Wanderlust, she says, runs through her and her husband’s veins: “We have found that when we can’t travel, we can satisfy our lust with the experience of products unique to a region. Cheese, charcuterie, and wine all tell the story of where they come from, how they are made, and the culture and history that helps form tradition.”

In this segment in our Small Business Success Story series, Amber discusses how she has developed a strong and loyal base of customers for Wanderlust Delicato. She has installed a 36 x 54-inch decal on the inside of the Wanderlust Delicato storefront window, as well as various other window decals and vinyl lettering throughout her operation.

Tell us about yourself
As a 38-year-old woman, I am beyond proud of myself for being a brave, dedicated, and hardworking business owner. I’m happily married to my husband of 10 years, John, who also owns his own business. I have two beautiful young adult children, a yellow lab, and two cats. Working in fine dining for 20 years, I have developed my love, passion, and knowledge of wine, cheese, delicacies, and service.

What is something most people don’t know about you?
I love maps, atlases, and travel –I’ve traveled the world and still want more. I’m a political-science nerd.

What does your company do?
Wanderlust Delicato is a place to shop, eat, and learn. We have a full-service, cut-to-order cheese and charcuterie case. We offer an extensive selection of wines from around the world, and a gourmet teaching kitchen where we host cooking classes.

Where did the idea of your company come from?
My love of travel, wine, and cheese!

Leaning on Each Other

What sets you apart from your competition?
Our customer service, experience, and selection. Our selection is focused on small-production, hard-to-find, unique, and traditional wines (we live in an area that produces a lot of wine!). Our competition, meanwhile, focuses solely on Northwest wines and high scores or value. In addition, our customer service is friendly and approachable, and our staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about wine.

How do you market your business?
Social media, word of mouth, wholesale, and print. Social media is especially big for us – we can target specific demographics, and cheese and wine make for great content. We sell cheese and charcuterie wholesale to other small businesses that promote sourcing from us on their menus, which serves to direct more customers to us. With print, we like to pass out informational flyers and cards and we also include these in our platters and boards so everyone enjoying them knows where to find us.

How do you “wow” your customers?
With our old-school customer service: I greet customers by name, I track customer orders, I personalize orders, and we offer the best experience.

What are one or two strategies for gaining customers that you have been successful with?
We collaborate with other small business. Part of this is with our wholesale program, another is buying wholesale from them for bread and specialty jams, pâtés, and such. We also promote each other. Our business is located on Main Street in the heart of the downtown area, and our particular block is all small independent food and beverage businesses. So we lean on each other and promote each other.

How do you compete with competitors that are bigger than you?
If I had to narrow it down, it’s really all about customer service and knowledge – knowing people by name and being able to describe every item in the shop with detail. Large companies just can’t do this, but we can, and our customers are loyal and love it!

Listen to Your Gut

What is one of the biggest challenges you have had with your business? How did you overcome it?
Covid. We took a deep breath, masked up, and pivoted where we could. I participated in a local farmer’s market this summer to get closer to customers. Plus, we offered more online preorder and curbside pickup; rearranged our dining area for retail sales; and we utilized a rooftop patio for outdoor cooking classes.

If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
Take a bit more time before opening, and hire a bookkeeper on day one. Taking my time to ensure I had detailed processes for every aspect of the business would have been helpful and way less stressful. Trying to do the books, train, work, sell, manage, etc. is too much – I would hire key positions for certain tasks rather than take it all on myself.

What is the one thing you would do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Listen to your gut. Everyone has an opinion on what you should do and how you should do it – listen to their advice, but let your gut and your business plan guide you to make decisions.

Is there a book that you recommend our community should read?
The Wine Bible, by Karen MacNeil – it’s full of great information for the beginner or wine connoisseur.

Can you speak to your growth to this point? Why do you think it will continue?
I have developed a very strong and loyal base of customers that want to love and share the experience.

Where can you be found on the internet?
Our website: www.wanderlustdelicato.com. Also, on our Facebook page.

Small Business Success Story: Wanderlust Delicato

If you’re asking what’s the difference between decals and stickers, you’re probably looking to buy one. The trick is figuring out which one is right for you. Decals and stickers are very similar. Oftentimes, they are used interchangeably. Decals, stickers, and labels are all comprised of two layers: a paper backing and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is placed on the paper backing (usually some form of wax paper or something equivalent) and the design is printed on the front of the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer can be made of a number of materials including vinyl, paper, and aluminum.

When it comes to buying decals, stickers, or something else like labels, there are a number of things to consider: intended use, size/quantity, application surface/location, and lifespan. Check out the table at the bottom of this post for a comprehensive guide to figure out which sticker/decal is right for you.

Intended Use

Decals, labels, and stickers share many of the same qualities, but the key differences lie in their intended use. Typically stickers are used for logos and illustrations. Labels are used for more informative purposes such as product packaging. And decals are used for decoration or advertising purposes on floors, windows, walls, vehicles, etc..

Size/Quantity

Stickers and labels are usually smaller in nature and applied to smaller products such as laptops, water bottles, and other product packaging. Decals, on the other hand, are usually larger and applied to things such as walls, windows, floors, and vehicles.

