Waterslide decal paper

[Fred Bruche]

Not sure where this goes, so let's try the casual way :)
I am looking at getting started with applying logos to pens (possible business with a real estate agent acquaintance) and since colors are needed then decal paper seems the way to go. I am planning to print using a laser printer and there seem to be quite a few options from different vendors. Brief questions: Are all these papers created equal? If you have found that some are better than others, please share your favorite brand.
Thank you!
Fred

[More4dan]

Following, I too would like to hear folks answers. Also, do you coat them before casting and if so with what and for what resin. Thanks.


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[larryc]

I have used the Testors Decal Paper from Hobby Lobby.
I print the decal. Let it set overnight
I spray with Krylon Non-yellowing Clear Gloss
Let it set overnight.
Another coat of Krylon
Let it set overnight.
Apply to the pen blank.
Let it set overnight.
Coat with 6 coats of CA.
Let it set overnight.

[Dave Turner]

I have limited experience with decals, but the few times I tried it, it worked very nicely. I used Blinggasm Waterslide Decal Paper from Amazon and pretty much the same technique that Larry specified. It's most cost effective to print an entire sheet of decals at once. Then a couple coats of Krylon Clear Acrylic Coating Spray to fix the ink onto the decal sheet. Then cut up the individual decals and water slide them to your blanks. I messed around with some Micro Sol Setting solution, but am not sure it really made any difference. Once dried onto the blank, I put multiple coats of CA over it until the decal "disappeared" into the CA. It came out really nice.

[MillerTurnings]

I believe most people use ink jet printers, not laser. It has to do with the way toner is "stuck" to the paper, and not soaked in.

[Rick_G]

I've only used the lazertran paper, couldn't find any other around here. It's ok but it seems like a little more work than some of the others. Print it and then if applying to wood you soak the area where the decal is going with real turpentine it then drys with a white background. To get a clear background you cover with an oil based poly and the white turns clear. If I am doing pens I then put my normal CA finish on.

[Fred Bruche]

Thanks everybody for the help and suggestions, I just placed some orders and sounds like I now have a plan for next weekend :)