Difference between Inkjet & Laser Watersilde Decal Paper

Hello.

A lot of people have been asking me to cover the difference between clear and white decal paper so today I will be helping you how to choose the right product for you and the right way to apply them.

We will also look at how the inkjet decal differs from its laser counterpart.
In terms of application process ,they are almost the same.
So what sets them apart?
The biggest difference is the printer.

As you can see from the product name, inkjet is for inkjet printers and laser for laser printers.
Inkjet toner is water soluble whereas laser toner is oil soluble.
That's why they will not print with the other way around.

Decal paper has to come in contact with water for it to work, which is why the toner has a huge impact on the transfer.
Here is how it works.

1. Edit
First off, edit the image using Adobe or Illustrator.

2. Print (Print on the glossy side)
*Settings
- Media(Paper) type : Label paper, Thick paper (175g or more)- Print quality : Select fine resolution (600 dpi)

(Left - Inkjet, Right - Laser)

Let's look at them more closely. Below is the inkjet in blue frame and laser in red.

The choice of inkjet and laser printer will have an impact on the colour tone and finish.

Generally, images printed by inkjet will achieve more saturated colours.

In terms of durability and water resistance, however, laser wins a point.

3. Dry and spray coat (Inkjet only)

Inkjet decal papers have to be dried and sprayed after printing.

Do not spray coat until the image is completely dry to prevent smudging.

Spray with our "Crystal Clear spray"

As inkjet ink is water soluble, these steps protect the ink by providing waterproof layer of coating.

Spray coating is not required with laser, so simply skip.

4.  Cut

Cut out the image.

From here onward, the steps are same for both inkjet and laser.

Cut as closely as you can around the image.

5.  Immerse in water

Dip in warm water for around 30 seconds and take out

*If the water is too cold, it might not work well

 After 30 seconds, when you take it out you will notice the film coming off.

Now we will discuss the difference between the colours.

The colours refer to the film background colours; clear and white.

투명의 경우

How the white film looks

6. Mount

Mount the film on the desired surface then remove the backing paper underneath

*Do not remove the backing before mounting, as this could make the film to shrivel.

Difference between clear and white.
Clear film on the left and white film on the right.
You have two colour options for both inkjet and laser.

White or bright coloured substrates

Black or dark coloured substrates

Can you notice the difference?
Personally the clear looks better under the light. The choice will really depend on the end users and the image design.
As you can see, the clear will not stand out against dark background. Please read the instructions carefully and choose what is best for you!!