Because of their size, decals are usually ordered in smaller quantities. A business might order one wall decal for their wall and/or one window decal for their window. Stickers are ordered in quantities of one to many. Businesses may want to buy stickers with their company’s logo to hand out to employees or customers. Because of their intended use, labels are sold in rolls and come in large quantities. Check out our Roll Labels for more information.

Application Surface/Location

As mentioned above, decals are great for walls, windows, and floors. With that said, there are a number of different types of decals. A decal that goes on the floor is different than a decal that would go on a wall and both of those are different than a decal that would go on a window. If you’re looking for a decal/sticker that can be used outdoors and is more permanent, check out our permanent decals.

Stickers are typically used for small format advertising. They are typically applied to smooth surfaces and can be easily removed. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to install, stickers are perfect. People like to decorate their laptops, notebooks, and water bottles in stickers.

Labels are primarily used on product packaging: jars, cans, bags, bottles, etc. They come in rolls making them quick and easy to install on numerous items.

Lifespan

Another important factor to consider is lifespan. Decals last the longest, followed by stickers, and then labels. If you are looking for something that will last over a year, you will want to go with some type of decal. If you’re looking for something that is small and quick and easy to install, you’ll want to go with a sticker or label.

Decals, Stickers, and Labels

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Regardless of your decal, there are a couple of general rules to follow:

• For best results, Installation should be in temperatures above 50°F(10°C) and below 90°F(32°C)
• You should always clean the application surface before applying the decal—remove all dirt, dust, grease, etc.
• When applying, begin in one corner/side and work your way out from there. Don’t place the decal all at once as this can lead to large air bubbles
• Use a squeegee to get rid of small/minor air bubbles—it is normal to have small air bubbles following installation, most of them will work their way out after 24 hours.
• Place the (removed) backing as a liner between the squeegee and the decal to prevent scratch marks from the squeegee.
• You can use a dry erase marker (on applicable surfaces) or masking tape to ensure better positioning and more accuracy when applying your decal.

Generally speaking, there are two different install methods: wet and dry. It is important to determine whether your decal is wet or dry install, as the installation processes are very different. Check out this table to see whether your signs.com decal is a dry or wet install:

Dry Install

First and foremost, clean the surface where the decal will be applied. Be sure to remove any grime, dirt, grease, dust, or anything that will prevent the decal from fully sticking. Depending on the surface, you may want to use a damp washcloth, glass cleaner, or other common household materials to clean the surface. Make sure the surface is completely dry before beginning the application process.

Remove the backing. When removing the backing, it is better to remove part of it and begin applying the decal to the surface as opposed to removing the backing all at once, especially for larger decals. This will make it easier to manage the decal and make sure that it is applied smoothly. **For vinyl lettering, it is important to note that you will first position and then remove the backing.

Position your decal how you want it. Use a level if necessary. Tip: Apply a strip of masking tape to the top of your decal and use that to properly position the decal and hold it in place. You can create a ‘hinge’ with the masking tape allowing you to lift the decal prior to removing the backing.

Apply pressure. Start in one spot (usually a corner or top) and begin applying pressure using your hand or a squeegee, gradually working your way across the entire decal. Go slow, making sure to remove any excess air bubbles.

Finishing touches. Once you’ve reached this point, use a squeegee to remove any minor air bubbles and remove all backing. You can now use the backing as a protective barrier between to protect your decal from scratches while using a squeegee. This step may include cutting off extra materials (especially for perforated decals). If you used masking tape to position your decal, you can remove that here as well.

Wet Install

First and foremost, clean the surface where the decal will be applied. Be sure to remove any grime, dirt, grease, dust, or anything that will prevent the decal from fully sticking. Depending on the surface, you may want to use a damp washcloth, glass cleaner, or other common household materials to clean the surface. Dry the application surface before moving onto the next step.

Create application solution by adding 3 drops of dish soap to 1 gallon of water. Mix it together and put in a spray bottle.

Remove the backing. Unlike dry decals, you can remove all of the backing at once.

Spray surface and back of the decal with the application solution. Be sure to generously apply the application solution (do not submerge or soak the decal as too much liquid can ruin the decal). This will make it easier to move the decal around to the desired position on the application surface.

Position your decal how you want it. Use a level if necessary. Tip: Apply a strip of masking tape to the top of your decal and use that to properly position the decal and hold it in place. You can create a ‘hinge’ with the masking tape allowing you to lift the decal prior to removing the backing.

Apply pressure. Start in the middle of your decal and begin applying pressure using your hand or a squeegee, gradually working your way across the entire decal. Go slow, making sure to remove all of the application solution between the decal and the surface. As the solution is removed, the decal will begin to stick. For best results, we recommend that you use a squeegee.

Finishing touches. Once you’ve reached this point, use a squeegee to remove any minor air bubbles and/or application solution—use a paper towel to completely dry the decal/surface.

It is important to note that these are general installation instructions and are not perfect for every product. We recommend checking the installation instructions for your specific product before installing.

