Things to know before trying to use Water Slide Decals

[Andi]

I print four pedal toppers per A4 sheet (onto 1590BBs). I do the normal drill, prime, paint, clearcoat, ensuring these layers have cured properly. I then cut out the decal (I always put a border on) with a scalpel and straightedge, soak it until the decal is pretty much floating off of its own accord, then pull the decal from the water, shake gently to dislodge as much water as possible and gently manoeuvre into position.

I leave it 24 hours to "set", then clearcoat several layers. Once that's cured properly I use a scalpel to cut the decal away over the holes (apart from the locator tab holes for toggles and pots).

This seems to be pretty reliable.

I laser print all my decals - I have an HP LJ4000 for B&W and a Samsung CLP-315W for colour, and neither needs the decal to be clearcoated before soaking.