BEST CLEAR SEALANTS FOR WATERSLIDE DECAL PAPER

When it comes to sealing waterslide decal paper for inkjet printers, choosing the right clear sealant is crucial for achieving optimal results. Based on extensive research and testing, here are the top-performing clear sealants:

Rustoleum 2X Clear Gloss
This water-resistant product performs exceptionally well, even with a short cure time. After just 5 minutes of curing, the decal remained intact and durable when submerged in water for 2.5 minutes. The manufacturer recommends a 24-hour cure time for optimal results.

Krylon Triple Thick Crystal Clear
Despite not being marketed as waterproof or water-resistant, this sealant showed excellent performance. With both 5-minute and 24-hour cure times, the decal remained intact and durable after 3.5 minutes of water submersion.

Other Sealants Tested

Krylon ColorMaster Acrylic Crystal Clear

• 5-minute cure time: Poor performance, with ink cracking after 30 seconds in water.
• 24-hour cure time: Significant improvement, with the decal staying intact and transferring well.

Plasti Dip Glossifier

• 5-minute cure time: Decal became unusable when submerged.
• 24-hour cure time: Improved performance, with the decal remaining intact after 45 seconds in water.

Plaid Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer

• 5-minute cure time: Decal became gummy and unusable after 2.5 minutes in water.
• 24-hour cure time: Decal stayed intact and applied well after 45 seconds of submersion.

DupliColor Acrylic Lacquer

• 5-minute cure time: Decal became unusable after 1.5 minutes in water.
• 24-hour cure time: Improved performance, with the decal remaining intact after 45 seconds of submersion.

Flex Seal Clear

• 5-minute cure time: Decal activated after 2.5 minutes and applied well, but left an eggshell texture.
• 24-hour cure time: Decal remained intact and durable after 2.5 minutes in water, but the eggshell texture persisted.

Key Takeaways

1. Most clear acrylic sprays perform well with proper cure time (24 hours or more).
2. Insufficient cure time can result in slimy, cracked decals and running inks when submerged.
3. For quick projects, Rustoleum 2X Clear Gloss or Krylon Triple Thick Crystal Clear are recommended.
4. Environmental factors like humidity and temperature can affect sealant performance.
5. Using a hair dryer can help speed up the curing process, especially in colder weather.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s recommended cure times and test the sealant in your specific environment for best results.

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