For a more visual set of instructions, check out the videos below:

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How to Apply Decals

Types of Decals

First, let’s talk about the different types of decals. There are various types of decals: window decals, car/vehicle decals, vinyl lettering, and permanent decals just to name a few. Window decals and vinyl lettering are often removed by just peeling away from the surface and washing the residue with a damp and soapy cloth. Vehicle decals and permanent decals are often more difficult to remove and require more work.

As mentioned above, some decals can’t be removed without leaving permanent damage. An example of this is a permanent decal that has been applied to a fragile surface such as a painted wall. A permanent decal is meant to be permanent and should only be applied on surfaces where it is meant to stay. Permanent decals will remove paint, cement, wallpaper, and just about whatever else they’re attached to.

Surface

Second is the surface to which the decal is applied. Decals are the easiest to remove from windows and other hard and smooth surfaces such as metal, glass, and plastic. Decals can often be easily removed from cars and other vehicles without damaging the paint. Vinyl lettering, which often has a low adhesive compared to other decals, is the easiest to remove regardless of surface. As a result, they are often applied to more delicate surfaces such as wallpaper and painted surfaces.

Time

Third is the amount of time the decal has been applied on the surface. It goes without saying that the longer a decal is applied to a surface, the harder it is to remove. Decals that were recently applied can often be peeled away. Whereas decals that have been applied for over a year can require more work. When a decal is left for a long period of time on a surface the adhesive will cure and harden making a firm bond between the paper or vinyl of the decal and the surface.

With the exception of permanent decals, the following steps can be used to remove just about any decal:

1. Peel the decal

   Before anything else, try peeling away the decal with your fingers and/or a plastic credit card. A credit card can be used by wedging it between the decal and the surface and continuing to slide it between the two. Slight, consistent pressure with a back and forth motion will often prove effective. Avoid using a razor or sharp edge as it can damage the surface. Oftentimes decals can simply be peeled away without tearing, making your job much easier. If this is the case, skip to step 3

2. Heat up the decal

   If the decal constantly tears or is too stuck to remove with your fingers and/or keeps tearing, use a blow dryer to heat up the decal. The heat from the blow dryer will help loosen the adhesive making it less sticky. If you don’t have a blow dryer, you may use hot water (Assuming the surface won’t be damaged with water). Refrain from using a heat gun as it can damage the paint or surface. Once heated, the decal may be more easily removed.

3. Remove the residue

   Once the decal is removed, there will probably be some residue left from the adhesive. Some residue can be removed with a damp, soapy cloth and others may require a removing agent such as rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone. Simply dampen a cloth with the removing agent and begin by gently rubbing away at the residue, increasing pressure as needed.

4. Wash the surface

   The fourth and final step is to clean the surface with a damp cloth and dry it, removing any excess residue or dirt.

Following these steps should allow you to remove just about any decal. When buying your decals and installing them, it is important to take into consideration the three factors we talked about above. If you plan on removing your sticker in the near future, avoid decals that are more permanent in nature, and/or apply them to surfaces where they will be easier to remove. You might also consider non-adhesive decals such as window clings, which can be removed and reused without any residue. Looking to buy a decal, but not sure which one? Check out this blog post to find out which decal is right for you.

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What is Inside Glass Printing? How Does it Differ From a Standard Print Surface?

You’re probably wondering what the difference is between inside glass decals and your typical decal (we’ll refer to these as standard decals as this is the default on our website and is called a “Standard Print Surface”); we’re sure you’re familiar with both but a little refresher course never hurt anyone. We’ve included some pictures below to help you distinguish between the two.

Standard surface printing allows decals to be visible, even on highly reflective windows.

Inside glass window decals are often placed inside store windows to promote sales and promotions. Note the reflection of the window continues onto the surface of the decal because of the decals placement using inside glass.

As you can see, inside glass decals are visible from the outside, but are placed on the inside face of the glass (hence the name inside glass). The adhesive will be on the front of the decal while the design will be printed on the back of the clear vinyl material, allowing it to show through to the front of the decal. Because the front side of the decal will not have any printed ink, it will stick to the surface of the glass on the inside.

The same effect can be accomplished with opaque materials despite the idea seeming impossible given the solid material of our opaque window decals and opaque clings. To get the Inside Glass functionality but with an opaque appearance your design will be printed on the back of the equivalent clear materials. The difference is that there will be a layer of white ink that is printed behind your design to give it an opaque appearance. Because it is a white ink background, rather than a solid opaque material, it won’t have the exact same appearance as an opaque decal but will be close. In both cases the adhesive will be on the front for an interior window placement. Using this workaround your decals or clings can be opaque in nature yet be placed inside and visible from outside.

Opaque window decals that use inside glass have the color background printed on the rear side of the decal after your design is printed.

Alternate Names for Inside Glass and Standard Surface

There are a number of different terms used within the signage industry for these two very different functionalities of your custom window decals. For decals that adhere to the inside and are visible from the outside there are: Inside Glass, Reverse Stickers, Adhesive On Front and Second Surface. For those that adhere to the exterior of your window and are still visible to those that approach your store, there are: Standard Surface, Adhesive on the Back, First Surface.

