Can Vinyl Decals Be Applied to the Inside of a Window?

Common Questions About Inside Window Decals

Do you put window decals on the inside or outside of the glass?

It depends on the decal type. Second surface (reverse printed) decals go on the inside of the glass with the printed side facing out through the pane, protecting the ink from sun and rain. Standard, non-reversed decals are usually applied to the outside so they're viewed directly. Both approaches are common for storefronts, and our window decal placement guide walks through how to decide which fits your space.

Can you put decals on the inside of a car window?

Yes. Window clings and reverse printed vinyl decals are both applied to the interior of car glass, which keeps the graphic away from car washes, ice scrapers, and highway debris. This is a popular option for family stickers, business logos on the rear window, and storefront business hours. Browse car window decals to see sizing and material options built for this.

What is a window decal you can see out but not in?

That's typically a perforated window decal, sometimes called window perf. It's a vinyl film covered in thousands of tiny holes so the graphic is fully visible from outside while people inside the building or vehicle can still see through it. This is different from a standard inside window decal since it's applied to the outside of the glass. You can see specs and layout options for custom window perf.

What is the difference between window clings and window decals?

Window clings are designed for temporary applications and can be removed and repositioned more easily than standard decals. Some window clings rely on static cling, while others—like the window clings we offer at Decals.com—use a low-tack adhesive that provides a more secure hold while still allowing for clean removal and repositioning. Vinyl decals use a stronger adhesive designed for longer-term applications, making them a better choice for permanent storefront graphics, vehicle windows, and other outdoor uses. We break down the tradeoffs in more detail in clear decals vs window clings, and you can shop window clings directly if a temporary option fits your project better.

What material works best for interior glass application, and how durable is it?

Clear vinyl with front-facing adhesive is the best choice for decals applied to the inside of a window and viewed from the outside. The adhesive is placed over the printed side of the decal, allowing the graphic to adhere directly to the interior surface of the glass while remaining readable from the exterior. Because the decal is protected behind the glass, it is less exposed to rain, dirt, abrasion, and other outdoor conditions, which can help extend its lifespan. 

How is pricing structured for custom inside window decals, and is there a discount for bulk orders?

Minimum order is 1 unit, so a single decal for a car window or office door is no problem. Once you're ordering 50 or more, tiered pricing kicks in and the per-unit cost drops, which makes inside window decals a practical option for multi-location storefronts, fleet vehicles, or franchise rollouts that need the same design applied at scale.

What file format do you need for reverse printed inside window decals?

Submit your artwork exactly as you want it to appear when viewed from the outside of the glass. Whether you upload a vector file (AI, EPS, or PDF) or another supported file format, our in-house prepress team will handle all of the production setup for you—including mirroring the artwork for front adhesive (second surface) printing when needed. There's no need to reverse or modify your design before uploading. We'll ensure your finished decal looks just like the artwork you approved once it's installed on the inside of the glass. If you'd like to see how your design looks before placing a larger order, custom clear decal samples are also available.