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  #1  
Old 08-28-2021, 02:44 PM
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Aeronerd Aeronerd is offline
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Default DIY waterslide decals

Hi All,
I've never done inkjet waterslides before and have a couple questions: do you absolutely need to spray it with ACRYLIC VARNISH, or can you use Rustoleum clear ENAMEL (I have a unused can)?

Also do I need a decal softener or not necessary? (I heard vinegar will work instead of the expensive stuff).
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Old 08-28-2021, 03:02 PM
A Fish Named Wallyum A Fish Named Wallyum is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aeronerd
Hi All,
I've never done inkjet waterslides before and have a couple questions: do you absolutely need to spray it with ACRYLIC VARNISH, or can you use Rustoleum clear ENAMEL (I have a unused can)?

Also do I need a decal softener or not necessary? (I heard vinegar will work instead of the expensive stuff).

Yeah, it has to be coated with something or it will float away when it hits the water. I've been using Testor's Decal Bonder, but I drove to Hobby Lobby to pick up a new can yesterday and they no longer seems to stock it. As for the decal softener, I've never used it on rockets, but when I used it on stock car models back in the day I remember being surprised when it smelled like white vinegar. Seems like that would work just fine.
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  #3  
Old 08-28-2021, 03:43 PM
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But can I use my can of clear *enamel*? Or does it have to be acrylic?
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Old 08-28-2021, 04:41 PM
A Fish Named Wallyum A Fish Named Wallyum is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aeronerd
But can I use my can of clear *enamel*? Or does it have to be acrylic?

No idea. Consider the first sheet an experiment. Decal paper is pretty cheap.
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  #5  
Old 08-28-2021, 05:40 PM
ASP ASP is offline
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Regular Krylon or Rustoleum clear from the hardware store works fine...
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  #6  
Old 08-29-2021, 10:18 AM
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Just DO NOT USE Clear Dope.
That will MELT the decals and ruin them. No joke.
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  #7  
Old 08-29-2021, 10:56 AM
frognbuff frognbuff is online now
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I can't speak for inkjet, which behaves differently than a laser jet, but for the latter I use good, old-fashioned (and CHEAP) Crystal Clear Krylon.
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Old 08-29-2021, 11:06 AM
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I have used the Krylon UV-Resistant Acrylic Clear for over 5 years, with no issues, and most importantly, no yellowing. Available is Gloss or Matte.

I get it at Hobby Lobby. It is in the Art Dept., not with the spray paint.
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  #9  
Old 08-29-2021, 02:21 PM
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+1 to what LeeR just mentioned above.
It's always in the art department there.
Krylon Acrylic Clear. NOT clear paint.
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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!!

Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL
, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't !

Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY.
ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, and HAVOC !
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  #10  
Old 08-29-2021, 04:33 PM
A Fish Named Wallyum A Fish Named Wallyum is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghrocketman
+1 to what LeeR just mentioned above.
It's always in the art department there.
Krylon Acrylic Clear. NOT clear paint.

That clear paint is BS, man. I tried painting a black fin can with it and it's still black. Not clear.
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I miss being SAM 0058

Build floor: Centuri Design Contest F-150 Hurricane Estes - Low Boom SST Semroc - Gee'Hod, Shrike, SST Shuttle

In paint: Canaroc Starfighter Scorpion Estes F-22 Air Superiority Fighter, Solar Sailer II Semroc Cyber III

Ready to fly: Estes - Multi-Roc, Solar Sailer II Semroc - Earmark, Snake Jumper
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