Inside Glass Advantages

Choosing to print your decals with an Inside Glass option has two primary advantages against traditional or Standard Surface printing. The first is that your decal may last longer because it is placed inside and will be protected from constant exposure to the elements. This is obviously more impactful for those that live where climates can be harsh.

The second advantage of choosing an Inside Glass option is that it can prevent any unwanted removal from pesky hooligans (it’s always a possibility). While that may seem like an unimportant consideration, for large custom decals that represent your brand and are vital to your bottom line, every precaution helps if you think having them on the outside will invite the temptation for vandalism.

If you live in a location that is free from harsh weather and the risk of vandalism is low then your decision between Inside Glass and Standard decals is largely one of preference. Though as described below there are some display considerations that are important to know about before making your final purchase decision.

Display Considerations For Inside Glass Decals

When planning to use inside glass decals, please consider the following conditions and design tips for the best practices.

Colors and Contrast – Choosing the right colors for your windows will determine how visible the design is through the window itself. The contrast between the decal and its surroundings is one factor that determines the quality of visibility. For clear decals, take into consideration how the design contrasts with the inside space of the building. Check out our blog on letter visibility that explains contrasting colors in further detail.

Even in the ideal environment, decals with low contrasting colors will be difficult to view through glass at a distance. If the interior of the building has poor contrast with the decal design, it’s going to be incredibly difficult to read. Window decals with an opaque background (as described above) will be easier to view than decals that have a clear background due to the inherent contrast that a background can provide the decal. All of this is even more true for windows that have glass that is thicker than standard.  

Glare – Inside glass decals can be affected by the glare on the window even more so than decals placed on the front surface of the glass. Make sure to keep this in mind and/or check on the intended location of your decal at different times of the day to gauge how much direct sunlight it gets before choosing your decal type. Standard decals may also be susceptible to some minor glare if light shines directly on the surface of the decal.  

Tinted Windows – Placing inside glass decals on tinted or frosted windows can limit (tinted) and even completely obstruct (frosted) the visibility of your design, making it especially difficult to view from a distance. For tinted windows we recommend using the color white to ensure there is enough contrast between the decal and the tinted window, even if placed on the inside of the glass. If you are looking to display a decal on frosted windows, do so using a standard decal.

Window Cleanliness – Dirty windows lead to a harder-to-see decal. Make sure windows are spot and dirt free to ensure that the visibility of your decal isn’t obstructed. Dirty windows affect adhesion as well, so make sure to wipe the window down before applying the decal (for both inside glass and standard decals).

Inside Glass Availability

Window Decals and Static Cling Decals – Both window decals and static cling decals can utilize the inside glass option (this includes both opaque and clear variations of the two).

Perforated Decals and Frosted Decals – Both perforated window decals and frosted window decals cannot utilize the inside glass option. These decals can only be displayed on the outside of the glass. Nonetheless, they are both intended for outdoor use and have no problem withstanding the elements. The major difference between these two is the visibility offered. Perforated decals are intended to offer one way visibility (those within can see out but not vice versa) while custom frosted decals are typically used with the intent of obscuring visibility such as in internal offices.

Vinyl Lettering – Vinyl lettering can be produced using the inside glass option.

There are a number of factors to consider when deciding between an inside glass decal or one that is printed in a standard fashion. If you’re still unclear on which option will work best for you, our award-winning customer experience team is happy to help. We’d then be happy to help you design your decals for free! No matter what you choose, both inside glass and standard window decals are excellent options with which to brand your business and attract customers.

For more information on window decals, visit our previous posts on window decal design, window decal installation, and the difference between vinyl lettering and decals. If you need free design help, or if you have any questions, give us a call at 888-222-4929.

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Clear Window Decals
Clear window decals are signs with the design printed directly onto a sheet of clear material called Window Deco. They are printed as one piece of material, meaning that during installation the sign will be adhered to the window as one piece. Since the design is printed on the clear material, each individual letter or image does not adhere to the window separately.

If you are unsure what parts of the decal will be printed clear and what parts will be printed in color, take a look at your design in our design tool. Clear is indicated by the gray and white checkered area on our site. If you want any part of your sign to be clear, that background must be visible on your proof. To get that checkered area, simply go to the color panel and select “Clear” while you have your whole sign (or the object you want clear) selected. If you have uploaded a JPG file to the site with a white background, we will print the white of that background. If you want that to be clear instead, please upload a PNG with transparency. If you need help, please fill out our free design request form.

Because of the fact that there is still clear material on the sign, the sign is known as “optically clear”, meaning the the clear material isn’t visible unless you’re up close to the sign.

Clear window decals can be used both on the inside of the window (readable from the outside) or on the outside of the window.  The type of application of the window decal depends on where the adhesive will be. For using the decal on the inside of the window, be sure the option for “Inside Glass” is selected. This will ensure that the adhesive is on the front of the decal, making it installable on the inside of the window, readable from the outside.

With proper placement and care our clear window decals will last for three or more years in an interior application. For an exterior application, depending on the amount of exposure to the elements and other considerations the lifespan is one or more years.

