How to Make Water Slide Decals at Home

Water slide decals on an electric simmer pot

Decals scream personalization, whether you put one on your car or give a coffee mug as a gift. Once the domain solely of professional manufacturers, water slide decals can now be made at home with your printer and computer. You just need the specialty paper to create one, and a great idea to make sure the decal screams YOU.

Things You'll Need

• Water slide decal paper for ink jet printers
• Acrylic spray
• Scissors
• Sponge
• Acrylic varnish

Instructions

1. Determine to what material your are going to apply the water slide decal. There are generally two types of water slide decal paper you can buy: ink jet white or ink jet clear.

   Ink jet white paper is recommended when the object you are applying the water slide decal to is dark colored or on clear glass. The white backing on the paper will make the image pop out on the darker object.

   Ink jet clear paper is best used on lightly colored objects. It isn't recommended for use on glass as the image will be hard to see.

2. Create your decal using the graphic or photo editing program of your choice, such as Photoshop or Microsoft Publisher. Use a photo or other image, or create your own design from scratch.

   Print your design out on regular paper using your printers "Draft" mode first to test the image size and placement on your object.

   Once you have made any adjustments and are satisfied with your design, place the water slide decal in your printer. You will want to print on the glossy side of the decal paper. Be sure to set your printers settings to photo quality and change the paper type to "Photo Gloss."

3. Allow the ink to dry completely before handling the paper. This will prevent smudging the ink.

   Once the ink is dry, you can apply the acrylic spray to the glossy side of the paper. Make sure you are spraying this in a well-ventilated location. Let dry for about two hours.

4. While waiting for the acrylic coating to dry, prepare your object for receiving the water slide decal. If the object needs to be painted, you will want to allow plenty of time for the paint to dry. Make sure the object surface is clean of all dust and particles.

5. Cut your image with a sharp pair of scissors. The paper is thicker than regular paper; dull scissors can ruin the image and your project.

6. Place the decal in a shallow basin of water for 45 to 60 seconds. If you leave it in longer the worst that will happen is that the decal will separate from the paper backing. Carefully remove decal from the water. Slide the decal from the paper backing and apply it to the clean surface.

   Once applied, dab a drop or two of water on the decal and then use a clean sponge to remove any air bubbles from the decal. Start at the inside middle of the decal and work your way to the outside edges.

   You can reposition the decal if needed by applying more water and gently lifting the decal at the edges. Again remove any air bubbles from the decal.

   You can use a paper towel to remove any excess water. Allow about three hours for the decal to dry.

7. Once the decal is dry, apply two to three coats of a acrylic varnish or finishing spray (depending on your object.) This will protect the item from any scratches, moisture or fading as time goes on.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a laser printer, buy decals designed for them.

• Follow all manufacturer directions and precautions when using aerosol products.

References

• Decal Paper: Inkjet Decal Paper