True static cling is a non-adhesive vinyl material that holds a static charge. It is typically used for glass and window applications where clean and completely residue-free removal is desirable. Static cling vinyl comes in clear or white and can be digitally or screen printed.

Inside window clings are printed on clear static vinyl. The image is printed in reverse and usually a white or colored ink layer is printed behing the graphics to make it more visable through the glass. The term 'inside' refers to the fact that such a decal is usually placed on the inside of a door window and so is protected from the elements.

For 'outside' graphics - most often used on interior surfaces - white static cling is used. For optimum performance, static cling should be applied to clean, degreased, non-porous surfaces only.

The term Static cling is sometimes mistakenly used for normal window decals that can be adhered with a layer of very lo-tac adhesive. That adhesive can be used in situations where the static charge may not be enough to hold the graphic in place and the decal eventually will need to be removed with no residue left on the surface.