subject: 6 Tips for Designing the Best Window Decal [print this page] 1. First things first, ask yourself - Where am I planning on placing these decals?
This may seem obvious - but answering "on windows!" isn't quite enough. Are you planning on placing them on store windows? Are you giving them away to customers to put on their car windows? Keep in mind that store merchants and car owners will likely not want to have to deal with a super sticky adhesive when the time comes to remove your sticker. Outdoor decal stock comes with a standard permanent adhesive that gets tackier over time and becomes harder (though not impossible with a bit of effort and products like "Goo Gone") to remove. Removable or static cling adhesives are sometimes the preferred way to go.
2. Static cling window decals, generally speaking, should be under 4". Any larger and the decals weight can be enough to pull it away from the window. Consult with your printer first but for larger decals we usually recommend an ultra removable or removable adhesive. These substrates have a little more "stick" while being simple to remove.
3. Removable and static cling decals are meant for indoor use. These light grade adhesives offer the convenience of being able to be easily removed but they will not withstand the elements for long.
4. Who is meant to be reading the decal, people standing inside or outside of the window? For example, if your decal is intended to remind car owners of their next oil change - then a static cling back adhesive decal would work (for placement inside the car in the top left corner of the windshield). If your decal is to warn intruders that you have a security system installed, then a static cling face adhesive decal would work best (for placement inside the window facing out).
5. Fact - Many car owners have tinted windows which makes any decal placed on the inside of the car virtually invisible to the outside world. There isn't much you can do about this other than assure these vehicle owners that your permanent adhesive exterior decal will come off with a bit of effort.
6. Contrast is important. Clear decals are a great choice because the background blends into the window leaving just the design itself. You want to make sure that there is enough contrast between the background (whatever is on the other side of the window) and the ink colors you choose. If the background is likely to be dark, say a dimly lit restaurant - choose white or light colors for your decal. If the background environment is light, say a brightly lit art gallery with lots of white walls, then you can go with darker colors in your design. If you are unsure where the decals will be placed, you may want to consider white rather than clear decal stock.
