How is this so? Most car windows are coated with silicon or other types of substrates that make vinyl adhesion short lived. And because vehicles are exposed to direct sunlight and heat for long periods, vinyl decals, which are expected to last at least 3 years, might not stay on. In addition, most of the tints that coat car windows are also not vinyl friendly. While the vinyl decals stick longer on them, they become a problem to take off without running the risk of destroying the film.
It would also be prudent to do away with dark-colored graphics, because they respond adversely to sunlight as they absorb greater amounts of heat. If left for a long period of time, the glass might eventually explode. On the other hand, vinyl adhesion does not work in too cold weathers, particularly those under 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is why most vehicle graphics installers discourage against placing decals on windows. Apart from the incompatibility of the window coatings with vinyl, they also require a lot more work to install. For instance, while car bodies are okay with calendared vinyl, glass windows respond better to perforated cast vinyl, which are relatively pricey. Also, because car windows still have to serve their purpose, that is, for those inside to be able to see what's outside, special materials have to be used.
This does not say, though, that vinyl graphics should never be placed on glass windows. It simply serves as a reminder that installing window graphics is a more tedious and costly process. However, if you really must have graphics on your car window, then you should bring the job to the professionals, to be safe.
Syed is the owner of Truck Wrap, web site which is a site dedicated all vinyl graphics.
