Waterslide decal question

**Gabriel** · 13th May 2016, 09:00 PM

Hey all,

I have looked through a number of posts after doing a search but didn't really find an answer to my question, so hopefully someone can give me a hint.

I am currently making a dozen pens for a company that is giving them away as a 'we have been in business 2 years' sort of deal. They asked for timber pens, and I'm putting a waterslide decal (printed on laser paper) directly onto the pen. I.E. most of the slides I have seen used were on the tubes themselves then cast in resin. I am putting it onto an almost finished pen.

As I am using clear decal paper, the timber will show through some of the lettering of the logo, so I thought it best to put a finish on the timber, then add the decal, then apply more finish.

I am using ca as per timberbits method - 20 coats applied with paper towel. I find it works really well for me - I know the number of coats is probably a little high, but i'd prefer to put too many than not enough (and hopefully never have an annoyed customer).

I have applied 10 coats of ca, micromesh so the shine showing through the decal is consistent with a finished product, and I then plan on putting my decal onto the pen, then putting another 10 coats of ca before micromeshing it for a final shine

So here is my question - has anyone applied a ca finish to a decal directly? Does the pressure from the paper towel wipe the decal right off?

The main reason for the question is that I don't think I want to use a spray pack of clear on it (I understand this is the usual method when applying a decal to a tube) and I like the durability of the ca finish.

I know I could (and probably will experiment a little) but thought I'd ask here to avoid any major disasters and see others opinions.....

Thanks a bunch (I will post pictures once they're done - some pretty nice looking blanks I'm using)

Gabriel

**Sawdust Maker** · 13th May 2016, 09:22 PM

I'm interested in the answer as well

**MBUMIK** · 13th May 2016, 11:59 PM

if your doing the CA the way David does then there is no pressure, just use an ample amount of CA on the cloth for the first coat,that way the towel wont pick up an edge

after the first coat it wont matter if the towel touches

thats basically how i seal the labels and paintings i have done before casting them

MIK

**Les in Red Deer** · 14th May 2016, 12:37 AM

I use MINWAX WBOM Polyurethane using my Dipping Method.

Les

**TongueTied** · 14th May 2016, 01:42 AM

Haven't done this myself yet but want to try. However, I have done a fair bit with waterslide decals. First thing, make sure the CA you are using isn't going to discolour the decal so, do a test piece. Once you slide the decal on and position it, dab off any excess water and then wait and wait some more. You want that decal to be dry before proceeding. If the decal is dry, I doubt the quick coat of thin CA is going to cause the decal to slide off again. Once that first coat is on, you should be fine. However, the best way to make sure it to do a test. Try it and see how you get on. Good luck.

**Gabriel** · 14th May 2016, 07:58 AM

Thanks all,

That's the information I was hoping for and kinda expected, but I love having a few other opinions to back my theories before trying it.

Les, I have read your dipping method and been meaning to try it a number of times but just haven't gotten round to it (even got the wop on the shelf ready! !) - one day

I'll get a couple of slides on this afternoon, and try finishing it off tomorrow and let you know of my success! !(if it's a fail I'll let you know as well, after I've stopped swearing at myself)

Thanks again all
Gab

**Gabriel** · 17th May 2016, 07:50 PM

Just to follow up, happy to announce what I would call an absolute success! !
Thanks for the input and ideas.
An initial hiccup when I couldn't get the decals to come off the page. I had soaked then as per directions, them on cold water, then in hot. Nothing was working. Then I realised I had used the cover sheet instead of the actual slide paper.... oops.... think, look then act...
Printed some on the correct paper, followed directions, and WHOA, it worked.

The slide went on easily(with the right paper) I left it overnight to dry, then applied another 10 coats of ca. The first couple showed an outline of my decal cutout, but after 5 coats it had filled itself in and was back to a smooth finish.

20 coats in total done, then Micromeshed and it's come up bloody well I reckon.

As I mentioned before, as they are for a client, I can't post pictures just yet, but after they have been handed out I will be more than happy to show my handywork!!

Isn't it nice (and rare) when a plan come together and actually works! !!

Very satisfied

Cheers
Gab

**MBUMIK** · 17th May 2016, 11:36 PM

Well done mate ... it always feels good when something new just falls into place

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