Vinyl Lettering

While very similar in appearance, vinyl lettering has a much different production process than clear window decals. Vinyl lettering is a special adhesive vinyl that is cut directly from a piece of colored material. Unlike clear window decals which are printed to the exact color you need, the material for vinyl lettering only is available in certain colors. Because of this, we are only able to cut vinyl lettering in the fonts and art provided on our website. At this time we cannot cut logos, different fonts, or special designs from the vinyl lettering. For signs with logos or complicated design elements, please order a clear window decal.

Because these letters are not printed, they are able to be adhered individually to the window without the clear background that comes with the clear window decals. All of our vinyl lettering comes pre-spaced with a masking transfer tape over the top that allows for easy installation. Simply install the sign as one piece, then remove the tape. Your sign will look exactly as you see it pictured on our design tool. In other words, you will not need to place or adhere each individual letter to your preferred surface!

In using clear window decals, the signs are printed and therefore can be printed with any color. When using vinyl lettering, each different color has to be individually cut out using complicated machinery. Because of this, having more than one color of lettering in your design does increase the cost of the sign slightly, a problem that does not happen when ordering a clear window decal.

In addition, pricing for the vinyl lettering depends on the size and complexity of the lettering used. Pricing for clear window decals only depends on the size of the material and quantity ordered.

Just like clear window decals, the vinyl lettering can be placed on the inside or the outside of a door or window. For using the decal on the inside of the window, be sure the option for “Inside Glass” is selected. This will ensure that the adhesive is on the front of the lettering, making it installable on the inside of the window, readable from the outside.

Our vinyl letters will last 8-10 years with proper care and placement. This will of course vary some with the placement (inside lettering vs. outside or vehicle lettering), climate, etc.

The Choice is Yours

Clear window decals or vinyl cut lettering, what works best for your needs? If you’re still window shopping which one to choose, here’s a quick summary of each product and a video that outlines what is covered in this post:

Clear Window Decals

• Great for logos and images
• Printed on a single sheet of material
• Customizable/upload your own design
• 3+ year lifespan

Cut Vinyl Lettering

• Great for lettering and numbers
• Not printed but cut from colored material
• No clear background/cut to shape
• Currently unable to do logos
• Easy to swap out letters/numbers
• 8-10 year lifespan

Of course, we want to ensure that you get exactly what you’re looking for! If you have any questions regarding vinyl lettering or clear window decals, give us a call or send us an email. We’d be happy to help in any way that we can. We also offer free design services to get your sign looking as professional as possible.

Signage 101 – Vinyl Lettering vs Clear Window Decals

In other posts, we discussed in length the differences between the products, how static cling signage works and even how to create multi-panel window displays. For this Signage 101 post however, we will focus on design elements for window signs. We will take you through the best practices for designing a readable window sign. These design considerations are important to keep in mind, regardless of what type of window graphic you choose to order.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALL OF YOUR DECALS?

At Signs.com, we offer four distinct window options: clear and opaque window clings, clear and opaque decals, perforated decals, and frosted decals. Each have their pros and cons.

Static window cling options are the best choice for temporary window signage such as sales, promotions, or events. They are repositionable and reusable because they adhere using suction, much like plastic wrap. Static clings are best used indoors and can stick to any glass surface. They do not stick well to drywall, wood, etc. Static clings have a lifespan of one year with proper care and placement. Static cling decals are offered in clear and opaque options, so you can be sure to get exactly what you need.

Decals are best used as a more permanent solution. They adhere to the window using an adhesive. Once placed on a window or a door, the decal is removable, but not reusable. Because of their durability, decals can be used indoors or outdoors. With proper care and maintenance, they can be in place for three or more years. Signs.com decals are offered in both clear and opaque options.

Perforated decals create a statement on any window. They appear opaque from the outside, but allow you to see through them from the inside. These are commonly called or referred to as one way signs or window graphics.  Perforated decals have specially designed micropunctures on over 50% of the film and are created for outdoor use. Perforated decals last three or more years with proper care and placement.

The last decal Signs.com offers is the frosted decal. Frosted decals bridge the gap between clear and opaque window decals. Frosted decals are made using an etched glass adhesive. They are not completely clear or completely opaque, but allow light and shadow through, offering privacy and light. Frosted decals lasted up to 5 years with proper care and placement.

WHICH DECAL IS RIGHT FOR ME?

It’s important, when choosing a window graphic, to keep in mind the end use of your sign. Here are a few things to consider:

• • Do you want to be able to see out of your window? If so, consider using a clear decal.

• • Do you want people to be able to see in? No? Try using a perforated decal or a opaque decal.

• Are you looking for something that’s aesthetically pleasing, but gives some privacy? Take a look at our frosted window decals.

For a more comprehensive look at each of the window signage options and which one to choose, take a look at our “Window Signage Options” blog post.

WHAT SIZE SHOULD I MAKE MY DECAL/CLING?

The size you make your decal is completely up to you. At Signs.com, we offer all custom sizes. Typically, window decals or graphics that are going on an entrance door or window are 18” x 12”. However, it’s important to accurately measure the space you have to work with and create a decal that fits well within that area. It’s best to measure your space and then use blank pieces of computer paper to gauge the size that works best for you. We recommend leaving at least 1 inch between the end of the decal and the edge of the door to prevent damage.

