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Know Your Window Media: Static Clings, Vinyl, WINCOS…Whoa!

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Window graphics are the ideal signage for retail environments. They give brands an opportunity to attract passersby and they are easy to install and take down, which is perfect for frequently changed messaging.

There is an incredible number of substrates available for windows and each one is worthy in its own right. The key is understanding which window media will work best for its intended use and the desired look.

First, let’s review color and light characteristics.

Translucent: Allows light through. Ink will show through both sides. Typically used for backlit applications. Please note, translucent is a milky white color and is not clear.

Clear: See through. Transparent.

Optically Clear: See through and virtually invisible, transparent.

Understanding the difference between clear and optically clear: Optically clear media becomes virtually invisible on glass; whereas with clear, you can see a defined outline of the media on the glass.

Opaque: Does not transmit light, graphics are only seen on one side.

Next, let’s review the adhesive media that SignCenter stocks for window graphics.


Static Clings:
Clear or transparent white. Removable and repositionable. No adhesive.

  • Indoor only
  • 1st or 2nd surface mount
  • Can be die cut

ClingZ®: Clear or transparent white. Removable. Electrically charged.

  • Indoor only
  • Clear can be 1st or 2nd surface mount
  • White is for 1st surface applications only
  • Can be die cut

Adhesive Fabric: Translucent white, removable and repositionable. Low tack adhesive.

  • Indoor / outdoor
  • 1st surface applications only
  • Can be die cut

Super Cling: Clear or transparent white, removable, low tack adhesive.

  • Indoor / outdoor
  • Clear can be 1st or 2nd surface mount
  • White is for 1st surface applications only
  • Can be die cut

Vinyl (RTA): Clear, frosted, dusted crystal, removable adhesive.

  • Indoor / outdoor
  • 1st or 2nd surface mount
  • Can be die cut

WINCOS: Optically Clear, removable or permanent adhesive.

  • Indoor or outdoor options are available
  • 1st or 2nd surface mount
  • Can be die cut

Window Perf: Opaque with holes for visibility, removable or permanent adhesive.

  • Indoor / outdoor
  • 1st or 2nd surface mount
  • Can be die cut

Believe it or not, we have even more options, but this comprehensive list is probably enough information for now. If you’re interested in learning more about window media options, we’d love to hear from you.

Be sure to stay tuned for our next post where we will discuss another option for window graphics which is also a SignCenter exclusive: SignCenter Polypropylene.

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About the Author:

SignCenter is a trusted wholesale printing source for materials that are beyond the day-to-day capabilities of many businesses in the printing and sign trade. SignCenter supplies top quality digital graphics and signs at wholesale prices.