Waterslide graphics combine an eco-friendly, water-based adhesive with easily applied waterslide decal paper to provide manufacturers with powerful and adherent solutions to branding and sticker application. High-quality waterslide prints are hard to come by, but transfer paper is becoming more commercially accessible allowing graphics manufacturers to create innovative waterslide graphics.
To learn more about TSL Graphic’s premier waterslide decal quality, check out our other blog post: What is A Waterslide Decal?
Because of the growing need for competent waterslide decal prints, TSL Graphics provides custom design options for a number of product decoration options. With a variety of styles available, TSL Graphics waterslide graphics adhere to plastics, carbon fiber, glass, metal, and more with a clear coat or non-clear coat option available. Our ink-only decals leave zero profile and are heat resistant, making them perfect for motor vehicles and extreme conditions. Each designed graphic is made into a custom waterslide decal with a guaranteed high resolution.
Let’s explore eight industries that waterslide graphics excel as a decoration:
Motorcycles
The motorcycle industry has a rich and storied history with its decorations as many fans and manufacturers opt for additional decals or a minimalist design altogether. However, waterslide stickers provide both a convenient and eco-friendly way for both electric and gas motorcycles to apply decals safely and effectively. Manufacturers can apply high-quality decals with commercial-grade waterslide decal paper faster and easier than ever.
Bicycles and Road Bikes
Bicycles and road bikes help push the envelope when it comes to new trends and ideas. With a variety of quality bikes on the market, it’s critical your product stands out as the premium choice it is.
Paving pathways for new innovations in effects and ink textures, the bicycle industry plays an influential role in product decoration. With flashy, eye-catching designs like chrome and brushed chrome effects, waterslide decals from TSL Graphics are sure to make your bikes stand out from the competition.
With the ability for black-on-black effects, waterslide decals are the definition of innovative. TSL Graphic’s post-paint finish decals are applied cured and do not require a clear coat over them in order to be heat-resistant and long lasting – making application quick and easy.
Electric Scooters
The electric scooter scene has been growing with the introduction of street-legal electric scooters such as Bird and Lime. But with the introduction of more personal electric scooters, the manufacturing of scooters requires an affordable and effective way to decorate and brand products. Much like motorcycles, waterslide transfer decals are perfect for manufacturer decoration. These special papers require only water and a compatible surface for a clean, seamless graphic decal.
Hydrofoils
Hydrofoils have a simple trick when it comes to waterslide decals. Despite the waterslide decal’s requirement of water to activate the adhesive and remove the decal from the transfer paper, a simple clear coat of sealant after application can make the decal permanent against most conditions including seawater.
Carbon Fiber Products
Carbon fiber has been a wonderful manufacturing material since its invention in 1958. However, despite this power material’s success and widespread use, the makeup of carbon fiber makes traditional printing techniques somewhat difficult. With its relatively high cost, carbon fiber products require a “first-time perfect” solution to decal decoration. Despite its relative difficulty, TSL Graphics offers a variety of options included with its carbon fiber solution including heat resistance for easier application and an overall lower drying time to make application quick.
Electric Bikes
With green transportation on the rise, bicycles and e-bikes are finding their way to cities and garages. Each bike has its own look, and waterslide decals offer a powerful solution for companies to apply fast and powerful branding graphics. With TSL Graphics’ multi-surface graphics, powerful and permanent decorations can easily be applied to mass-produced products.
Promotional Items
Promotional items are often the first to be mentioned due to the mass production component of waterslide graphics. With transfer paper becoming more readily available for commercial graphic design teams, promotional items such as tumblers, coffee mugs, and water bottles are more easily decorated.
Waterslide decals don’t just apply to large or unwieldy items or just smooth surfaces either, a strong, adhesive, and movable decal works well with quite a few items without the need for sealer or a clear coat.
Why TSL Graphics?
TSL Graphics leads the industry in product decoration. We are proud of our exceptional customer service – guiding you through the process of designing and producing your custom product decorations.
