Computer Generated Water-Slide Decals
Please read the instructions on the package that
comes with your printer-friendly water-slide
decals...they may vary slightly from these
instructions. If you cannot find decal plastic at
your local office/computer supply store, I assure
you that they are waiting for you on the internet.
In my particular case I used Micro-Mark’s 82272
Clear Inkjet Decal Paper (5 sheets) for this project
http://www.micromark.com/
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1. The
first step is to place the decal paper in the
printer--shiny side is print side. I use an Epson
Stylus C84 printer with archival water resistant
ink. Nevertheless, I wanted to be safe rather than
sorry and sprayed the dried printout with a couple
of thin coats of polyurethane clear spray. Any brand
spray works for me, but if your ink is finicky try
Krylon® Preserve It!®. Look it up at
http://www.krylon.com
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2. Let
the spray coating dry, then contour-cut selected
decals. There are at least 100 decals on my decal
page, so feel free to experiment...there’s plenty
left, plus you can print more!!
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3. Use
a little custard cup (or similar cup) and dip the
decal in water. You only hold it in water for a few
seconds.
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4.
Place decal on paper towel for approximately 60
seconds. This allows the water to moisturize the
glue backing of the decal. |
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5. Slide the decal
away from the paper backing. Use a pair of
tweezers to do these steps, it makes handling so
much easier than fumbling. |
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6.
Position the decal(s) on an item. This is a white
painted wood flower pot. If this pot had been
natural wood or a darker color, the clear decal
colors wouldn’t be as vibrant. White decals are
available, but you will have to cut the contour
perfectly with an X-acto knife so the uneven outline
found on the clear sample wouldn’t be noticed. |
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7. To
preserve the surface, spray a couple of light coats
of a clear polyurethane. |