Do you like using waterslide decals, but don’t like the process of having to seal them with a spray sealer & waiting for them to dry before using? Well, today I’m excited to try out the “No Spray” waterslide decals by Koala. I will share the pros and cons along with tips & directions on how to use them.
What are DIY Transfers?
If you’d like to craft using these printables or any printable graphics that you find online, you create your own DIY transfers.
There are a variety of transfer methods that you can use but here is a post with a video attached that gives more details on using waterslide decals along with four other DIY Transfer methods! 5 Easy Inkjet Printer DIY Image Transfers.
- Waterslide Decals
- “No Spray” Waterslide Decals (this is the kind we are testing out today!)
- Tissue Paper Transfers*
- Freezer Paper Transfers
- Rice Paper Transfers*
- Iron-On Transfers
Benefits of Creating & Using DIY Image Transfers
- You can create and use your own designs to transform your projects!
- UNLIMITED choices for designs
- You can print from 1000’s & 1000’s of available graphics and printables online
- DIY Transfers are usually less expensive than store-bought premade transfers
If you prefer watching a video tutorial here is the link that will take you over to my main channelhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/vIBDUVyuX2c?start=466&feature=oembed
Can I Remove a Waterslide Decal Once it’s Applied?
Yes, you can! I use warm water and a razor blade. Of course, please use caution with this method but it works well. I also read online that using vinegar works as well.
Keep in mind that I did not “bake” my decals onto their surface so I am not sure if when doing that they can scrape off. However, I’ve even scrapped off store-bought items using that method with success!
Where Can I Find Free Printables to use on my Decals?
You can find free printables that are ready to download & print, right here on my blog @ https://creativediypurpose.com/category/free-printables/ – Be sure to check back often for new ones!
You can also find beautiful VINTAGE printables over at TheGraphicsFairy.com, Karen offers both a wonderful free & paid version.
OR
If you’d like to learn how to create your own designs and printables just head over to my second channel on YouTube, Creative DIY Purpose DESIGN, where I offer video tutorials using Canva.
These printables and many more were created over at Canva! It is so fun & easy to use!
Unlock 1,000’s of Graphics & more with CanvaPro!** – I have created over 5.000 designs using Canva, it is very user-friendly and offers unlimited design options! Trust me if I can do it you can, too!
Creative DIY Purpose engages in affiliate marketing whereby we receive funds through clicks to our affiliate program through this website or through the sale of goods or services on or through this website. We also accept advertising and sponsorships from commercial businesses or receive other forms of advertising compensation. This disclosure is intended to comply with the US Federal Trade Commission Rules on marketing and advertising, as well as any other legal requirements which may apply. Our disclosure policy.
Tips for Successful Waterslide Decal Application
- Wait 5-10 minutes for the ink to dry on your page of decals before handling them.
- Find the happy medium between not soaking them for too long but soaking them long enough so the decal slides off the paper without too much force
- If you over soak your decals or they don’t stick properly to the surface of your project you can apply glue under the edges of the lofted decal with a paintbrush.*
*I had this happen on two of the wooden blocks because I soaked them too long. I applied Gorilla wood glue & it worked great.
Materials & Tools
- The items you want to apply the decals to
- Shallow dish with room temp water
- Scissors
- No Spray Waterslide Decal Paper
- Inkjet or laser printer (here is an HP Inkjet printer like mine)
- Clean cloth or paper towel
How to use “No Spray” Waterslide Decals
For today’s projects, I will be testing out “No Spray” Waterslide Decals by Koala.
- Find the images you want to print & transfer
- Gather your supplies
- Print your images onto the bright white side of the waterslide paper
- Cut out your images to the size desired
- Dip the decal into the dish of water (checking
- The decal is ready to apply when it can easily slide off the paper (you only want to slide it about half of an inch or less before applying to your item)
- Apply a few drops of water onto your item so that you can slide the decal into position.
- Lay the exposed part of the decal onto your item, keeping it in place with the side of your thumb.
- Gently pull the paper backing out from under the decal.
- Move your decal into place
- Remove bubbles with a clean cloth. Gently press down & slide the bubbles to the edge of the decal to escape.
- You can apply a sealer over the top of your finished project if you choose.
- I applied a coat of Krylon Triple Spray Sealer over the tags because I added ink around the edges and wanted to seal it in.
Pros of Using “No Spray” Waterslide Decals
- No need to spray with sealer prior to printing on
- Saves time
- Cost-effective transfer method vs buying rub on transfers
- Ease of use
- Good for both inkjet and laser printers
- If they don’t stick to the surface of your project it’s an easy fix (see above for tips)
Cons of Using “No Spray” Waterslide Decals
- It may take time to get the hang of it
- Does not stick to rough surface or cardboard
- Edges may lift up if they were soaked for too long OR decal may tear if having to force it off the back paper
- Having to paint the surface of your project white if you don’t want the white decal edges to be noticeable – They don’t come in a clear version
All in all, they worked well and were affordable. It gives us creators one more option to be able to create our own DIY transfers! Let me know if you give them a try & how you like them!
Shop This Post and My Favorite Products
- HP INKJET Printer (my HP model is no longer made but this is similar) – Basic, easy to use
- Rice Paper (for printable transfers)
- Reynold’s Freezer Paper – (for printable transfers)
- Waterslide Decal Paper (for inkjet printer)
- No Spray Waterslide Decals – white matte – (for inkjet or laser)
- Iron-On Transfers for light fabric (for inkjet printer)
- Mod Podge (32 oz. matte)
- Gesso Surface Prep Medium (16-oz white)
- Wax & Chalkpaint Brush
- Water-Based Poly Sealer (brush-on)
- Lavender (faux) just ordered & it is AMAZING for the price
*“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” Some links are affiliate links which I earn a small commission from at no extra cost to you.
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