Cost, production time, turnaround, and creative design play an essential role in the overall decision of product decoration. When working with TSL Graphics, you are privy to diverse printing options at lower rates than similar products. And because we handle everything in-house here in the USA, our response and turnaround times are quicker than most.
If you have a product that needs decorating, let TSL Graphics support you by evaluating your current product or application. Request a free engineering evaluation today.
Decal, transfer, sticker… There is no global naming convention for decorating product. One business’ transfer is another’s waterslide. In an industry with such high variability of terms and rapidly changing processes, we’ve added a single, simple phrase into our vocabulary that encompasses the rest: product decoration.
At TSL Graphics, ‘product decoration’ is any company design, artwork, or logo (decoration) applied to a product. Brand visibility and recognition is critical to consumer marketing, and the right product decoration has the power to take your brand from memorable—to unforgettable.
Product decoration is used in all industries (from motorcycles to baseball bats), and across a wide range of materials (metal, wood, you name it). Once we identify the product that needs decorating—its material, shape, use, etc—we get into what type of product decoration best fits our customers’ needs, and the right application method to ensure a flawless finish.
Industries Utilizing Product Decoration
When it comes to product decoration, there isn’t an industry that doesn’t utilize it. A great decoration takes a product from commodity to premium—a necessary differentiator amongst high-end products.
Imagine a night out with friends where you meet at a brewery to catch the latest hockey game. From the moment you step inside, you are surrounded by product decoration. Sitting at the bar, you look up at the beautifully crafted wooden beer tap handles and recognize a familiar favorite… or perhaps, an unfamiliar but elegantly decorated tap handle catches your eye, and you decide to try something new. The logos seem to sparkle beneath the bar’s dim lighting.
As the game begins you turn your attention to the tv. The camera zooms in as two hockey players face each other. You notice the logo on each of the players’ hockey sticks. The color is bright even with all the battery it must take after each game—you make a mental note of the brand so that you can seek it out this weekend when you take your daughter or son to purchase new gear for their own upcoming hockey season.
Other industries that are very forward with product decoration include:
- Automotive
- Baseball Bat Manufacturing
- Lacrosse Equipment Manufacturing
- Power and Paddle Sports
- Prosthetics
- Plastics Manufacturing
- Archery
- And more
These moments are fleeting, but the imagery stays with you. Product Decoration is about leaving a lasting impression. But it doesn’t stop at aesthetics—product decorations must be beautiful AND functional. For the industries mentioned above and beyond, durability and longevity are of utmost importance. No one will recommend or repeat purchase a product that didn’t stand up to the demands of use.
This is where TSL Graphics shines. We don’t just sell you a product decoration, we consult and collaborate with you to find the best, most durable solution to elevate your product based on its unique size, shape, material, and end use.
Types of Product Decoration
Once we learn the ins and outs of the product you’re decorating—the size, shape, material, purpose, etc—we will recommend a custom solution that best fits your specific needs.
TSL’s product decorating solutions include (but are not limited to):
Decals—Generally, any decoration that is printed—or constructed and then applied—to a product in one step.
- Waterslide Decals
- Dry Transfers
- Heat Transfers
- Solution Transfers
- Dome Decals
- Pet Decals
- Heat Resistant Decals
Stickers—The common name for any pressure sensitive decoration.
- Dome Stickers
- Pet Stickers
- Vinyl Stickers
- Die Cut Stickers
- Heat Resistant Stickers
Badges—Adds weight and sophistication to your design and product.
- Aluminum
- Plastic
- Brass
And if you are already using a product decoration that meets your needs, but are looking for a new manufacturer, we offer free engineering evaluations to match existing custom products.
Why TSL Graphics?
TSL Graphics leads the industry in product decoration. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service as we guide you through the process of designing and producing your custom product decorations. With our 24hr response time, we diligently respond to all inquiries.
Cost, production time, turnaround, and creative design play an essential role in the overall decision of product decoration. When working with TSL Graphics, you are privy to diverse printing options at lower rates than similar products. And because we handle everything in-house here in the USA, our response and turnaround times are quicker than most.
