Clear Stickers vs. Window Clings

Clear sticker in pink advertising for a sale and window cling sayinf Fashion Guru side by side on a storefront window

By: Naomi J. Myrick, Stickers.com Staff Writer

Clear stickers and window clings make perfect sense for storefront advertising as well as home décor. 

These products both offer great visibility through the transparent vinyl backing. But what makes them different?

In this quick guide, I will break down the differences between clear stickers and window clings.

 

Custom Window Clings: No so Aptly Named

 

This product is  produced from a 4 millimeter removable vinyl material. 

Clings are easily removable and repositionable. They’re not at all like stubborn kids in the toy aisle, nor are they like the Christmas cling decorations that used static electricity.

Clings are made out of low-tack vinyl, or less-sticky adhesive,  this makes them ideal for temporary window signage.

 

Window Stickers Stick

 

Clear window stickers are also made of 4 millimeter transparent vinyl material. Unlike clings, this vinyl uses a high-tack adhesive. This strong stickiness makes them excellent for graphics that need to be displayed around for a while. 

Due to their superior stickiness, these stickers are intended for long-term or 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 stickers are considered committed to adhesive oriented projects. Happily ever after!

 

Front-adhesive vs. Back-adhesive

 

Clear window stickers and clings each offer two different adhesive options: 

  • Front-adhesive means that the front of the product sticks on the inside of a window, facing outward. This way, the stickers or clings won’t be susceptible to outdoors—or theft. 
  • Back-adhesive is used for a typical sticker. The adhesive is placed on the back of the product which sits on the outside of a window, exposed to the elements, facing outward. 

*Please note: White vinyl clings may only have back-adhesive.*

 

Typical Uses for Clear Window Stickers
 

These stickers are used on car windows, or just about any design that needs to be on a window for a while.  

Clear backgrounds also allows colorful stickers to pop out at passersby. This is especially useful for marketing streetside restaurants or food at a busy mall food court. 

This product is also great for classrooms.