Waterslide Decal Paper is great for conveniently printing clear decals (or stickers) that can be applied gently and repositioned before they set. Famously used by professionals and hobbyists to personalize homeware, models, as well as dishwasher-safe kitchenware (using Film-Free Waterslide Decal Paper), but it's applications don't stop there. Maybe Metallic Waterslide Decal Paper is more your style?

In this short guide we will demonstrate how to decorate Easter Eggs (and other surfaces) using images from your own home or office printer.

Instructions

Step 1: Eggs

Boil your eggs, no special preparation required. Let them cool down after boiling for easier handling. No drying necessary.

Step 2: Edit

Since eggs are oval, we are going to print multiple smaller images. This will be easier to apply and reduces image stretching.

Step 3: Print

Make sure your Printer Settings have been set accordingly:

If your printer has one, we advise you to use the manual feed in your printer (not the paper tray).

Print on the glossy side of the transfer paper.

Step 4: Cut

If you are using the clear version, edges left around the image will be practically invisible, but slightly reflective, so you may want to cut closer depending on your desired result.

You can store these decals for later or use them right away.

Step 5: Submerge

 The backing is meant to slide, but do not take off the backing yet.

Step 6: Apply

Place the decal down with the image facing away from the surface.

Gently slide the decal onto the surface, and slide out the remaining backing from underneath.

Once the decal is in the desired position, gently remove any excess moisture by using a squeegee. A tissue is useful for wiping away excess water.

You can gradually press down harder to squeeze out any excess moisture, while the adhesion starts to secure the image.

The decal will start to look dry if done correctly.

Finished!

You can now create any additional decorations such as making an Easter Egg Basket.

The adhesion will strengthen over time, but should be fine right away for fragile items such as Easter Eggs.

Washing

A few hours after drying, the decal can be washed by hand if necessary.

How can I maximise longevity and durability?

We recommend choosing an appropriate finish for your project, such as W1 Top Coat, Epoxy Resin, Clear Acrylic Sealant, Mod Podge, Clear Polyurethane Spray, Ceramic Glaze. This will protect your decal and allows you to make the finish glossier or more mattified.

How can I print white?

Domestic Printers are designed to print onto white paper, as such, white ink isn't included. You may need to use a White Toner Laser Printer, usually available at your nearest printing service.

How can I improve the visibility on dark surfaces?

600 DPI (Dots Per Inch) is plentyful. However if you want even richer colors and detail, a higher DPI printer will pack more pigment into an area with fewer gaps between the toner (dots). This is often unnecessary unless working on very tiny transfers (miniatures and dioramas), however is noticible side by side.

If you have any questions, difficulties or need some advice, feel free to contact us. We'll be more than happy to help.