If you have a product that needs decorating, let TSL Graphics support you by evaluating your current product or application.
A waterslide decal is a high-quality, ink-only decal finish without an edge. It helps your art look like it was painted onto the surface of your product. Made for a variety of finishes and substrates, the waterslide provides the perfect, zero-profile image that can only add to the beauty of your product.
Waterslide decals are thinner than many other decorative techniques and can be produced to be crystal clear and in fine detail. You may have heard waterslide decals referred to as wet transfers, water decals, or transfers.
At TSL Graphics, we work to constantly update and enhance our products to ensure you are getting the latest in decal technology. This includes our flagship waterslide decal.
Benefits to Waterslide Decals
With a zero-profile finish, waterslide decals look like they’re painted directly onto the final product. Since they are ink-only, that means there is no clear, base layer of film. This causes the art to seamlessly blend into the surface.
Additionally, adhesion can be adjusted to ensure the best results with your current base paint. Waterslide decals can be clear coated with powder or liquid clear to create a product with extreme durability. Made to be clear coated, these decals do not cause any bubbling, cracking, or peeling.
Not only are they long-lasting, but also efficient; waterslide decals mask for two-tone paint jobs and decals in only one step. This high-quality decal is sure to bring efficiency and cost savings to your production process.
At TSL Graphics, we are proud of our waterslide decal technology. Our decals are printed under a digital eye on every screen, allowing us to line up the screens exactly so colors do not gap or overlap. This technology ensures clean lines, intricate details, and smaller print. We also use Spot Color to ensure your branded colors are exactly the right shade, and never affected by the product it’s applied to.
Thin, ink-only transfers can be expensive, especially the equipment! Fortunately, TSL Graphics’ No Clear Waterslide (NCWS) applies and cures hard with no need for painting. The final finish can be glossy, flat, or matte and offers scratch resistance built into the decal. This time-saving solution is sure to help save money while still providing the highest quality final product.
Usage
Sporting Goods
Waterslide decals are a perfect option for sporting goods due to their zero-profile yet durable characteristics. It’s critical for baseball bats to be lightweight, and helmets to have a smooth finish, so it’s important that the decal has a flat surface and is nearly weightless.
Due to their water-resistant abilities, waterslide decals are an ideal choice for fishing poles, surfboards, and other water activity accessories!
Foil decals are our most versatile and technologically advanced product. These decals allow us to print ink effects on hockey sticks such as grips, and flash and highlight effects on helmets and bikes.
Curved Products
Due to their ability for a customized application, waterslide decals make a great option for beer tap handles and promotional products.
When in need of a high-quality, perfect look, waterslide decals are the best option. Waterslides are designed to be incredibly thin, blending artwork seamlessly into the product. From pens to little trinkets, a waterslide decal is the ideal option for any curved product.
Motorsports
Due to their lightweight, yet durable nature, waterslides are the go to option for motorcycles, ATVs, and dirt bikes.
Heat resistant with the ability to withstand higher temperatures, waterslide decals can withstand high temperatures without whites yellowing or adhesive failing
Application
At TSL Graphics, we have two different waterslide technologies. One is designed for a clear top coat, while the other is cured for a permanent durable finish with no additional painting. The application for both is demonstrated in this video. We also outlined the steps for you here:
1. Remove the protective sheet from the transfer.
2. Soak the transfer in warm water for 30 to 40 seconds
3. Holding the release paper with one hand and the removable film with the other, slide the transfer off of the paper.
4. Using the removable film, apply the transfer onto a clean surface. If applying to wood, it does need to be sealed.
5. Use the rubber squeegee to press out the water and air bubbles. Starting from the middle and working your way out.
6. Clean any residue from the surface of the transfer and the object with a wet cloth.
7. Use a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.
8. Dry in a 120°F oven for 20 minutes or at room temperature for 8 hours. The object must be completely dry.
9. When the object has cooled, remove the pink/blue film.
10. Cure the finished part at 300°F for 30 minutes or clear coat over.
The application of commercial decals differs from DIY decals and stickers. TSL Graphics only products are intended for commercial usage.
