Water Slide Decal Paper

Our water slide decal paper lets you print your own decals at home, in a studio or on a production line, then apply them to mugs, tumblers, glass, ceramics, plastics, painted metal, candles, wax and almost any smooth, non-porous surface. Choose clear or white base, standard or thin film, and blue-backing sheets that release more easily on dark substrates.

Inkjet or laser? Match the paper to your printer

Inkjet paper carries an ink-receptive coating that holds water-based dye and pigment inks. Laser paper is engineered for toner and fuser heat, so it will not jam or blister inside the machine. Using the wrong sheet is the most common cause of smeared ink, faded colour and curled edges. Tell us your printer model and we will point you to the grade that suits it.

Clear base vs white base

Clear paper prints transparent, so the background of your artwork disappears and only the design remains visible. It is the right choice for glass, white ceramics and light-coloured surfaces. White paper carries an opaque white layer behind the ink, which keeps colours true and readable on dark, transparent or coloured substrates such as black tumblers, dark glass bottles and coloured plastics. If you are unsure, the clear vs white base guide walks through both options side by side.

Thin film, thick film and film-free

Thin film conforms tightly to curved surfaces, rivets and narrow edges, which makes it a favourite for model builders and small promotional items. Thick film is easier to handle and less prone to folding on itself, so it suits beginners and larger graphics. Film-free paper dissolves its carrier completely and leaves only the printed ink behind, giving a painted-on look with no visible edge on glass and clear-coated surfaces.

What blue backing paper is for

Blue backing is a release liner, not a different ink system. The coloured backing slides off more easily and stays visible while you work, which reduces the chance of losing the decal in a bowl of water. It is also easier to spot on a busy workbench, so many workshops prefer it for training and high-volume production.

Print, seal and apply

Step 1 - Print. Set your printer to the highest quality photo mode and print on the coated side of the sheet. Allow the ink to dry completely before touching the surface.

Step 2 - Seal. Apply two light coats of clear acrylic spray, letting each coat dry. Sealing protects the ink from water during application and from wear afterwards.

Step 3 - Apply. Cut close to the artwork, soak the decal for 20 to 30 seconds until the film starts to slide, then position it on the substrate and smooth out water and air with a soft squeegee. Full instructions are in our waterslide application guide.

Applications our customers print every day

• Model car, motorcycle and aircraft liveries in 1:64, 1:43, 1:24 and 1:18 scale
• Tumbler, mug and bottle branding for small-batch drinkware sellers
• Glass jars, candles and wax melts for gift and home-fragrance lines
• Nail art, temporary tattoos and event merchandise
• Packaging, window graphics and product labels

Wholesale and OEM supply

We manufacture decal paper in bulk for distributors, print shops and private-label brands. Sheet sizes, pack quantities and packaging can be produced to your specification, and our team can advise on the grade that fits your printer and substrate. See the full range in our decal paper category, or explore scale model decals and ceramic decals if you would rather have us print and finish the decals for you.

Not sure which sheet to start with? Send us your printer model and the surface you are decorating and we will recommend a grade before you buy.