How to Install Window Clings

3 MIN READ

Level: basic

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Window Cling Installation Guide

Installing your window clings doesn’t need to be difficult. Once you’ve created your design for online printing and received it, continue reading this article or watch this video to learn how to install window clings for brands and businesses:

Before Installing Your Window Clings

Before you begin, we recommend that you install your cling in temperatures between 40-90°F for optimal adhesion.

Smartpress Tip: You might want to consider hiring a professional installer if your cling is larger than 18” x 24”, or if it has a complex design, overlap or is tiled.

What Tools Do I Need to Install Window Clings?

Graphics of five supplies needed to install a decal, floor graphic or cling.

Graphics of four supplies needed to apply a decal, floor graphic or cling.

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

How Do I Prep My Surface for Window Cling Installation?

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.

How to Install Window Clings in 5 Simple Steps

Step 1: Locate Your Desired Cling Position

Find the center of your cling on the window. Once you do, mark where the top of your cling 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 Off the Liner & Spray Applicator Fluid

Peel back the liner from your cling. Spray the window and your cling with applicator fluid, misting each with a couple of sprays (Hint: Less is more!), and set your cling 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.

A graphic of a spray bottle leaving droplets on a window.

Step 3: Stick Your Cling to the Window & Smooth the Edges

With the top edge of the cling in place, use a hand applicator or credit card to smooth the top edge down and out from the center.

Smartpress Tip: We recommend placing a piece of masking or painter’s tape along the edge of your applicator to minimize the risk of scratching the cling.

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

Step 4: Roll Out Any Air Bubbles, Wipe Away Residue & Dry

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 cling 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: Remove Residue & Let Dry

Wipe away any water residue from the smoothing process.

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

Allow 24 hours for your cling to dry out and adhere completely.

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

If you have any additional questions about how to install window clings or any of Smartpress’ online printing services, please contact customer service.