How to Install Window Decals

2 MIN READ
Level: basic

Whether for promotions, decor or business signage, custom Window Decals are effective marketing assets for any business or industry. And learning how to install window decals is simple with the following instructions:

Before You Begin

Before you begin, we recommend that you install your decal in temperatures between 40-90°F for optimal adhesion. You also might want to consider hiring a professional installer if your decal is larger than 18” x 24”, or if it has a complex design, overlap or is tiled.

What You’ll Need

Not all of these tools are necessary. What you need may vary, depending on the install method you choose and the level of difficulty.

  • A tape measure or measuring tool
  • A glass or multi-surface cleaner
  • A lint-free cloth
  • Masking tape or painter’s tape
  • Application fluid (this can be made with a spray bottle of water and a couple drops of dish soap)
  • A hand applicator or credit card
  • A rubber roller (this one’s optional)
  • A safety pin

Prep Your Surface

Use a multi-purpose cleaner to thoroughly clean the window, ensuring it’s free of dirt, dust, grease or other debris that may affect the adhesion process. We recommend doing a final wipe down with water and a lint-free cloth.

A graphic of a spray bottle and a hand wiping a surface clean.

Apply Your Decal

Step 1

Find the center of your decal on the window. Once you do, mark where the top of your decal will be with tape.

A graphic of a decal, floor graphic or cling being centered.
A graphic of a decal, floor graphic or cling being lined up with tape along the top.

Step 2

Peel back the liner from your decal and set the decal back to your tape marks.

A graphic of a decal, floor graphic or cling and its release liner.
A graphic of the release liner on a decal, floor graphic or cling being peeled down.

Step 3

With the top edge of the decal in place, use a hand applicator or credit card to smooth the top edge down and out from the center. We recommend placing a piece of masking or painter’s tape along the edge of your applicator to minimize the risk of scratching the decal.

A graphic of a hand applicator smoothing out a decal, floor graphic or cling.

Step 4

Use a rubber roller (if you have one) to press out any air bubbles. This will create a better seal to the surface.

If air bubbles persist, use a pin and poke a hole in any that stand out to release the air. If there are too many bubbles, you may have to peel back your decal and do the smoothing process again.

A graphic of a roller and pin to smooth bubbles out of a decal, floor graphic or cling.

Step 5

Wipe away any water residue from the smoothing process.

A graphic of a hand wiping a decal, floor graphic or cling clean.

Since window decals have adhesive on the back, adhesion will take place immediately.

A graphic of a decal, floor graphic or cling installed perfectly.

Installing window clings or SEGs? Apply them easily with the simple steps on our Installation Instructions page. If you have any questions about how to install window decals or any of our online printing services, check out our Window Graphics Printing FAQ or please contact customer service.