eliminates the white background, which can sometimes look tacky, depending on the circumstances. It also allows colorful decals to really pop out at passersby. This is especially useful for marketing diners or food at a busy food court.
Common Uses for Window Clings
Here are some ordinary uses for window clings!
These products are excellent for holiday decorating and spreading cheer!
More practical applications for clings are as temporary storefront messaging like business hours or promoting sales. Auto shops typically use back-adhesive clings for those little oil change reminders on your windshield.
They can also be used for supporting teams and school spirit! Add a sports team or school mascot graphic to your car and remove it or reposition it whenever you’d like. Clings are less of a hassle than traditional bumper stickers.
A few more uses include:
- Reinforce your brand and logos in many places
- Temporary signage for upcoming sales
- Wedding or shower decorations
Just like humanoid twins, clear window decals and window clings have their differences, which are pretty much varying degrees of stickiness and which side of the window they prefer. Both are high-quality products that you can use all year long.
Common Uses for Window Clings
Your signage is ready. You know where it is going to hang. The next step? Application!
Clear window decals require a tad bit more of focus. Since the strong adhesive is meant for permanent placement, you’ll want to clean the glass thoroughly and use a squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles as you apply it. Once it's down, it's there to stay.
Installing Window Clings
Window clings offer a much easier application. The low-tack vinyl can be applied, removed, and reapplied as many times as you need without losing its stick. If your alignment is a little off, just peel it back gently and reset until it looks exactly how you want it.
The Removal Process
Changing up your look? Here’s how to clear the glass without the mess and stress.
- Decals: Since they use a more permanent adhesive, they might need a little nudge. You can typically peel them off by hand, but if they’ve been there for years, a little heat from a hairdryer or some warm soapy water will help lift any leftover "goo."
- Clings: Just grab a corner and pull. Since there's no heavy glue, they leave zero residue behind.
Pro tip for clings: Save the original backing paper so you can stick them back on and reuse them next year!
Order Your Window Decals & Clings Today
Next time you're unsure what material you need, just remember… clear window decals are your go-to for permanent, rugged branding, window clings are best for temporary sales or seasonal cheer.