Storefront glass is free advertising space. The question is which material to put on it. Each option behaves differently in sunlight, from inside the store, and when you want it off again. Here is how to choose, and how RaahSign prices each one by the square foot so you can order any size online.
The three main window graphic types
Perforated window vinyl (see-through)
Printed vinyl with tiny holes. From outside you see a full-color graphic; from inside you see out. It is the choice for full window coverage, privacy with a view, and vehicle rear windows. Perforated window vinyl is priced by the square foot and applied to the outside of the glass.
Opaque window vinyl
Solid printed vinyl for logos, hours, lettering and promotions. It blocks the view where it is applied, which makes it right for partial coverage: a logo panel, a stripe of hours, a sale message. Opaque window vinyl can be applied inside the glass (reverse-printed so it reads from the street) or outside.
Window clings
Static-cling film with no adhesive. Easy to reposition and remove, ideal for seasonal promotions. Less durable outdoors; best applied inside the glass.
Inside or outside application?
- Outside: brightest color, needed for perforated vinyl. Exposed to weather and cleaning.
- Inside: protected from weather and vandalism. The graphic is printed in reverse so it reads correctly from outside. Slightly less vivid through tinted glass.
On the RaahSign product page you choose both the application side and the viewable side, and the file is prepared accordingly.
Sizing and design
- Measure the glass pane, not the frame. Subtract 0.5 inch on each side for a clean margin.
- Keep lettering above 2 inches tall for street reading; hours and phone numbers at 1.5 inches minimum.
- Eye level is 4–6 feet from the ground. Put the main message there.
- For perforated vinyl, avoid fine detail and small text; the holes soften edges.
Frequently asked questions
How much do window graphics cost?
Opaque window vinyl starts at $3.75 per square foot and perforated vinyl at $10 per square foot at RaahSign. A 48 × 36 inch opaque graphic is 12 square feet, or $45.
Can I install it myself?
Yes for panels under about 4 × 4 ft: clean the glass, spray with soapy water, squeegee from the center out. Larger perforated panels are easier with two people.
How long do they last?
Opaque vinyl 3–5 years outdoors; perforated vinyl 1–3 years; clings one season.
Every RaahSign order includes a free digital proof checked by a real person before anything prints, and we ship anywhere in the US from our Chicago shop.