Window Clings & Magnetic Products: Specialty Printing Guide for UV DTF and Beyond
Large window clings and magnetic products are specialty printing applications that complement UV DTF sticker and decal businesses. This guide covers window cling types, magnetic sheet printing, application techniques, and how they fit into a DTF-based product lineup.

Window Clings & Magnetic Products: Specialty Printing Guide
Window clings and magnetic products are specialty printed items that expand a custom printing business beyond apparel into signage, vehicle branding, and promotional products. This guide covers how these products work, where they fit alongside UV DTF stickers and decals, and how to add them to your product offerings.Large Window Clings
Large window clings are static-adhesion vinyl prints that stick to glass surfaces without adhesive. They are removable, repositionable, and leave no residue — making them popular for retail storefronts, seasonal promotions, vehicle windows, and home decor.
How Window Clings Work
Window clings use static electricity to adhere to smooth, non-porous surfaces like glass and polished metal. Unlike traditional stickers or decals, they have no adhesive backing. This makes them:- Reusable — Can be removed and reapplied multiple times
- Residue-free — No sticky residue left on the surface
- Repositionable — Easy to adjust placement during application
Types of Window Clings
| Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Clear clings | Transparent background, printed design only | Storefront logos, hours of operation |
| White clings | Opaque white background with printed design | Full-color promotional graphics |
| Perforated clings | Small holes allow see-through visibility from inside | Vehicle rear windows, large storefront displays |
| Mirror clings | Applied to the inside of glass, printed in reverse | Interior-facing promotions visible from outside |
- 24" x 36" — Common for retail door signage
- 36" x 48" — Storefront promotional displays
- 48" x 72" — Large format window graphics
- Custom sizes — Cut to any dimension for specific window dimensions
Window Clings vs. UV DTF Stickers
| Feature | Window Clings | UV DTF Stickers |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Glass and smooth surfaces only | Hard surfaces (tumblers, phones, helmets, etc.) |
| Adhesion | Static cling (removable) | Permanent adhesive |
| Durability | Indoor use, 6–12 months | Indoor/outdoor, 2–5 years |
| Production | Large format printer + cling vinyl | UV DTF printer |
| Minimum size | Typically 8"+ | As small as 1" |
Adams Magnetic Products and Magnetic Sheet Printing
Magnetic products use flexible magnetic sheeting with printed graphics applied to the surface. Adams Manufacturing is one of the largest suppliers of magnetic products for commercial and consumer applications, offering magnetic sheets, strips, and specialty magnetic items for the printing industry.
Magnetic Sheet Applications for Print Businesses
- Vehicle magnets — Removable business signage for cars, trucks, and vans
- Refrigerator magnets — Promotional giveaways and business cards
- Magnetic signs — Temporary signage for events, open houses, and real estate
- Magnetic photo frames — Custom photo magnets for gifts and souvenirs
- Magnetic calendars — Promotional items for service businesses
Printing on Magnetic Sheets
Magnetic sheets can be printed using several methods:- Direct UV printing — UV flatbed printers can print directly onto magnetic sheeting
- Vinyl overlay — Print on adhesive vinyl and laminate onto magnetic sheets
- UV DTF transfer — Apply UV DTF stickers onto magnetic sheet surfaces for small-format items like business card magnets
Magnetic Product Specifications
| Product Type | Typical Thickness | Max Size | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle magnets | 30 mil (0.030") | 12" x 24" | Truck/van business signs |
| Fridge magnets | 20 mil (0.020") | 4" x 6" | Promotional giveaways |
| Magnetic signs | 30 mil (0.030") | 18" x 24" | Real estate, event signage |
| Business card magnets | 20 mil (0.020") | 2" x 3.5" | Networking, promotions |
Adding Specialty Products to Your DTF Business
Window clings and magnetic products are add-on services that DTF and UV DTF businesses can offer without major equipment investment:
- Partner with a large-format printer for window clings if you do not have a wide-format printer
- Purchase pre-cut magnetic sheets and apply UV DTF transfers for small magnetic products
- Bundle offerings: Offer clients a package that includes custom t-shirts (DTF transfers), stickers (UV DTF), window clings, and vehicle magnets for complete branding solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do large window clings last?
Indoor window clings typically last 6–12 months before the static charge weakens. Storing clings flat between uses extends their lifespan. For longer-term applications, adhesive window decals (not clings) are a better choice.Can you print window clings on a regular printer?
No. Window clings require specialty static cling vinyl and are typically printed on wide-format inkjet or UV printers. Home inkjet and laser printers cannot produce window clings.What are Adams magnetic products used for in printing?
Adams Manufacturing produces flexible magnetic sheeting and magnetic accessories used by print shops for vehicle magnets, refrigerator magnets, magnetic signs, and promotional magnetic products. The magnetic sheets serve as a substrate that printed graphics are applied to.Can I use UV DTF on magnetic sheets?
Yes. UV DTF stickers can be applied to smooth magnetic sheet surfaces for small items like business card magnets, fridge magnets, and magnetic photo frames. Clean the magnetic surface with isopropyl alcohol before applying the UV DTF transfer for best adhesion.Tags
About the Author
DTF Database Founder
Darrin DeTorres has over 10 years of experience in the print industry, specializing in screen printing, sublimation, embroidery, HTV, and DTF printing. He runs Notice Me Marketing and Media, a custom apparel production company that prints thousands of shirts per month.
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