What is a window sticker? In theory, any sticker or decal that is stuck to a window is a “window sticker” but many people have different types of stickers in mind when they use the term. For instance, a bumper sticker can be on a window or a bumper or a wall. The difference between a decal and a sticker is open to interpretation, so it is easy to see how adding “window” to those terms adds to the confusion about clear window decals. Some people think of window sticker decals for cars printed on clear material… or static… or a vinyl cut decal, or something that covers a window completely but can be seen through from the inside. Here is a brief summary of different clear window decals & stickers. Usually, window decals refer to car front window stickers, but all these styles could just as easily be used on storefronts or other clear window surfaces.
Clear Window Decals That Can ONLY Be Used On Window Glass:
Perforated Vinyl – Also called one way vinyl or perforated graphic film this material can be printed with full color graphics on one side while people can see through the image from the other side. Examples of this type of clear window decals may be seen on fleet graphics, windows of busses or storefront windows.
Clear Static Stickers – Clear static stickers and decals can only go on the inside of the glass or they will fly off on the road. As the printing is done on the non-static side of clear window decals with a reversed printed image we usually don’t recommend clear static window sticker decals for cars as it limits visibility and where they can be applied.
Clear Polyester with adhesive on the front – Clear printed materials also come with varying degrees of adhesive strength from ultra removable to permanent. Again, we don’t recommend clear front window stickers with adhesive (or static) on the face due to their limitations. It should also be noted that any clear sticker material going on car windows will need a print layer of white ink to cut down on transparency of image and make graphics more visible and vibrant.
Double Sided Decal – These are used on store windows and doors to offer a message or graphic (the same or different) to people approaching it from either side of the glass. Due to the multi-levels of printing needed these can be costly and it is often more economical to consider printing separate stickers for both sides of glass window.
Stickers & Decals Most Often Used On Windows:
Clear Window Decals – Clear polyester or clear vinyl (with adhesive on the back) is often used on a windows when a smaller decal is needed. Examples include school and college decals as well as smaller printed graphics that do not work as well on a solid colored background due to shape or graphic. Car front window stickers (such as service due stickers) are great when only the driver needs to be informed and visibility unencumbered. Note; clear window decals require added backing of white ink for proper visibility.
Vinyl Cut Decals – Often vinyl transfer decals are not printed but are vinyl cut into lettering or graphics and supplied on a masking sheet for easy application. These may be used for fleet graphics or smaller window sticker decals for cars.
Vinyl (or polyester) Stickers – If a sticker is printed on a solid background and is not overly large it can be used on windows (or anywhere else). Die cut stickers, bumper stickers, chrome decals, circle decals, etc. can all be used on windows and if kept to a reasonable size are recommended for printing the most vivid graphics and allowing for greater flexibility and options for applications beyond windows.
So, what is a window sticker? Whatever style you consider are true window sticker decals for cars, Websticker can help with the design and printing of any of these wholesale custom sticker products.
More: Custom Clear Window Stickers & Decals May Not Be Best Promotional Choice
Jeff Nicholson is the founder and Creative Director at 
