Inkjet Waterslide Decal Paper

General Description: Papilio Inkjet Waterslide Decals

Waterslide Decal Papers are one of Papilio's thinnest product offerings and when applied can give the illusion of being painted on to a target. Unlike most decal papers, which are typically peel and stick applications, Waterslides are applied using water to activate the adhesive properties of the sheet itself. This unique method of application allows Waterslide Decal Paper to be used on a wide variety of surfaces including glass, plastics, ceramics, porcelain, smooth metals, candles and more.

Papilio Inkjet Waterslide Decal Paper is available in white or clear, 8.5" x 11" sheets. For first time users, try one of our Waterslide Starter kits that contain all you need to get started.

Inkjet Waterslide Decal Paper consists of an inkjet printable film membrane layered on top of 125gsm cardstock. Using a dye based inkjet printer, a user can print their design, apply a layer of Papilio's Decal Fixative chemical (aerosol or brush-on) and then submerge their decal in water. After about 30 seconds, the printed film membrane begins to seperate from the cardstock and may be carefully slid onto your target surface, transferring the printed image. Inkjet inks are naturally water soluble so it is imperative the printed design be coated with a Decal Fixative aerosol (ASCF12FLOZ), or brush-on Fixative (PDF4FLOZ) prior to submerging them in water. The Decal Fixative serves as a water barrier to ensure inks are not washed away.

When applying a waterslide decal, it is often helpful to first lubricate the target surface using Papilio's Decal Mounting Fluid. This liquid greatly increases the ease of use and application of a waterslide decal.

Once applied, Papilio's LLA5000 UV Laminate Spray may be used as a top-coat for the decal to add a level of environmental protection to prevent scratching, resist UV light and particularly against water.

When planning your project, it's best to use Papilio White Waterslide Decal Paper on targets that are colored or naturally dark. Using White Waterslide decal paper will ensure image fidelity and color loss does not occur regardless of target surface color.

Papilio Inkjet Waterslide Decal Paper - How it works

First print your image onto the glossy side of the Papilio Inkjet Waterslide Decal Paper
Allow the ink to dry fully, approximately 10-20 minutes
Use Papilio Aerosol Decal Fixative, or Papilio Liquid Decal Fixative and apply an even coat across the printed image
Allow Decal Fixative to dry for approximately 20 - 30 minutes
Use scissors or an X-Acto knife to cut out your decal
Apply a few drops of Papilio Decal Mounting Fluid to your target where the decal will be placed
Place the cut decal into a bowl of warm water for approximately 20 - 30 seconds
Using your fingers, slide the decal off of the liner and onto your target coated with Papilio Decal Mounting Fluid
Use a Papilio Decal Squeegee to position and flatten the decal, squeezing any air bubbles to the side
Finish.

Applications of Papilio Inkjet Decal Paper Include:

Scale models, hobby railroad, candles, acrylic nails, dinner ware and ceramics, guitars and more!

Most dye based inkjet printers. This media is not recommended for use with Epson based Claria or Durabrite inks without Papilio's Inkfreeze Pigment Drying Agent. This fine powder absorbs excess ink and allows it dry properly. Pigment inks from other hardware manufacturers, such as HP Vivera, or Canon may need additional drying time for ink to fully cure.

When applied to a plate or glassware, can these decals be machine / handwashed?

These decals are recommended strictly for decorate purposes and not intended to be handwashed, or machine washed. Constant handling can cause the decal to rub off of the substrate.

Can Papilio Inkjet Waterslide Decals be applied to candles?

Waterslides can be used to customize candles, or cylindrical glass used to contain candles.

Is there a version of Papilio Inkjet Waterslide Decal Paper with a blue based backing paper?

At this time, the liner of our waterslide media comes strictly in white.

Is it better to use the Papilio Aerosol Decal Fixative (ASCF12FLOZ), or the brush-on liquid?

Provided the image is thoroughly coated to ensure water is not granted any access to the inks of the printed image, either may be used to equal effect. Determining which to use will be personal preference.