waterslide decal question

[powerplayj]

I it imperative to soak the decal prior to removing it and placing it on the enclosure?  It seems that I have no luck with smaller decal cutouts as opposed to using largers one.  The smaller cutouts seem to bunch up once they are wet and are quite cumbersome.

[GibsonGM]

Try soaking it until it will slide a little on the backing paper - don't let it go so long it comes free of the paper...get it like 1/8" off the paper, and touch that edge to the stompbox where you want it.  Then, holding the decal at approx. 45 degrees, slide the paper off the back while pressing the exposed edge down onto the box.  This keeps it from rolling, and allows you to get the decal down without air under it.  I then GENTLY pat it with a dust-free cloth to make sure it adheres.  When dry, a couple of coats of clear keep it from coming up at the edges.  Using some patience and a couple of tries will help you get the hang of it. 

Putting a little vinegar in the warm water you soak the decal in will help, too...maybe 1 capful of white vinegar in 8 oz. of water works for me as a "decal softener"...trick is in knowing when to try to apply the thing, before it loses all friction with the backing, but not before it will come free or you may tear it.

Hope this helps!   

[Pushtone]

Man, I know what you mean about the bunching!

To solve the problem I have been giving WSD three coats of clear right out of the printer.
Makes is slightly more rigid to push around and helps resist tearing the larger ones.

It also solved a problem I was having with small bits of toner flaking off during handling.

Are you currently clear coating your decals?

[markm]

Here's a nice little trick,
Dip and hold the decal in the water a few seconds, take it out and lay it backside down on a moist paper towel and let it sit there for about a minute or so, pick it up and apply it by sliding it off of the backing onto the spot you want it.
Oh yeah, put a small dab of water on the enclosure where the decal is going to be, this will make it easier to move it around into position and helps to eliminate air bubbles.