Windows aren’t just a source of natural light — they’re one of the most valuable marketing surfaces your business already owns. With the right graphics, windows can transform from blank panes of glass into high-impact billboards that attract attention, spark curiosity, and invite customers inside. Among the various types of window graphics are window clings: a flexible, cost-effective, and easy-to-use solution that delivers bold messaging without leaving a trace behind. In this guide, we’ll break down what window clings are, how they’re used, and how to choose the best material for your next project.

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WHAT ARE WINDOW CLINGS?

Window clings are printed graphics that can be temporarily applied to glass surfaces with a silicone adhesive that functions more similarly to a magnet than a traditional adhesive. Although most often produced for exterior building windows, clings can also successfully hang from other smooth, clean surfaces including certain plastics and metals. They’re cost effective, can be cut to any shape, are easy to install and de-install, leave no residue after removal, and are an effective way to communicate brand messaging.

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APPLICATIONS

Window clings are designed to grab attention and communicate short, impactful messages. Retailers frequently utilize clings to highlight seasonal campaigns, events, promotions, and best-selling products in hopes of enticing sidewalk and street traffic to enter their store. Window clings can also be frosted to provide privacy before a store opening or product launch. In addition to traditional retailers, apartment leasing offices, real estate agencies, casinos, restaurants, cafes, health clinics, fitness studios, bowling alleys, arcades, and concert venues also benefit from strategic custom window cling usage.

Along with standard window placements, window clings can add eye-catching effects to indoor signage and acrylic retail display components. Depth, texture, translucency, and opacity variations are all achievable through specialty printing methods. We can also print on one or both sides so that the viewing experience differs based on where the viewer stands.

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HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT MATERIAL

Our material experts stock a select few tried-and-true cling substrates that consistently deliver the best results. While all our window cling materials are polyester-based — PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), to be specific — they differ in color, thickness, roll size, and application method.

Window cling materials are available in white and clear, and range from 2-5mil in thickness. White materials of any thickness are best for printing vibrant colors and bold messaging, while thinner, clear materials are best for printing gradients of varying opacities. Thicker clings, on the other hand, are easier for clients to install themselves.

Who will be handling installation? Window cling materials come in rolls ranging from 54-60 inches wide by 30-150 feet long. Our 3M Certified Installers are perfectly comfortable installing large clings, but clients managing installation themselves may not feel as confident. If the overall dimensions of a graphic exceed its maximum printable width, it will need to be paneled into smaller, overlapping sections regardless of who is managing installation. But, if our team is not completing the install, we may recommend paneling moderate to large graphics to ensure easier handling and installation.

Finally, materials differ in their application method. Most of our cling substrates feature a silicone-based adhesive, but we are also able to source static clings. That being said, we’ve found that silicone clings last longer, are more resistant to cold weather, can be removed and reapplied more times during install without losing their tackiness, and can better withstand direct sunlight than static clings.

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FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Environment

Window clings are only as durable as their environment is friendly. Sustained, direct UV exposure can cause some materials to bubble and the ink on most materials to fade. If you will be installing window clings to exterior building windows that are South-facing, a premium UV-resistant material should be used. Your Infinity Images account representative can provide material guidance. On the other hand, climate-controlled interior windows in malls, for example, are much easier on the clings. Cling adhesion and ink vibrancy will both last longer, and clings can be installed on either side of interior glass windows.

Consistently cleaning the window will ensure the window cling does not become obstructed by window grime over time. Make sure to follow the cleaning instructions outlined below when initially preparing the window for installation, as well as maintaining the cleanliness of the window glass exterior throughout the cling’s lifespan.

Campaign Duration

Window clings can last from several weeks to several months depending on the environment. If you’re hoping to market a month-long retail campaign, custom window clings are a great solution, but if you’re hoping to advertise for several months or years, we’d recommend long-term window graphics instead of temporary window clings.

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HOW TO APPLY WINDOW CLINGS

In almost all cases, we recommend applying window clings to the inside of the glass facing out so that the viewer will look through the glass to view the cling’s messaging. This is for several reasons: it adds a layer of protection from the elements, many commercially leased buildings will not allow tenants to alter the building exterior, and tall windows are more easily accessed indoors than if we were to try maneuvering a Lift around landscaping, building utilities, or other environmental obstructions.

To install a window cling, start by cleaning the window with Windex. Next, dry the window with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Then, peal the backer from the cling, position over the window, and apply from the center out with a squeegee. Make sure to take your time so that the cling does not have bubbles or sit crooked on the glass. If our clients will be installing clings, we always ship a squeegee with their order.

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FAQS

Are window clings waterproof?

Yes, but we recommend installing window clings on the inside of windows, facing out. If the back of the cling must be cleaned, use an oil-free cleaning solution and/or water. Oil-based solutions can leave streaks and harm the adhesive.

What is the difference between window clings, window decals, window film, and window graphics?

We at Infinity Images use the term window graphics as an all-encompassing term for any type of printed signage that will be installed to a window. Therefore, window clings, window decals, and window film are all types of window graphics, but they are not the only types. Window decals are also technically synonymous with window graphics — they are an overarching term to describe all printed signage that is adhered to windows — but are often colloquially understood to describe large orders of identical small-format printed graphics.

Now let’s clarify the differences between window clings and window film. Window clings are designed to highlight and display printed content. Window film, on the other hand, is produced to add effects to glass including tints, frosting, privacy screens, and mirroring. Therefore, window film is equally functional as creative and is used in both corporate and retail settings.

Do window clings go on the inside or outside of the glass?

If you’ll be installing clings on exterior building windows, they should be placed on the inside of the glass, facing out. Window clings that will be installed onto storefront windows inside a mall, however, can be placed on either side of the glass.

Do window clings damage windows?

One of the benefits of window clings is that they leave no residue nor damage surfaces when removed. That said, improper materials can cause damage. Your Infinity Images project manager will be well-versed in proper window cling material options.

Are window clings reusable?

Some of our window cling materials can be reused, but not all. If this is of interest, please talk with your Infinity Images project manager.