Perforated Window Decals

The first step to installing your perforated window decal is to clean the window with a non-abrasive rag or cloth. Strong cleaners should be avoided as the purpose of cleaning it initially is just to give the decal a fresh surface to be adhered to. Often, simply using water to clean the surface area of the window is sufficient. Once it has had the chance to air dry you are ready for the next step.

The next step is to carefully remove the backing of the decal. Make sure that this is done gently and slowly so that the backing comes off clean and you don’t tear the decal which is 50% micropunctures!

The most difficult step, though it really isn’t that difficult, is applying the actual decal to the window. Unlike some of our other window decals water should NOT be used during the installation process! Rather, the decal can be “tacked” or lightly pressed against the window in the corners. If you’re installing a larger decal with more than one person it can be tacked in two corners as described in the question below. This will help the decal stay in place while you slowly and more firmly press the decal against the window without air bubbles getting in. The easiest way to do this is to work in one direction - whether this is from top to bottom or side to side. With the corners tacked gently peel it away from the window and use a sharp edge to firmly press the decal against the window. Any air bubbles that may pop up can then be eliminated by immediately peeling the decal away from the window and reapplying the decal to that area. Installing the decal in a methodical fashion will allow you to peel it away quickly before the adhesive kicks in and eliminate air pockets as needed.

In some cases the edges of the decals may need to be trimmed. A small razor blade can be used for this purpose as needed. Just be careful to not scratch or damage your window or the decal itself.

In most cases the installation of a perforated window decal requires more than one person. This is particularly true for larger decals.

Having additional people help ensures that the decal doesn’t stick to itself when the backing is removed and makes the actual application of the decal much easier. For example, with a second person, the decal can be tacked in two corners and then held away from the rest of the window by one person while the other applies and removes air bubbles with a flat edge or a squeegee. From our own experience this is by far the best way to apply the decal.

Before application your decal can be rolled and stored at room temperature in a dry location. Nothing should be set on the decal while it is rolled, nor should it be folded, as both of these actions can cause permanent crease marks in the decal.

Due to the adhesive used on the decal, it is meant for semi-permanent use. Meaning that once the decal firms up after installation, removing the decal and repositioning it will not be possible.

Your Perforated Window Decal cannot be re-used after it has been first installed.

As per printing standards, we print in CMYK. 

Yes, a QR code can still work and be scanned when included on a perforated wall decal, but there are a few factors to consider to ensure it scans effectively:

Factors to Ensure QR Code Scans Well:

1. Size and Placement:

   • Size: Make sure the QR code is large enough to be scanned easily. QR codes should be printed at a size where the individual squares are easily distinguishable by a scanner.
   • Placement: Position the QR code in an area of the decal where it is visible and not obscured by the perforations. Ideally, place it in a section with fewer or no perforations.

2. Design and Contrast:

   • Contrast: Ensure there is sufficient contrast between the QR code and the background. A high contrast (e.g., black code on a white or light-colored background) helps scanners read the code more effectively.
   • Design: Avoid placing the QR code in areas with heavy patterns or colors that might interfere with its readability.

3. Perforation Considerations:

   • Perforation Size: The size and density of the perforations can impact the ability of a QR code to be scanned. Larger and fewer perforations may be less problematic, while very small or dense perforations could interfere with the scanner’s ability to read the code.
   • Code Integrity: Ensure that the perforations do not cut through the QR code or disrupt its pattern. The integrity of the code’s squares is crucial for accurate scanning.

4. Testing:

   • Pre-Print Test: Before finalizing the decal, test the QR code on a sample or mock-up to ensure it scans properly through the perforations.
   • Scanning in Different Conditions: Test the QR code with various devices and under different lighting conditions to ensure it remains scannable.

By considering these factors and testing the QR code before full production, you can ensure that your perforated wall decal with a QR code will be effective and easy to scan.

Removing an old perforated window decal and applying a new one requires some care to avoid damaging the glass. Here’s how you can do it:

Removing the Old Perforated Window Decal:

1. Heat the Decal:

   • Use a hairdryer or a heat gun on a low setting to warm up the decal. Move the heat source back and forth over the decal to loosen the adhesive.
   • Be careful not to overheat the glass, as this could cause damage.

2. Peel Off the Decal:

   • Start at one corner of the decal and slowly peel it off using your fingers or a plastic scraper.
   • Pull at a low angle, close to the glass, to minimize tearing.

3. Remove Adhesive Residue:

   • If any adhesive remains, use a solvent like rubbing alcohol, window cleaner, or a commercial adhesive remover.
   • Apply the solvent to a soft cloth and gently rub the adhesive until it dissolves.
   • For stubborn residue, let the solvent sit for a few minutes before wiping.

4. Clean the Glass:

   • Thoroughly clean the glass with a glass cleaner to remove any leftover residue or dirt.
   • Ensure the surface is completely dry before applying the new decal.

Applying the New Perforated Window Decal:

1. Measure and Cut (if needed):

   • Measure the window to ensure the decal fits properly. If necessary, trim the decal to the correct size using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge.

2. Prepare the Surface:

   • Clean the window again to ensure it’s free from dust and debris.
   • For best results, apply the decal in a dust-free environment.

3. Position the Decal:

   • Peel off a small section of the backing paper and align the decal on the window.
   • Once aligned, slowly remove the backing paper while pressing the decal onto the glass.

4. Apply the Decal:

   • Use a squeegee or a credit card wrapped in a soft cloth to smooth out the decal, working from the center outward to remove any air bubbles.
   • Apply even pressure to ensure good adhesion.

5. Trim Excess (if needed):

   • After the decal is applied, use a sharp utility knife to trim any excess material along the edges.

6. Let it Set:

   • Allow the decal to sit for a few hours (or as recommended by the manufacturer) to ensure the adhesive fully bonds with the glass.

Following these steps should help you successfully remove the old decal and apply a new one.

Perforated window decals can act as a shade to some extent. These decals have tiny holes that allow for one-way visibility, meaning you can see out, but people outside have a harder time seeing in. They provide some level of sun blockage, reducing glare and filtering out a portion of the sunlight. However, they don't block out the sun as effectively as dedicated sun shades or blinds. The level of shade provided depends on the density of the perforation and the material of the decal.