Application Tips and Advice

While waterslide decals are not difficult to apply they are delicate, and therefore require care when handling. Our waterslide decals are thin making it easy to achieve a perfect edge free finish provided the application instructions, which we include with every order, are followed closely.

We also have a few top-tips and notes regarding the use of waterslide decals:

• The water you soak the decal in should not be hot - room temperature is ideal.
• Waterslide decals cannot be applied to oiled surfaces, such as wood that has been finished with Tru-Oil. It must be applied to non-oily, clean, smooth, non porous surfaces such as lacquered wood or metal.
• Waterslide decals must be lacquered over after applying to seal them in and protect them from damage. Unlike vinyl transfers they do have inherent strength or resistance against knocks and abrasions.
• The first coats of lacquer should be fine mist coats of spray lacquer; brush, sponge or wipe on varnish cannot be used.
• Proper surface preparation is crucial to achieving a high quality finish.
• We include an offcut of our waterslide transfer material with each order - please practice with this piece before applying your actual decal so that you have an idea of how the material behaves.
• All of our waterslide decals - both standard and custom designs - are printed to order and are therefore exempt from our standard returns policy. A replacement will be offered if the decal is proven to be defective, but not if it has been applied incorrectly.