Having a strong desire to adorn things with personalized pictures reflects someone’s inner self. If you enjoy customizing your rooms, walls, doors, or other things, decals are an excellent choice. A decal is essentially a type of paper that allows you to transfer photos or designs to another surface.
There are several techniques for creating decals, one of which is to use an inkjet printer. Making decals using an inkjet printer is often a challenging job at times since it demands delicacy to produce an accurate result. Not only that, you must be carried out meticulously in order to get a good finish. However, don’t get too worked up over it.
This article will show you how to make decals with inkjet printers. Continue reading to find out more.
How To Make Decals With Inkjet Printer: Step By Step Procedure
Making decals using an inkjet printer entails not only printing graphics on a particular sheet, but also transferring the designs correctly.
We’ve given you step-by-step guidance on how to make decals with an inkjet printer in this post. All you have to do now is follow the easy instructions outlined below.
Collect All Necessary Materials
Making decals using an inkjet printer necessitates a lengthy list of supplies. Whenever you begin, double-check that they are within your grasp. You may save time by gathering all of these items in one location. We’ve made a step-by-step list of those items.
An Inkjet printer
You should keep an inkjet printer at the top of your priority list. After all, if you’re going to make decals using an inkjet printer. You need such an inkjet printer that allows you to print water slide decals as well as gives excellent prints. Try to get the right one within your budget.
Graphics Tablet
A graphics tablet is a gadget that resembles a tablet computer. Using your fingertips or a special stylus, you can draw lines, make designs, and modify pictures. Using a graphics tablet to make decals will make the procedure much easier and faster. This tool, meanwhile, is not compulsory; you may replace it with a picture editor.
Waterslide Transfer Paper
This is a unique paper that allows you to transfer pictures and patterns to any surface with ease. The nicest feature about these sheets is that they can be used to transfer pictures on glasses, mugs, dishes, and other objects. It’s also quite long-lasting. You can find them from your nearest craft store.
Knife For Crafting
To produce such crisp and clean cuts, you’ll need a design craft instrument.
Spray With Acrylic
You’ll need to use an acrylic sealant to finish the job professionally. You can purchase it from any neighborhood store.
File For Digital Design
Your selected design must be saved as a file.
Easy Steps Of Making Decal
Gather the things listed above then follow the instructions carefully. And make sure, the media you’re planning to use is suitable for your inkjet printer. Now, let’s see the simple procedure of making decals with inkjet printers.
Step 1: Turn On Your Devices
The very first step is to switch on your computer and inkjet printer. Meanwhile, ensure that the printer is securely linked to the computer. Having a top-notch mac and pc compatible printer will give you great convenience.
Step 2: Prepare The Image
If you want to create a decal from a photo, you must first download the file. You must access in to download the file that contains the selected decal picture. Once you’ve downloaded the picture file, you may alter it as you like. You may do the task using any editing software.
Moreover, you may also scan your desired design if it is on paper. Always keep in mind that a high-quality photograph will yield the greatest outcomes. Furthermore, if you have graphic design skills, you may even create your ideas and draw them out on a graphics tablet or just in a picture editor.
Step 3: Place The Photo paper Carefully
After that, place the photo paper into your printer’s paper tray. Also, ensuring the coated side faces the inkjet head. Then, adjust the printer according to the manufacturers’ instructions setting for the transfer paper.
Step 4: Print And Dry
Now, print the desired design onto the transfer paper and then let it dry completely. It is important to allow it to dry before proceeding with any of the subsequent processing.
Step 5: Use Acrylic Sealer
Thereafter, take out the printing and use the acrylic sealer spray on the art side. Two applications of acrylic sealer should usually suffice, however, some manufacturers suggest spraying multiple layers of acrylic sealant on their transfer paper. However, you should wait for each sealant coat to set properly before proceeding on to the next.
Step 6: Shape The Decal
With one hand, you have to flatten the printout. Meanwhile, with the other hand, use a craft knife to gently cut away the decal. If the transferring paper is visible, try to allow a quarter-inch margin all around the decal. Therefore, leave no border while your transfer paper is white.
Step 7: Soak The Decal
Pour two inches of water into a bowl. From there, drop the transfer paper into the ink. The decal can perhaps curl a little, however, after a while, it will fully extend. Let the decal soak for the length of time recommended on the container. Once you can glide it back and forth through your fingers, it’s time to take it from the water.
Also Read- Best Wireless Printer Under $100
Step 8: The Finishing Touch
Remove the decal from the bowl while leaving it on the backing. Pull one side approximately a quarter-inch away from the backing. Whereupon set the decal on the desired things. Wipe away as much liquid as possible using a paper towel from the center to the borders. Wait for it to completely dry.
Final Remarks
Making a decal is a great way to express yourself creatively. You may use the transfer paper anyplace since it is so basic to use. After reading this article, we believe you now know how to make decals with an inkjet printer
Nevertheless, you might not get it right the first time, but after a few tries, you’ll become capable of creating perfect decals. So don’t give up if things don’t work out on the first try.