How to Make a Waterslide Decal with Silhouette for Beginners

Waterslide decal paper is a thin, printable material that can be used instead of adhesive vinyl for some - but not all Silhouette projects.

You can use it on wood, ceramics, tumblers, glass, candles and more - all without almost no 'hand' (aka you can't feel it on the surface).

For your first waterslide decal I would suggest you use clear waterslide paper and a white surface. I'll explain more on why in a minute.

Here's how waterslide paper works. 

How to Set Up a Waterslide Decal in Silhouette Studio

You'll start in Silhouette Studio like any other print and cut design. However, most waterslide paper is A4 size so adjust the material size from the Page Setup panel. Add registration marks to the work area as well.

If this is your first waterslide decal I would suggest you pick a design that is pretty much one solid piece to make it easier to work with when you go to slide it on the surface.  This one is available in the Must Have Summer SVG Bundle.

If you you are using clear waterslide paper, as I suggest for your first waterslide design, add an offset around the design.

The reason I like clear waterslide paper and a white surface for beginners is clear waterslide allows you to add a rather large offset cut line around your design.  This makes handling the cut design much easier while you are transferring it. The clear areas will not be visible while the colored printed areas, on the white background, will be very vibrant.

Make sure your printer and print settings are correctly set up for A4 paper then send your design to print on your inkjet printer.

Wait a few minutes for the ink to dry before removing it from the printer.

Preparing Waterslide Paper to Cut with Silhouette CAMEO or Portrait

You now need to spray three coats of clear sealer on the waterslide paper.  I use Kyrlon Crystal Clear Acrylic Spray for this step. Spray a light, even coat over the printed area of the decal. Wait about a minute and repeat...and then repeat again.

After the third and final layer wait about five minutes before moving on to cut your design.

How to Cut a Waterslide Decal with Silhouette CAMEO

Place the printed sheet of waterslide paper on a Silhouette cutting mat. In Silhouette Studio move to the Send panel. Select the design and click "Cut Edge" so only the outer offset line cuts.

The best Silhouette cut settings for waterslide paper are:

Blade: 3

Force: 33

Speed: 4

Pass: 1

When you're ready send the design to cut.

How to Apply a Waterslide Decal

Fill a shallow dish with room temperature water.

Place the decal into the water. It will start to curl up but hold it under the water gently.

You want to remove the decal from the water after about 30 seconds...or when the decals start too slide off the backing. Do not let it sit in the water too long or it will start to lift off the backing making it difficult to pick up and transfer. 

Place the decal on your surface and start to slide the backing out carefully.

Use your finger to gently work out any wrinkles or bubbles. If you need to move your design slightly you can shift it around - that's the nice thing about waterslide you have a little bit of flexibility when positioning.

Let it dry for a few hours. If you're using waterslide on ceramics you should bake in the oven at 230 degrees for about 15 minutes to cure.

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