New discovery with waterslides

**SALTYDAWG** · Oct-21-2009, 04:48 PM

I just discovered a new little trick for those of you that have been having trouble not being able to slide the decals around once they are placed on the rod.
Try this.... Save all the scrap decal paper, There is a lot of waste when you print them, And before you soak your actual decal, Soak one of the scraps, Slide the film off the backing and throw it away, Take the slimey side of the backing and rub it on the spot where you're putting your decal and dab a couple drops of water on it to keep it wet while you dip and apply your decal to the spot. It triples the time you have to slide the decal where you want it

reelumin · Oct-21-2009, 07:10 PM

nice. have to try that one..

DenisB · Oct-22-2009, 02:13 AM

He He .............its the water soluble adhesive between the decal & the backing paper thats doing it.
more adhesive in the area, longer tackfree time, You are increasing the volume of both water & adhesive under the decal to apply, because that adhesive you are rubbing on has water disolved in it too , most of the water has to dry before the decal adhesive tacks.
The evaporation rate is pretty much a constant for the area exposed around the decal.

Disclosure:
never done a decal in my life to date...........but have been reading TDS sheets from a multitude of manufacturers for weeks trying to find a waterslide holographic decal material.

Still no luck for me trying to find a holographic decal with a bit of flexibility to handle modest 3D curves.

would appreciate advice if anyone knows of a suitable holo decal material.

MKUHN138 · Oct-22-2009, 02:27 AM

Have you looked at the holographic paper from Papilio? It's not water slide, but supposedly produces good results...

FAT CAT · Oct-22-2009, 07:47 AM

Thanks Bill, for sharing your innovative ideas with those of us that aren't as blessed.

DenisB · Oct-22-2009, 12:57 PM

Thanks Matt
Not available ex-stock in OZ ............but its on the short list , if I cant find a waterslide.
The polyester based types of media most common with holo is fine for tubes , but doesnt handle 3D curves particularly well as it isn't quite flexible enough..........edges lift .