This refers to a special type of paper that can have a pattern or image printed on it then transferred it to a clean surface upon contact. This is usually done with the aid of water or heat. The decal is composed of layers from top to bottom. The top layer is made of a paper or a film-stock face on which printing is done. The adhesive layer follows the face stock layer on the bottom side. A silicon layer then follows and is applied to the upper side of the backing material. Finally, film lines form the last layer, which is the bottom layer of the label stock.
There exist different types of decal paper with each of them having distinct applications.
1. Inkjet Decals
With this type of decal paper, you can create your own water slide decals using an inkjet printer. You can also use this type to turn your own custom designs into decals. These decals can be applied to any smooth but non porous surfaces such as glass, metal, ceramic ware, wood carvings, furniture, candles, model airplanes and railroads, book covers, albums, and picture frames among others. Decorative inkjet water-slide decals make art projects easy to make and fun at the same time.
2. Laser Decals
You can use this type to make a water slide model decal for trains, planes, and also automobiles. You can also develop your own water mount model decal for models such as die-cast cars, ships, rockets, airplanes, model railroads and others. Water slip decals help in customizing models with logos, initials, signatures and signs. This makes a creative look original. Model decals can be printed using an Alps printer, a laser printer, or a color. It is important to note that this type of papers must be used as soon as the printer to be used is turned on. This prevents the paper from melting on the Fuser.
3. Tattoo Decals
This type is designed to create personal temporary and removable tattoos for the skin. This type of paper is fun and also easy to use and your own imagination level determines the level of creativity you get to. You can now make custom tattoos with different designs, artwork, and logos in a short time.
4. Ceramic Decals
This is a type of decal paper that can be applied on ceramic tiles, wood, metal, glass, acrylic, furniture, mirrors, and candles with the result looking just like an original art on any surface. The paper is also easy and quick to remove. They are not used on surfaces that wrinkle or fabrics that can be washed. It is also not preferred in the kitchen back splash area, shower, or walls. The major benefit of using this type of decal is that when you want to remove the decals, sponge, soap and water works well to give you back ceramic tiles as they were.
5. Sublimation Paper
This is a process where a dye printed image is applied to a coated surface such as metals, ceramics and clothing made of polyester. You only need the transfer paper, ink, heat, and pressure. The process begins with heating under controlled pressure and time. This type of designing only works on tiles, mugs, metals, and other ceramics which are made with special coating for them to accept the sublimation inks because you cannot apply the coating yourself.
If you are looking for a hobby that is craft based that will keep you happy for hours then there is no need to look any further. You can have great fun with decal paper which is available in inkjet, laser, tattoo and ceramic forms so that you can do wild things with them that are only limited by your imagination. You can decorate glass and ceramic ware, your furniture, your photo albums, model trains, cars and boats, and even yourself with the tattoo deal paper.
