--- title: What Is the Difference Between Clear and Gray Adhesive? description: Clear vs Gray --- [Skip to content](https://help.arlon.com/what-is-the-difference-between-clear-and-gray-adhesive#main-content) Open main navigation Close main navigation - - [arlon.com](mailto:techservice@arlon.com) [arlon.com](mailto:techservice@arlon.com) HOW CAN WE HELP? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Arlon Help Center](https://help.arlon.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Product Specification](https://help.arlon.com/product-specification?hsLang=en) # What Is the Difference Between Clear and Gray Adhesive? ## Clear vs Gray Adhesive Many customers focus on the film itself and overlook one important detail: adhesive color. Most graphic films are available with either clear or gray adhesive. Clear adhesive is commonly used when the substrate has a solid, consistent color and show-through is not a concern. It works well for many standard sign and graphic applications. Gray adhesive contains pigments that improve opacity. This helps prevent the substrate color from influencing the appearance of the printed graphic. For example, a graphic installed over a dark-colored surface may appear different if a clear adhesive allows the background color to show through. A gray adhesive helps maintain more consistent color reproduction and image quality. Choosing the correct adhesive color can make a significant difference in the final appearance of the graphic. Key takeaway: Gray adhesive helps hide the substrate and improve opacity, while clear adhesive is typically suitable when show-through is not a concern. - [General Information](https://help.arlon.com/general-information?hsLang=en) - [Product Specification](https://help.arlon.com/product-specification?hsLang=en) - [Printing & Production](https://help.arlon.com/printing-production?hsLang=en) - [Application](https://help.arlon.com/application?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Architectural](https://help.arlon.com/application?hsLang=en#architectural) - [Fleet & Commercial Vehicles](https://help.arlon.com/application?hsLang=en#fleet-commercial-vehicles) - [General Signage](https://help.arlon.com/application?hsLang=en#general-signage) - [Marine & Aircraft](https://help.arlon.com/application?hsLang=en#marine-aircraft) - [Maintenance & Removal](https://help.arlon.com/maintenance-removal?hsLang=en) - [Troubleshooting](https://help.arlon.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Before Application](https://help.arlon.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#before-application) - [Regulation & Compliance](https://help.arlon.com/regulation-compliance?hsLang=en) - [Training & Certification](https://help.arlon.com/training-certification?hsLang=en) [![Chill listening crop-3](https://help.arlon.com/hubfs/Arlon%20ANZ%20LP%20Images/arlon-logo.svg "Chill listening crop-3")](https://www.arlon.com) Copyright © 2026, Arlon Graphics