Waterslides Tips & Tricks

These tips go along with our Waterslide Decal Directions to help you get smooth, bubble-free results every time.

Tips for Applying Waterslide Decals

  1. Prep the surface. Wipe your mug or tumbler with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. Dust, oils, and fingerprints can keep the decal from sticking.
  2. Trim close. Cut the design out as close to the edge as you can for a clean, seamless look.
  3. Don't over-soak. Room-temperature water for 20-30 seconds is all it takes. Take it out as soon as the decal slides freely on the backing paper.
  4. Slide, don't lift. Hold the decal against your surface and gently slide the backing paper out from under it. Wet fingers make it easier to nudge the decal into place.
  5. Smooth from the center out. Use a soft squeegee, brush, or your finger to push out bubbles and excess water.
  6. Be patient. Let the decal dry completely for at least 12-24 hours before sealing.
  7. Seal for durability. Seal with epoxy or resin for a durable, glossy, long-lasting finish.

CLEAR vs. WHITE Paper

  • CLEAR works best on white or light-colored surfaces. Laser printers don't print white, so any white or very light parts of the design will show the color underneath.
  • WHITE makes colors pop on dark or colored surfaces, since the design has a solid white background.

Laser vs. Inkjet Waterslide Paper (Important!)

This is the biggest mix-up we see, so here's the difference:

  • Decals you buy from us are printed on LASER waterslide paper. Laser toner doesn't run in water, so our decals are ready to soak right out of the package. No sealing needed!
  • Printing at home on an INKJET printer? You need inkjet waterslide paper, not laser paper. Inkjet ink is water-based and will smear or wash away, so after printing you must let it dry and seal it with a few light coats of clear acrylic spray sealer before you soak it.
  • Never put inkjet prints on laser paper (or the other way around). The paper is made for one type of printer only and won't work right with the other.

Not sure what you have? Most home printers that use ink cartridges are inkjet. Laser printers use toner.

Sealers I Recommend for Inkjet Prints

These are the clear spray sealers I recommend for inkjet waterslide prints. Pick gloss for a shiny finish or matte for a softer look.

Gloss:

Matte:

How to seal: let your print dry completely first. Then spray 2-3 light, even coats from about 10-12 inches away, letting each coat dry before the next. Spray outside or somewhere with good airflow. Heavy coats can make the ink bleed, so light and even is the way to go!

Hayes Waterslide Paper

Printing your own? This is the paper I use for every order, and Hayes makes both laser and inkjet waterslide paper, so be sure to pick the one that matches your printer. Shop Hayes Paper and use code SCINOT for 15% off. You can also view the Hayes Paper laser waterslide instructions.

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