Learn the different ways to apply window graphics to maximize your customers' brand visibility and boost their walk-in sales.
Stores with window graphics are much more likely to get noticed, not to mention they are an easy and cost-effective advertising medium. Decorated windows promote a positive energy and create a strong presence for businesses. Without graphics, they may as well be invisible.
As the first thing people see when they walk by, it's like the handshake- the first chance to introduce yourself. What goes into that handshake- i.e. the visuals- matter, but more importantly the material used and the way it is used matters as well.
Using the correct vinyl for application type will really impact the outcome.
What results are your clients looking for?
Understanding what your customers are trying to achieve with window graphics will help you help them make the right choice.
Privacy
Frosted film will provide privacy with an appealing effect. Get the look of etched glass without the damage to windows. Storefronts, gyms and offices can achieve privacy while passersby enjoy the artistic design.
Read more on privacy film here.
Visibility
For people inside to be able to look out, use a clear vinyl.
Optically clear creates a painted-on effect with high clarity for both indoor and outdoor visibility.
Perforated Vinyl
Perforated window vinyl uses micropuncture technology to create one-way graphics that are visible on the outside but see-through from indoors. Customers will enjoy shade and privacy while passersby will be attracted by eye-catching window advertising.
Pro tip: perforated vinyl edges should be sealed to give it longer durability and to avoid curling. Unsealed perforated vinyl can attract dust and contaminants which shorten its lifespan. Seal edges with edge sealer pen, or 3M #94 tape primer. Do not apply perforated vinyl to a rubber surface.
Window perf comes in different surface area ratios with 50/50 being the most common. This means that 50% is printable and 50% is perforated.
While most window perf is applied on the outside of windows, Magic NewVue is specifically designed to be printed on the adhesive side and mounted inside windows. Graphics will be protected from weather and will last longer.
Businesses with full-window perf will stand out and beam their messages far and wide.
Removability
For temporary short-term graphics, use a window cling film that uses static to cling to the window, requiring no adhesive. It is easy to apply, and repositionable.
Pro tip: leave an unprinted border around the edges, because it won't stick where ink is printed. Make sure windows are extra clean before applying. Use ammonia-free glass cleaner.
It is a great alternative to medium-term adhesive graphics and can be changed easily and often.
Window cling film is available in clear and white.
Applying Window Graphics
First or Second Surface
Window graphics can be applied in front of or behind a substrate, called first or second surface printing. First surface printing is graphics printed on the front of the vinyl and applied outside the window, while second surface printing is reverse printed (mirror image) graphics on clear vinyl and applied to the inside of the window facing out.
First surface printing is easy to do, but may not always be practical. For graphics applied high up where accessing the outside of the window is impossible, second surface printing is ideal. Applying graphics inside the window will also extend the life of the vinyl, protect it from rain and weathering, and prevent vandalism.
Place graphics inside store windows for double-sided graphics, or single sided graphics that need protecting from the elements.
Apply graphics outside the window for graphics that need greater visibility at a distance, or where windows are tinted.
Single or Double Sided
Single-sided graphics can benefit people inside or outside a window, but not both, while double sided graphics will be visible both inside and outside.
To achieve double sided graphics, you can apply a blockout vinyl onto both sides of the window. Or, you can apply it inside the window using one of these two methods:
- Two-step process: print graphics on both sides of a double-sided blockout banner such as Neenah Blox-Lite, Digi-Jet 327 Blockout Anti Curl Banner, or Digi-Banplus Matte Super Smooth 2-Sided Blockout Banner. Laminate mounting adhesive like Dura-Mount or Digi-Mount to one side, and apply the adhesive side to the inside of the window.
- Three-step process: reverse-print one image on optically clear vinyl like GF Concept 255 or Magic Adhere6. Print positive image on a white vinyl with blockout adhesive. Laminate together with a white vinyl sandwiched between the two layers.
Full or Partial
Your clients can choose how much of the window they want to cover. Smaller decals can be contour cut for a nicer appearance with no background. They can go with a full or partial window wrap, or just vinyl lettering. Walk your clients through their options and understand what they are looking for.
Long or Short Term
The desired timeframe for window graphics will determine which type of vinyl to use. Vinyl designed for short-term use will be easily removable and made of a cheaper material, while long-term vinyl will be thicker and more durable.
Window clings are ideal for short term small area graphics. They do not require adhesive as they work with the window's static electricity to cling to the surface. Clean glass well before applying cling.
Benefits of window graphics
Brightly lit and inviting window graphics can attract up to 50% more customers, according to research compiled by Alpha Graphics.
Window graphics are an important way to lure customers in with uniquely designed and optimally positioned graphics, promote brand identity and announce sales and specials. It is the first point-of-contact with potential customers.
Often overlooked and undervalued, storefront windows are free advertising space that retailers are already paying for. Here are just some of the ways they can use window graphics to promote their brand.
5 Reasons to use Window Graphics
Use these tips to sell more vinyl and land more window graphics customers.
1. Store information
Businesses can post their hours of operation, phone number, website, and even social handles. When people pass by after hours, or even during business hours but are not ready to stop in, they can mentally index the store's information and come back later.
2. Sales
Windows are a great way to advertise upcoming and ongoing sales. Impart the urgency with a sale end-date so passersby will be pressured to stop in and buy now!
3. Brand identity
Stores can use long-term window graphics to immerse people in a visual brand experience. For example, brands can use bold splashes of color in line with their brand to grab people's attention. They can feature their brand slogan, and tell a story with images. All of this will get people thinking about- and remembering- your brand.
4. Privacy
Other facilities like gyms and offices that have windows facing the street require privacy for their patrons and employees to work comfortably without eyes upon them. They also want the benefits of natural light, which many employees crave. This can be attained with a full window wrap using perforated vinyl. People outside will see a full window graphic, while inside patrons can see out without feeling self-conscious about being watched. A frosted vinyl will work here too.
5. Seasonal
Advertising messages are ever-changing, which is why stores need window graphics that can change just as often. With short-term easy removability vinyl, your customers will get a vinyl that is easy to apply and quick to remove. Use this for seasonal window displays, for instance celebrating Halloween or Easter, or to promote products around the 4th of July. And when the holiday is over, gear up for the next big event with a freshly applied window vinyl.
Conclusion
Your customers may want clear or optically clear vinyl for maximum two-way visibility, or perforated film for one-way visibility. Etched or frosted vinyl is perfect for privacy requirements, and window cling is favored for short-term removability.
Use our best methods for choosing and applying the correct vinyl to deliver the ultimate window graphics that will last as long as they are needed.
Need more info? Give us a call at 718-399-3333 with any questions or for product info. We're happy to help!
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