For decals that are going to be placed on a car, we recommend making exact measurements to ensure that the signs come out looking exactly the way you want. Then, we ask that you order a sign that is at least three inches larger on all sides then what you have measured. This allows for some give in the installation, especially if the window on which you’re installing the decal is curved. Excess decal and cling material can be cut easily with scissors or a sharp razor blade. We do not keep on file the exact measurements for every vehicle make, year, and model.

Please note that we cannot make decals, clings, or perforated products that are smaller than 6” x 6” or larger than 54” x 400”.

WHAT COLORS WORK WELL FOR DECALS?

The color you make your decal is up to you. At Signs.com, we offer a full range of colors for you to use. However, there are some considerations to take into account.

For stand-alone text on clear decals or clear window clings, the best color to make your text is white. Generally, whether the sign is going on the front or the inside of your window, white offers the greatest contrast and best readability.

If white isn’t your style, be sure to use colors that offer a contrast between the dark window and the lettering. Cool colors like blue, purple, and black typically aren’t easily viewable outside while whites and yellows provide the best readability.

Black lettering does work well on clear decals in well-lit, indoor areas. Because the decal is indoors, it is not affected by the sun’s glare and therefore, it’s easily readable. It’s important to note, however, that if interior lights are off in the building, the black lettering is not as easily readable due to the lack of contrast.

Opaque decals and decals with colored background provide a larger range of colors that can be used. Opaque decals naturally have a white background and therefore contrast isn’t needed as drastically as if you were using a clear decal. Darker colors work well on the white background, offering contrast and readability.

Decals can also be ordered with a colored background. These also offer color options. Signs.com can print any color you’d like for both the background of the decal and the lettering itself. It’s important also to make sure that there is enough contrast between the background color and the lettering so that the text can be read from a distance.

Images can also be put on decals to showcase your product or service. When using a photo on a decal, be sure that the photo is clear and easy to understand. Make sure the photo had vibrant, eye-catching colors. If you’re using text or a logo on the photo, be sure to place the text or logo in the area that provides the most contrast, making your logo or text stand out.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT COLORS PROVIDE THE BEST CONTRAST?

Contrast really is a science! Claude Boutet created the first “Color Wheel” back in 1708.

In the early 60’s, Swiss painter Johannes Itten created the modern color wheel that artists and painters use today. Itten is considered the author of modern color theory and wrote that colors opposite each other on the wheel provided the most contrast while colors next to each other offered the least amount of contrast, based on Newton’s Theory of Light.

Itten’s color wheel was instrumental in creating a contrast calculation system, which was established in the early 90’s using a formula based on light reflectance and the relationship between two colors.

Take a look below at the importance of contrast. Picking the correct colors can make all the difference when you’re designing a window graphic. Each number in the graph represents “Contrast Value” which directly affects the color’s readability. The higher the contrast value, the easier the text will be to read from a distance. Ideally, the best contrast comes from color combinations with a score of at least 70.

The chart shows us that light colors pair best (and have the best contrast rating) with dark colors. It’s important to note that when using a color contrast chart like the one above, variations may occur. That is, if you’re using a different shade of blue with a different shade of yellow, the contrast number will be different from the number shown above.

If you’re unsure of which colors to choose for your window graphics and signage, we’re here to help! We offer Free Design Services to help you get exactly what you’re looking for.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE TINTED WINDOWS?

If you have tinted windows, the contrast principle still comes into play. Since most windows are tinted black or a dark grey, it’s best to use light colors like white, yellow, or tan to make the text stand out.

Since tints block visibility from the outside of a car to the inside, it’s also necessary to place your car decal on the outside of the window. Signs.com decals are made for outdoor use and are protected from the elements with UV protective inks. However, taking a car through an abrasive car wash, using a power washer, or using rear window wipers can damage the decal on the car. Be sure to read through the care instructions included with your car decals.

WHAT SIZE OF FONT SHOULD I USE?

Next to contrast, font sizes have the biggest impact on readability of a sign, although it’s not quite as complicated. Here’s the rule of thumb: bigger is always better when it comes to readability. The larger the letters on the sign, the further away they can be read.

If you’re still not sure which size will work best, take a look at our handy cheat sheet for letter size and viewing distance.

However, we understand that sometimes you don’t have the space to make every line of text four feet tall. The best font sizes are usually at least .75” tall for important information, and at least .5” tall for secondary information. Using the Signs.com design tool, you can simply check the height of any line of text by clicking on it. The number shown in the bottom left of the text box gives you the exact height of the line in inches.

HOW LARGE OF PICTURES DO I NEED FOR MY SIGN?

Generally speaking, pictures need to be at least 72 PPI at full size, however 300 DPI is preferred. For a full run-down on how to check your image size, check out our Image Quality blog post.

There you have it! Window sign design can make the difference between a good sign and a bad sign. Creating signs can be daunting, and knowing what you need can be even more tricky. We are always here to help! Drop us a line, or give us a call. We also offer free design services so you can get exactly what you need with the help of our world-class design team.

