“Window cling” can mean a finished printed graphic or the printable vinyl used to produce it.
Anchor Materials, part of Anchor Group supplies the supacling® range as printable window cling vinyl material and display media to trade customers, including printers, sign makers and display producers. It is available in roll format through the Anchor Magnets website, with in-house cutting and conversion available where required.
Products described as window cling can have different film constructions, adhesion systems and fitting methods. Those details need to be checked before ordering.
What is printable window cling?
Printable window cling is supplied for printing and production into window graphics, promotional displays and temporary signage.
It may also be described as:
- Printable display cling film
- Printable window film
- Micro-suction film
- Removable window graphic media
- Self-cling window material
These terms do not always describe the same type of product. “Window cling” is often used broadly for removable materials applied to windows and other smooth surfaces.
Check the film, adhesion system and technical specification rather than relying on the general product name.
Is printable window cling the same as static cling?
Not necessarily.
Static cling relies on static attraction. Other removable window films use micro-suction silicone or low-tack adhesive systems.
The supacling range includes several constructions. DURA options use micro-suction silicone or low-tack adhesion, while DOT products have air-venting adhesive systems.
Describing every removable window material as static cling can hide differences that affect printing and installation.
Printable media or finished window graphics?
Printable window cling is a vinyl material used to produce the graphic. It is commonly supplied in roll format for printing and subsequent production.
Anchor Materials can also cut and convert the material in-house when a project does not require complete rolls. The required dimensions, format and quantity should be discussed before ordering.
A finished window graphic has already been printed and may also have been cut or prepared for its intended application.
Buyers should establish which they need when comparing suppliers. A business selling completed window stickers may not supply printable vinyl or roll media to the trade. Equally, a material supplier will need different project information from a company receiving an order for completed graphics.
This article focuses on choosing and sourcing the printable material. Requirements for individual projects should be discussed before an order is placed.
What should trade buyers confirm before ordering?
Print process
Print compatibility varies across the range.
Confirm the printer and ink system against the relevant product specification or technical data sheet. Do not assume that every material described as window cling will work with the same equipment.
Clear or white finish
Clear film allows unprinted areas to remain transparent. Some clear products can be reverse printed for graphics fitted inside glazing and viewed from outside.
White matt provides an opaque background for the artwork, reducing the influence of products, lighting and movement behind the window.
Our article on dry-apply window film examines the clear and white matt DOT options in more detail.
Wet or dry application
The fitting method should be decided before the material is printed.
DURA includes products suited to wet installation, while DOT is designed for dry application. Read Removable Window Display Film for Trade Buyers: Wet or Dry Application? for a closer comparison.
PET or PVC
The supacling range includes PET and monomeric PVC options. Their specifications and print compatibility are not identical.
Check the technical information for the exact product rather than treating PET and PVC versions as direct substitutes. Our guide to dry-apply campaign graphics also compares the PET and PVC products within the DOT range.
Surface and location
supacling is intended for suitable smooth surfaces, including windows and glass. Coatings, texture, contamination and surface condition may affect performance.
Some products are intended for indoor applications, while others are listed for indoor and sheltered outdoor use. Check the individual specification and test the material on uncertain surfaces.
Read Not All Surfaces Are Equal: Tips for Reliable Window Cling before specifying material for an unfamiliar surface.
Roll or converted format
Confirm whether the job requires complete rolls or material cut and converted to a specific format.
For roll orders, check:
- The printer’s usable print area
- The dimensions of the finished graphics
- The number of graphics required
- Allowances for setup, trimming and testing
For converted material, provide the required dimensions, quantity and format when making an enquiry. Anchor Materials can then confirm what can be produced.
Is printable window cling an alternative to self-adhesive?
It can be considered for temporary and changeable graphics, but it is not a direct substitute in every application.
The intended surface, location, display period, fitting method and required finish should determine the material choice.
Window Display Cling vs Traditional Window Graphics covers some of the practical differences.
Should printable window cling be tested before production?
A sample allows the printer and end user to check the material before committing to the full quantity.
Testing may cover:
- The intended print process
- Colour and finish
- Handling during fitting
- Performance on the actual surface
- Removal after an appropriate test period
Results from one surface should not be assumed to apply to every window or smooth substrate.
Can printable window cling be supplied cut to size?
Yes. Anchor Materials can cut and convert supacling in-house when the project requires something other than a complete roll.
Provide the required dimensions, quantity, material and intended application. The team can then confirm whether the requested format can be produced.
Who supplies printable window cling?
Anchor Materials supplies supacling printable window cling and display media to trade customers worldwide.
The range includes clear and white matt finishes, PET and monomeric PVC options, and products intended for wet or dry application. Full rolls are available, with in-house cutting and conversion where required.
Individual specifications vary, so the material should be selected against the print process, intended surface and application method.
Discuss your printable window cling requirements
Tell us your print process, required finish, application surface, intended location and quantity. If you need the material cut or converted rather than supplied as a complete roll, include the required dimensions and format.
We can help identify the relevant supacling option, discuss in-house conversion and arrange a sample for your own print and application tests.
View the supacling range or contact Anchor Materials to discuss your project.