Decal (decal) - a plastic, fabric, paper or ceramic substrate on which a drawing or image is printed, they can be transferred to another surface by contact, usually using heat or water.
The word “decal” is short for decalcomania (French). The technique was invented by the French engraver Simon Raven. Subsequently, the Frenchman moved to England, where he improved the process, which he called decalcification. This process was widely used in the 19th century.
At present, making a decal is quite possible in domestic conditions. As a basis, you can use decal paper for inkjet printers.
Decal composition
The decal consists of the following layers (top to bottom):
- Paper or film material, which is the top layer of the sticker. Printing is done on the top of the sticker.
- The adhesive layer on the underside of the sticker.
- Silicone or other release layer glued to the upper side of the lining.
- Paper or film lining, which is the bottom layer of decal paper.
- A radio frequency identification (RFID) circuitry, which is a chip with an antenna, can also be part of this paper.
Types of decals: sliding, vinyl, self-adhesive
The sliding decal is made by screen printing on a layer of a water-soluble adhesive applied to waterproof paper. Before use, it must be immersed in water.
Upon contact with water, the adhesive loses its properties, and the decal can be removed from the backing of decal paper. With prolonged contact with water, the adhesive dissolves completely, which leads to the fact that the sticker does not stick.
The self-adhesive decal is a vinyl self-adhesive label with an adhesive backing. This label can be transferred to another surface by removing it from the base.
Production process
Mass production of vinyl decals begins with huge vinyl rolls. Decal paper is fed through a plotter or large format printer / cutter, which prints the desired image and cuts the desired shape. The label design is created using specialized software. At the final stage, a paper mask is applied to the vinyl figure of a certain design.
Application
Decals are widely used in everyday life. They are glued to guitars, used to decorate vintage cars.
Modelers use decals to inscribe their products. The use of an inkjet printer and special decal paper for inkjet printing devices allows you to put labels and logos of any complexity on the model without much effort.
Abroad, government agencies often use decals on vehicles to identify them. The use of decals on fire and police vehicles in the United States is regulated by law. Most labels for car marking are created from reflective vinyl with an adhesive backing, which is glued using the “peel and stick” method.
Using decals, you can decorate the mug with your own name or make a souvenir. Decal paper can be used on porcelain, ceramic, glass and metal surfaces.