Using Water Slide Decals

Finding blank water slide decal sheets and printing my own decals has opened up a whole new world of crafting for me!

You can use water slide decals on wood, soap, paper, glass, and candles.

I have been using vintage decals I found at an antique store years ago and have been unable to find any since.

I started Goggling around and found blank decal paper, Eureka!  Available for ink jet or laser printers. 

I am probably the last crafter out there who did not know about this!

I put together a page of graphics from the Graphics Fairy.  I have a Mac computer that has a wonderful program allowing me to resize and merge images.  If you don't have this ability, Graphic Fairies has many collage sheets available. 

I first printed a plain sheet of paper and made sure I had everything sized right for my projects.

Then I printed on the decal paper, let it dry at least 30 minutes

After it has dried spray the paper with 2-3 coats of Krylon acrylic clear coat spray (Available at Michaels here in Orlando, but check the Krylon website for locations in your area ), letting it dry between coats

I have just recently used

Krylon crystal clear/clear gloss- This is less expensive and easier to find -Spray 2-3 coats, drying between coats

I was also thrilled to find Krylon triple thick crystal clear glaze requiring only 1 coat

Cut out your picture close to the edge and put it in luke warm water for about 15-30 seconds until the decal slides off the paper

 The decal will slide right off.

Lay your picture on your project surface and then slide the backing paper out.

You could print photo's and personalize anything.

I have all sorts of ideas for holidays

Instead of "buttons" you could put a name or photo.

What fun for party and shower favors.

I wrapped 2 of the soaps in clear paper that shrinks with heat and added some pearls

I recommend you order the water slide decals from

 Robin's Eggcetera  

I have tried many different brands of decal paper, but have found that they are not all the same or good quality which is why I recommend Robins Eggcetera

A few tips to save you from my mistakes!

I found 2-3 coats of acrylic spray worked the best, it made the decals stiffer and less likely to crinkle or curl. Apply a real "wet" coat not just a light "dry" coat, if you do not apply a wet coat it will not seal your ink and when you get it wet the ink will come off

Since the decals are somewhat transparent they only worked well on white, clear, or light objects, the graphics disappeared on dark objects.

I can see your creative minds whirling, just think of the possibilities!  

Here is some projects using the decals
Ornaments
Pictures
Step stools
Telephone table
Bottles
Wedding hangers
Curio cabinet

Happy Creating!

Carol

Wassup Wednesday@Elements Interiors
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