Printing water-slide decals.

[AxAxSxS]

I'm sure some of you must do this? I went and ordered some material for this and then when I went to print them my inkjet printer just made a mess of it. I guess you need to use a laser printer?
So I'd like to pick up something that can do this but I want to keep it as cheap as possible without buying garbage.

Any suggestions? what works well that wont break the bank? I'm pretty much strictly hobby level so I don't need something that would be for mass production or anything.

[Jero]

You have to use the right paper with inkjet. Otherwise what little ink does stay, just sits on top and doesn't adhere. I literally just went through this a couple days ago cause it'd been forever since I used them and forgot I had two types of waterslide paper.

Also, MAKE SURE you clear coat it before applying. You will ruin your artwork if not. When using a laser printer, you need not worry about that.

Transparency film works great too, but the colors aren't as deep and it's a bitch to cut nicely...and it leaves a definite edge. Brian and Tom seem to not be affected by this cause they use stuff like that very well

[Decibill]

Yes, as mentioned the key is spraying a clear coat. Krylon Crystal Clear works fine. This stops the water from getting to the ink.

[K2000]

See if there is a local copy shop that will let you print files using your own paper. Maybe there's a Kinkos that isn't always busy, or a Mom & Pop version of Kinkos. You don't necessarily have to tell them it's a decal if they seem uptight, just say it's heavier card stock (the fancy printers can make adjustments for different grades of paper). All you'd pay for is the print… maybe a quarter?

[K2000]

If you prefer to buy your own printer, there are lots of inexpensive ones (60-80 dollar range, last time I looked). The printers are cheap so that they can screw you on the ink.

You already haz a printer, just buy the correct type of decal paper.

[AxAxSxS]

Thanks guys, I was under the impression that laser was the only way to go. I'll look into getting the right kind of paper. The stuff I had it just smeared around on when printing.