What are Glass Decals?

Glass decals are removable decorations used to change the appearance of non-porous surfaces like glass and mirrors. While these decorations are usually designed for use on a specific type of surface, such as a car window or a bathroom mirror, they will often adhere to other smooth surfaces just as well. Many popular glass decal designs take advantage of the nature of the material to which they adhere, creating the illusion that there is an object in the glass, for example, or that the person looking in the mirror is wearing a mustache. Other designs are purely ornamental and do not interact with the glass itself. Typically, glass decals are removable, making them excellent for seasonal decorations.

In most cases, a glass decal is essentially a clingy sticker. Some decals are three dimensional and are sometimes made of a gel material. Sometimes, the sticker will adhere to the glass without any additional adhesive. This makes it very easy to remove and reuse glass decals, which can last for years without any deterioration.

While windows are popular places to install glass decals, this type of decoration is also often made for drinking glasses and other glassware. Mirrors that bear glass decals often show a reflection of the decal on the actual mirrored surface, which must be considered when designing the sticker. By printing the decal in a certain way, the look of more permanent glass decorations can be imitated. Decals can be used to create the look of etched glass or stained glass without the investment of either option.

Businesses that cannot make permanent changes to the windows of their establishments often use glass decals to display their information in an aesthetically pleasing fashion. Glass decals can be made semi-transparent, allowing light to pass through even when the company's logo is displayed prominently on a window. This makes these decorations a nearly ideal way to display information that does not frequently change, such as the company's name and logo.

A glass decal can be personalized at a relatively low cost, making this a very easy way for individuals to customize a space. Decals for windows can be printed with any design and can be made in custom sizes for a precise fit in any area. Many people find that printing partial cityscapes or landscapes on windows is an effective way to hide otherwise unattractive views. This technique requires a little planning and creative printing, but it can turn a view of an industrial wasteland into the skyline of New York City without breaking the bank.