What's The Difference Between Window Decals and Window Clings

When you are thinking about advertising for your business, one option that offers a lot of visibility is advertising on a window.  If you use your car during the day and drive it in high traffic areas, you can catch a lot of people’s attention with the right design. Great marketing in the window of a store can also get people to come in. Although it is a great option, it is important to know the difference between window decals and window clings. This will help you save money and not waste time. This article will help you make the best decision between purchasing a window decal or a window cling. You don’t want to waste your money by getting the item that does not meet your needs.

What are Window Decals?

Window decals are like stickers that you can use for promoting a company or a brand. Decals can be applied to any clean, flat surface using an adhesive backing. Most of the time they are used on windows of vehicles or on windows of businesses.

Types of Window Decals

There are three different types of window decals commonly used.  Clear decals are great for two way visibilities as they are clear wherever there is no print. Opaque decals have an opaque white background wherever there is no print. It often gives a frosted window look. Perforated window decals only allow one-way visibility. With a perforated decal, you will be able to see out of the window but people on the outside will not be able to see in. Instead, they will see the micro punctures looking like small dots.

What are Window Clings?

Window clings are similar to decals but there is no adhesive backing. Instead, window clings stay on the smooth surface because of static electricity. This means that they can only stick to glass or plastic and not on other flat surfaces, like wood or concrete. Window clings can be printed and cut into the shape that you need.  They are made from a very flexible, thin vinyl film material that is easy to move.

Window Decals vs. Window Clings

Installation

A window decal has an adhesive backing so once it is positioned and installed it is “semi-permanent”. You want to carefully pick a location ahead of time that you want the decal to be and then follow the steps to install. Once a window decal is placed you can make slight changes to the position before the full installation is completed.  When it is fully installed, it will be difficult to move without a lot of effort. Window clings can be installed in seconds.  Since they do not have an adhesive backing, you can place it where you think is best and if it needs to be repositioned, you can do it easily.  You can also move the window cling from one location and reuse it in another location without any issues. Both window decals and window clings can be installed without having to hire a professional. You might need a tool to help you make sure it goes on smoothly or have someone assist. For more assistance check out this video:

Placement

Window decals and window clings can be placed on the outside or inside the window, depending on your preference. If you do prefer one placed on the outside, window decals are not affected as much by rain or direct sunlight.  A window cling is in danger of coming off in cold weather or severe conditions. You do want to make sure that the area you place the decal or cling is clean. This will help make sure it sticks smoothly and shows clearly.  Wipe the area well so all the small debris is removed.

Removal

Removing a window decal is more complicated and takes more time than removing a window cling.  The window cling can be removed instantly and leaves no residue.  With a window decal, you will need to use a razor blade and soapy water to get all the residue off the surface. If you have trouble with this though check out this link for more ways to get it off. Since window clings are able to be removed easily, they are more likely to be taken or vandalized. This can be avoided if the window cling is placed on the inside of the window.

Pricing

Window decals are typically more expensive than static clings.  Perforated window decals cost more because they offer the one-way visibility. You can pay more for window decals that are reusable although their adhesive backing will lessen in effectiveness over time and uses.

Customizing

You can design and customize both window decals and window clings. The best designs are simple. You want to use an appropriate font size that people can see from a distance or as they are passing by. Bright colors work really well with the material used to make window decals and window clings.  Since ink can affect how well vinyl stick without adhesive, window clings work best with very clear designs.

Conclusion

Both window decals and window clings are great for promoting your business but you need to decide what you want the sign to do. You need to know how long you want the marketing to stay in one place. If you are looking for something to use long-term then a window decal works best.  If you need something short-term or it needs to be moved and reused often, then you want a window cling.