Design Cosiderations for Window Signs – Signage 101

Our “Signage 101” series helps you make sense of the world of signage and all of its different options. We’ve previously put together a video on vinyl banners and talked about every last thing you’ll ever need to know about grommets. Today we’ll tackle signage options for windows.

Whether as an individual or a business owner, the odds are pretty good that the sign you’re designing or looking to buy will be placed on a window. Businesses have been using storefronts as a prime way to entice potential customers for a couple hundred years. Even inside businesses there’s ample opportunity to use the types of window signs outlined below. Meanwhile it’s not uncommon to see some kind of no soliciting sign on the windows of residential homes in an attempt to get rid of the never ending stream of pesky salesmen.  So without further ado let’s look at the different types of window signs, their differences, usages and more.

Decal, Sticker or Cling?

The first distinction to make when it comes to window signs is what type of adhesive material it uses, if any. This is a common question and aspect that causes the most confusion. Their respective definitions and adhesive properties are as outlined below:

Window Stickers – A sticker is just as it sounds. A one time use material that won’t be able to be repositioned. “Stickers” in this sense are often interchanged with the word “decal” in the signage industry. So instead of looking or asking for “window stickers”, what you’re most likely looking for is a window “decal.”

Window Decals – Window decals all have some kind of adhesive backing that is stuck to a window. This can be done on the outside, the inside or even from the inside facing out (this last option is called “inside glass” and is described below). This adhesive material means that your actual window sign is “semi-permanent.” This just means that when installing the decal there will be some wiggle room to adjust it as needed but once the decal’s adhesive kicks in it will be extremely difficult to reposition. (This is just the opposite from our wall decals which are made of a lower tac adhesive material which allows the decal to be repositionable. So if you’re looking for something that can be moved around and is a non-window option then jump on over to our wall decals page.) These types of window decals come in three different types which are outlined below.

Clear Window Decal – Your decal will be clear everywhere that the design itself is not printed. These are great for storefronts and doors to allow two way visibility – assuming your design doesn’t cover the entire surface area of the actual decal. Also, make sure that any design on these types of decals has a strong contrasting color to ensure smaller decals can be seen from a distance if so desired.

Opaque Window Decal – Opaque decals obscure visibility from either side of the window. Rather than having “clear” portions of your sign, wherever the design does not cover it will be an opaque white. The best way to describe this is like a frosted window in a bathroom. While it isn’t completely blacked out the visibility through these is obscured by the opacity of the non-printed area.

Perforated Window Decal – Perforated window decals are designed to allow one-way visibility. In other words, these are signs that allow you to see from the inside of your business to the outside but not vice versa. Therefore, you can still advertise your store hours, business logo or brand, and deals while seeing out of your store. Customers approaching your store will be able to see the decals clearly but won’t be able to see inside of the store. This is achieved by printing onto a material on one side of the sign that is perforated with tiny holes. These perforations won’t affect the aesthetics of your sign while creating one-way visibility that many business owners desire.

Static Clings – Unlike a traditional sticker or window decal, static clings have no adhesive side. Rather, they attach through the static charge of the sign itself and the window. These signs are easily removed and reapplied in different situations. They are often used in such places as a sneeze guard inside a restaurant in order to advertise deals or soups of the days. Static clings can also be clear or opaque in nature.

Decals vs. Clings – Pros and Cons or Differences?

The major advantage of decals is the adhesive material which makes for a stronger and more lasting sign than a static cling. The other major difference between a cling and a decal is what was alluded to above – clings are repositionable while decals are, for the most part, not. This makes clings much easier to install and more forgiving if you need to place them differently than you originally did. This can be an important consideration depending on the ultimate use of your sign. Another difference between the two is removal of the actual sign. Decals will sometimes require a razor blade and soapy water to remove any residual adhesive just like when removing stickers. Clings simply peel away from the window leaving no trace behind and requiring no clean up.

Which One To Buy?

As detailed above both clings and decals have their pros and cons. Ultimately when you are looking for a window sign the first thing you need to determine is what will be the end use of the sign? How you are going to use the sign is going to dictate what type of sign you need to use.

If you need something that is repositionable then you need to get a cling. (The other option being a wall decal, but again, wall decals and clings are very different. Wall decals stick due to the adhesive material while clings have no adhesive.) If the sign you intend on using is more permanent or going to be used outside then a decal is usually a better choice. There are even decals for cars, as well as high adhesive exterior decals that work on the ground – just think about a pool deck that has signs on the ground with warnings about running and the slippery surface. We produce both of these types of decals as well.

The last thing to consider is the visibility needed in relation to your sign. Clear decals and static clings will have two-way visibility wherever there isn’t printed ink. Perforated decals will offer one-way visibility from the inside of your store while opaque decals will obscure visibility regardless of which side of the sign you are viewing it from. Depending on your visibility needs you’ll need to select the correct type of sign.

Where Can I Use Them?

As outlined above clings generally work better inside and on glass but can be used outside as well. They will not cling to walls (wall decals is what you want) nor to brick, metal, or other non-glass like surfaces. Decals, depending on the type, can be used on glass and glass like surfaces. They can be used both inside and outside.

