Custom Decal Production & Waterslide

Transparent: background shows through, best for light ceramic. Opaque: includes white background, best for dark or colored ceramics. Choose based on your blank color—transparent on dark produces muddy colors; opaque on light wastes ink.

You likely forgot to flip the artwork before printing. Waterslide requires artwork to be horizontally mirrored (flipped left-right) in your design software before printing. Always mirror text and logos—otherwise they appear reversed on the final product.

Torn decals usually result from: not soaking long enough (30 seconds minimum), pulling too hard, or water too hot (causes premature adhesive activation). Soak at least 30 seconds, slide gently with water support, and use room-temperature water.

Properly heat-set decals survive 100+ washes and normal daily use. Wash by hand or in the dishwasher (after full cure). Avoid bleach and abrasive scrubbing. Longevity depends on ceramic quality and ink type—premium inks and glazed ceramics last longest.

Not successfully. Unglazed ceramic is porous and won't accept the decal transfer. Use only glossy-glazed or sealed ceramic blanks. If your ceramic is matte, apply clear gloss coating first and allow to fully cure before applying decal.

300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes is the standard. Temperatures vary by ceramic type and ink; follow your waterslide paper manufacturer's instructions. Too low = adhesion fails; too high = colors fade or shift. Always test on scrap blanks first.