{{Short description|Type of decal}} {{About|the decal|the water-based amusement|Water slide}} {{More citations needed|date=August 2022}} [[File:Water slide decal.jpg|thumb|An example of a vintage water slide decal on its white backing paper]] '''Water slide decals''' (or '''water transfer decals''') are [[decal]]s which rely on [[dextrose]] residue from the decal paper to bond the decal to a surface. A water-based adhesive layer can be added to the decal to create a stronger bond or may be placed between layers of [[lacquer]] to create a durable decal transfer. The paper also has a layer of glucose film added prior to the dextrose layer which gives it adhesive properties; the dextrose layer gives the decal the ability to slide off the paper and onto the substrate ([[lubricity]]).
[[File:Waterslide decal.JPG]]
Water slide decals are thinner than many other decorative techniques (such as [[polyvinyl chloride|vinyl]] stickers) and as they are printed, they can be produced to a very high [[Level of detail (computer graphics)|level of detail]]. As such, they are popular in craft areas such as [[scale modeling]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=paint - 30 year old water-slide decals. Are they still usable? |url=https://drones.stackexchange.com/questions/1658/30-year-old-water-slide-decals-are-they-still-usable |access-date=2022-08-14 |website=Drones and Model Aircraft Stack Exchange |language=en}}</ref> as well as for labeling [[DIY]] electronics devices, such as [[guitar pedal]]s. [[File:Water slide decal instructions.jpg|thumb|Instructions for use printed on the back of the above decal]] Previously, water slide decals were professionally printed and only available in supplied designs, but with the advent of printable decal paper for colour [[inkjet]] and [[laser printer]]s, custom decals can now be produced by the hobbyist or small business.
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Water Slide Decal}} [[Category:Scale modeling]] [[Category:Adhesives]]
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