Are Clings or Decals More Expensive?

Window decals of all types tend to be more expensive than static clings. In order, the most affordable decals are clear, opaque and perforated. Perforated is the most expensive due to the micro punctures that create the one way visibility. Actual pricing can be viewed on our Sign Price Calculator or by changing the “sign type” and size in our online design tool.

What Kind Of Options Do I Have For My Window Signs?

Both clings (opaque and clear) and decals (clear, opaque and perforated) come with several options. Most of these sign types have all of these options available except as noted below.

Inside Glass – Inside glass, or second surface as it is sometimes called within the signage industry, means that the static cling or window decal will be reverse printed so that the sign can be placed on the interior of the glass but face out. This is an extremely popular option for small business owners or even homeowners who wish to have an external facing sign but protect it from the elements by placing it inside. Store hours, deals and promotions, branded decals and much more can be used in this fashion. For decals this means that the design will be printed on the backside of the decal so that the front adhesive side can still be applied to the inside of the glass and face out. This means that opaque and perforated decals cannot be printed as “inside glass”. The same applies to opaque window clings. If you want an inside glass decal that looks opaque, simply use a clear decal or cling, but fill the background in with a color or graphic.

Custom With Border (Halo Cut) – Any of the cling or decal sign types can be “Custom With Border” (previously known as or sometimes called “halo cut”). This means that the sign will be cut to the shape of the actual design with a small border – typically around ¼” –  left around the perimeter of the sign.

Custom (Contour Cut) – many cling or decal sign types can be custom shape (previously known as or sometimes referred to as “contour cut”).  This means that the design of the sign will be cut exactly to the perimeter of the sign. The most important thing to remember here is that if your sign is all text that you actually want what is called “vinyl lettering” or “cut vinyl”. This is often seen on office windows and storefronts where individual adhesive letters are applied to display the company name or brand. We don’t currently offer this on the website but can produce it. You simply need to call us if this is what you are looking for. When it is a simple non-text design, it is cut to the exact shape without any border as the halo cut option entails.

We’ve summarized what sign type you should choose, the differences and the visibility and cut options in the graphic below. The written transcription is below the graphic.

Visibility

Opaque Window Cling and Decal – The red portion of the sign is the only portion of the graphic that is printed. The white is the default color of the material without any ink.

Perforated Window Decal – Visitors from outside would see the graphic and would not be able to see into the store (this is sometimes called one-way vision). The graphic would not be visible from inside the store but would allow people inside of the store to easily see out through the micropunctures.

Clear  Window Decal – Assuming the red portion of the sign was the only color on the graphic, the rest of the sign would be transparent.

Cut Options

Custom With Border (Halo Cut)– A “Custom with Border” would mean that your red circular sale decal would have a tiny border of approximately 1/4 inch left around the perimeter of the decal.

Custom (Contour Cut) – Custom, “contour cut” would cut your red circular decal right at the border of the red circle leaving no white border.

Cut Vinyl or Vinyl Lettering – If the design weren’t circular but rather a collection of individual pieces then this would be cut vinyl or vinyl lettering. These individual pieces would be cut exactly to shape with no border and then could be applied to the appropriate surface as individual pieces rather than a single decal.

Related Articles

Difference Between Decals and Stickers – Signage 101.

How to Apply Decals.

Signage 101 – Inside Glass Decals.

Window Signage Options – Signage 101

Installing a Perforated Car Window Decal

Some signs are easier to install than others. For example, hanging a banner doesn’t take that much thought or effort, but installing a perforated car window decal to a vehicle…well, that takes a little more planning. To help you out, we’ve created a brief video to show you the best way to install your new car decal so it comes out perfect every time. Also, here are a couple tricks that will come in handy:

1. Always create your sign at least two (2) inches wider and taller than your window.  Most car windows are NOT exactly flat. In fact, most are convex or bubbled in some way. By measuring the extra 2 inches, it makes it much easier when it comes to trimming the excess off and gives you a little “wiggle room” to account for the curved surface.
2. Clean your window with a basic ammonia mixture (1/2 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol, 1/2 cup water) in a spray bottle. Bird crap doesn’t help the adhesion process!
3. If you are installing the decal by yourself, it’s a good idea to peal the backer off one corner and lightly attach the decal to the window. This lets you walk around and take measurements without the sign moving around.
4. The more hands the better. We actually installed the decal using one person and the then again with two people. Having two cut the installation time in half. They were also able to stay on their own side (as seen in the video) and measure without having to walk back and forth from side to side trying to make sure everything was even.
5. Always start in the middle and work your way out with a squeegee. This gives you a good anchor. Keep in mind, you can always trim off the edges but if the middle is messed up, there is not much you can do.

Installing window decals can look difficult, but if you keep these simple steps in mind, you are guaranteed to get a great sign for your vehicle. Check out the finished product!

Related Articles

How to Remove a Decal.

How to Apply Decals.

The Benefits of Car Advertising.

How-To: Installing a Perforated Car Window Decal