Creating beautiful, custom decals at home has never been easier, thanks to Gecko Paper’s high-quality waterslide decal paper.
Whether you’re adding personal touches to ceramics, glass, wood, or other surfaces, waterslide decals can help you achieve a professional-looking result.
But many DIYers wonder, “Do I need to use a waterslide decal sealer?” Let’s dive into when a sealer is necessary and how it can impact your final design.
Do I Need to Use Waterslide Decal Sealer?
The answer to this question depends on the type of printer you’re using. For anyone using an inkjet printer, sealing your waterslide decal is essential.
Here’s why:
Inkjet Printers and Sealing: When you print on waterslide decal paper with an inkjet printer, the ink remains water-soluble, meaning it can easily smear or wash off.
Applying a waterslide decal sealer over your printed design will lock the ink in place, making it waterproof and ready for transfer.
The sealer creates a protective layer that prevents the ink from running when it’s immersed in water, preserving your design in vibrant, clear colours.
Laser Printers Don’t Require Sealing: For those using a laser printer, sealing isn’t necessary. Laser printers use toner rather than ink, and the toner bonds directly to the decal paper, making it waterproof and ready for application without a sealer.
This is a significant benefit for anyone with a laser printer, as it streamlines the process and eliminates the extra sealing step.
How to Seal Inkjet Waterslide Decals
If you’re using Gecko Paper’s waterslide decal paper with an inkjet printer, follow these steps to properly seal your decal for a lasting, beautiful result:
Choose the Right Sealer: A clear acrylic sealer spray works best for sealing waterslide decals. Look for brands labelled specifically as waterproof and compatible with inkjet decals.
Apply Multiple Light Coats: It’s usually best to apply 2-3 light coats of sealer, allowing each coat to dry fully before applying the next. This gradual build up ensures an even protective layer without causing the ink to bleed or run.
Dry Completely: After the final coat, make sure to let the sealer dry thoroughly before cutting and applying your decal. This will give the best results and prevent any smudging during transfer.
When Sealing is Essential for Longevity
For certain projects and surfaces, sealing is especially recommended, even if you’re working with a laser printer.
If you’re applying your waterslide decals to items that will be handled frequently, washed, or exposed to water or sunlight, sealing adds an extra layer of durability.
This is particularly useful for items like:
Coffee Mugs and Drinkware: Constant washing and handling can wear down decals, so sealing ensures they stay vibrant.
Outdoor Decor: If your decal project will be exposed to sunlight or moisture, sealing can prevent fading and wear.
High-Use Items: Plates, trays, or other functional items may benefit from a sealer to preserve the design against regular use.
Gecko Paper’s Waterslide Decal Paper – Perfect for All Projects
At Gecko Paper, we make waterslide decal paper for both inkjet and laser printers, so you can create stunning, professional-quality decals right from home.
By following these simple steps and understanding when to use a sealer, you’ll be ready to bring your creative ideas to life on nearly any surface.
So, if you’re using an inkjet printer, remember that a sealer is a must to protect your design and ensure vibrant, long-lasting decals.
And if you have a laser printer, feel free to skip the sealant step – your design will be ready to go!
With Gecko Paper’s waterslide decal paper, you’ll have everything you need to make custom, high-quality decals that look great on everything from ceramics to wood and glass.
Happy creating!
You can check out our range of Waterslide Decal transfer papers by clicking here!
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