A bare shop window is a lot of unused advertising space. Two products fill it: solid window decals, and perforated window vinyl, sometimes called see-through film. They look alike in photos, but they solve different problems.
What each one is
Window decals are made from solid adhesive vinyl. The graphic can be a cut-out logo, lettering, or a full-colour print on a solid film. Light does not pass through the printed areas. Cut-to-shape decals, such as individual letters or a logo outline, leave the rest of the window clear.
Perforated vinyl is a film covered in tiny holes. The image is printed on the outside face, and from the inside you can see through the holes, so the window still works as a window. It is made to cover large areas of glass with a full graphic while keeping the view.
Comparison
| Feature | Solid window decal | Perforated vinyl |
|---|---|---|
| Looks from outside | Solid, vivid colour | Image with a fine dotted texture |
| Looks from inside | Blocks the view where printed | You can see through |
| Light | Blocks light in printed areas | Lets in some light, though dimmer |
| Privacy | High where covered | Moderate, depends on lighting |
| Best coverage | Logos, text, shapes, partial areas | Whole windows and large graphics |
| Colour punch | Strongest | Slightly softer |
| Typical use | Hours, logos, door lettering | Full storefront or storefront wraps |
Privacy and light
Perforated vinyl gives people outside a strong image while preserving your view. In bright daylight, passers-by mostly see the graphic, not what is behind it. At night, with the lights on inside, the effect weakens and people can see in more easily. So it offers a measure of privacy in daylight, but it is not a curtain.
If you need real privacy, such as a treatment room, an office or a changing area, a solid or frosted-style film in the right zone is the more reliable choice. Ask us which options suit your window. Solid decals also cast a shadow in rooms, so think about how much natural light you want to keep.
Storefront branding
Retailers, restaurants, salons and offices often use both.
- Use perforated vinyl across a big front window to carry a strong image, a seasonal promotion or a large logo, while keeping the interior bright.
- Use solid decals on the door and on smaller panels for the essentials: the name, a logo, a phone number and a list of services.
Window space is also where small details earn their keep.
Hours, logos and notices
Opening hours and contact details are classic solid decal jobs. They need to be crisp and readable, and they sit in a clear area, so a cut vinyl or printed solid decal works well. Put them at eye level on the door, in a high-contrast colour, with simple type. A logo on a door panel or a side window usually works best as a solid decal. Avoid placing small text on perforated film, because the holes can break up fine lettering.
Inside or outside
Where you apply a graphic depends on the product and the glass.
- Outside application suits graphics made for outdoor wear and is easy to see from the street. It faces weather and cleaning, so it needs a durable material.
- Inside application protects the graphic from weather, and it is the usual choice for decals designed to be read through the glass. The artwork may need to be reversed so it reads correctly from outside.
Perforated film and solid film sometimes go on opposite sides, and double-glazed or tinted windows add complications. Tell us the type of glass, and we will advise which side suits your project. Clean the glass well before applying anything.
Removal
Window vinyl is designed to come off, but how cleanly depends on the film, the glass and how long it has been up. Heat, patience and a plastic scraper help, and any adhesive left behind usually wipes away with a suitable cleaner. Remove it carefully so you do not scratch the glass. Do not rush the job with a metal blade on a cold window.
Which should you choose?
Choose solid decals if you want sharp, bold branding, privacy, or small elements like hours and logos. Choose perforated vinyl if you want a large image without losing the view. Use both if you have a storefront with a door and big windows.
Getting your windows printed
PrintEh prints window decals and perforated vinyl in Oakville for storefronts across Mississauga, Burlington and the GTA. If your sign needs a larger banner for outside, see banner printing. For a wider plan, read about print marketing for small business, then send your window size through our quote page.