When it comes to creating stunning, personalized designs with waterslide decal paper, choosing the right type for your printer is essential.
Royal Elements offers high-quality clear and white waterslide decal paper for both inkjet and laser printers.
But how do you decide which one is right for your project?
Let’s dive into the key differences between laser and inkjet waterslide decal paper to help you make the best choice.
Comparison Chart: Laser vs. Inkjet Waterslide Decal Paper
Feature | Inkjet Waterslide Paper | Laser Waterslide Paper |
---|---|---|
Printer Type Required | Inkjet | Laser |
Sealing Required | Yes, with clear acrylic spray | No |
Print Quality | Vibrant, photo-quality prints | Sharp, precise designs |
Durability | Requires sealing for durability | Naturally durable |
Ease of Use | Additional step of sealing required | Ready to use after printing |
Best For | Intricate designs, colorful images | Sharp text, quick turnaround projects |
What Is Waterslide Decal Paper?
Waterslide decal paper is a specialized paper that allows you to transfer vibrant designs onto a variety of surfaces, such as glass, ceramics, wood, and metal.
This paper is ideal for crafting projects, DIY enthusiasts, and even small business owners looking to create unique, customized products.
At Royal Elements, we offer both clear and white options for waterslide decal paper, providing flexibility depending on your project’s needs.
Check out our full range of waterslide decal paper here.

Inkjet Waterslide Decal Paper
Key Features:
Requires an inkjet printer.
Comes in clear and white options.
Must be sealed with a clear acrylic spray (e.g., Mod Podge) after printing to prevent the ink from smearing when submerged in water.
Inkjet waterslide decal paper is perfect for users who already own an inkjet printer.
This type of paper allows for vibrant, photo-quality prints, making it ideal for intricate designs.
However, the additional step of sealing the printed design with a clear acrylic spray is essential.
This step ensures the ink stays in place when you soak the decal in water before applying it to your chosen surface.
At Royal Elements, we recommend using printers such as the Canon PIXMA series or Epson EcoTank models for the best results with inkjet waterslide paper.
These printers provide excellent color reproduction and precision.
Best Uses for Inkjet Waterslide Decal Paper:
Customizing mugs, tumblers, or water bottles.
Creating intricate designs for model kits or small DIY crafts.
Printing colorful artwork or images.
Laser Waterslide Decal Paper
Key Features:
Requires a laser printer.
Comes in clear and white options.
Does not require sealing with a clear acrylic spray before use.
Laser waterslide decal paper is ideal for users with access to a laser printer.
Unlike inkjet paper, laser waterslide paper eliminates the need for sealing, saving time and effort.
This type of paper produces sharp, durable designs with no risk of smudging when submerged in water.
We recommend using laser printers such as the HP Color LaserJet or Brother HL series, which deliver exceptional print quality and reliability.
These printers are compatible with Royal Elements’ laser waterslide decal paper and ensure crisp, professional results.
Best Uses for Laser Waterslide Decal Paper:
Quick-turnaround projects where time is a factor.
Designs requiring sharp text or precise lines.
High-volume crafting or business use.
Clear vs. White Waterslide Decal Paper
Regardless of whether you choose inkjet or laser waterslide paper, you’ll also need to decide between clear and white options:
Clear Waterslide Decal Paper: Best for light-colored surfaces where the design’s background can blend seamlessly.
White Waterslide Decal Paper: Ideal for dark or colored surfaces, as the white background ensures your design’s colors stay vibrant and opaque.
At Royal Elements, we offer both clear and white waterslide options for inkjet and laser printers. Browse our full selection here.
Which Should You Choose?
Go with Inkjet Waterslide Decal Paper if:
You own an inkjet printer.
You’re comfortable adding a sealing step for vibrant, high-quality designs.
You need flexibility for detailed, colorful images.
Choose Laser Waterslide Decal Paper if:
You have a laser printer.
You prefer a faster process without the need for sealing.
You require sharp, professional-quality text and lines.
Final Thoughts
Both inkjet and laser waterslide decal paper have their strengths, and the right choice depends on your specific needs and available equipment.
At Royal Elements, we’re proud to offer top-quality waterslide decal paper for both printer types, ensuring you can create beautiful, durable designs with ease.
Ready to get started on your next crafting project?
Explore our waterslide decal paper options today at Royal Elements.
Whether you’re personalizing gifts or crafting for business, our products will help bring your creative visions to life.
Have questions or need guidance? Email us on our contact us page or check out our blog for more tips and tutorials!