Waterslide decals are a great choice if you’re looking for a high-quality, versatile decoration method. At TSL Graphics, waterslides are what we do best – they’re our flagship product. This perfect, zero-profile finish can only add to the beauty of your product.
If you are looking for a great decal, but in a much larger quantity, be sure to ask about heat transfers! These thin, ink-only transfers are precise, fast, and offer automated application.
At TSL Graphics, we are proud of our digital printing experience. Leading up to implementation, we will work with you to provide the correct formulation and options to reduce cost and time, and improve the final product. How can we help with your next decoration project? Contact us!
Baseball bats and other sporting goods undergo extensive wear and tear compared to a typical branded product. Not only is it critical these decals are high-quality to ensure a long life span and durability of the final product, but it’s necessary these decals have a flat surface and are lightweight.
TSL Graphics produces decals that are high quality, zero profile, ink-only transfers – utilized for products that do not want extra bulk or weight from decorating. Let’s explore our different decoration methods that can be utilized on your bats.
1. Dome Decals
A Dome Decal is when a decal is used as a base and a bubble is printed over the top of it. They’re a great way to add depth and a more substantial look to your product by finishing a pressure-sensitive decal with a crystal-clear polyurethane dome.
The TSL process begins with the material and adhesive most compatible with your project. After printing, we apply the finish per your design requirements. Lastly, we apply a thick and protective dome over the image.
The customization options are endless for domed decals:
- A wide range of different colors include metallic, fluorescent, pearlescent, and anodized options
- Chrome, brushed metal, and holographic foils
- Embossing on the base image
Domed decals may not be the first thing you think of when you think about decorating a baseball bat. But they are the perfect method to decorate baseball handles with brands and logos. Dome decals are the ideal decoration method for a cost-effective and sophisticated-looking baseball bat.
To learn more about TSL Graphics’ dome decal offering, visit here
2. Ink Dots
An Ink Dot is traditionally a circular area that is left unstained or unpainted to prove the wood type.
The purpose of Ink Dots is to see the Slope of the Grain and the quality of the bat, in addition to them being required by Major League Baseball.
At TSL Graphics, we can also develop Ink Dots to not only show the wood type but also label the wood type as well. This helps any bat stand out by looking more professional and intentional.
3. Foils
Another decoration method includes foils. At TSL Graphics, we offer a wide variety of high-quality foils including:
- A Gold Leaf Effect
- A Holographic Effect
- Brushed, Matte, and Chrome-Colored Foils
- Different Ink Transfer Effects
This unique design of ink transfer effects gives us a leg up on your traditional graphics provider. We are able to place a transparent layer over foil, making it look shiny and like it has movement. We also have the ability to make any product look like genuine stainless steel with our custom clings and decals.
4. Waterslide Decals
Waterslide decals are the number one choice for sports equipment and promotional items. When in need of a high-quality, perfect look, waterslide decals are the way to go. Waterslides are designed to be incredibly thin, blending artwork seamlessly into the product.
It’s critical for baseball bats to be lightweight, so it’s important that the applique has a completely flat surface and is nearly weightless.
Waterslide decals are perfect for baseball bats because adhesion can be adjusted to ensure the best results with your current base paint. They can also be clear coated with powder or liquid clear to create a product with incredible durability.
Not only are they long-lasting, but also efficient; waterslide masking decals mask for two-tone paint jobs and decals in only one step. This high-quality decal is sure to bring efficiency to your production process, in addition to cost savings.
Thin, ink-only transfers can be expensive, especially the equipment! Fortunately, TSL Graphics’ No Clear Waterslide (NCWS) applies and cures hard with no need for painting. The final finish can be glossy, flat, or matte and offers scratch resistance built into the decal. This time-saving solution is sure to help save money while still providing the highest quality final product.
At TSL Graphics, we are proud of our digital printing experience. Leading up to implementation, we will work with you to provide the correct formulation and options to reduce cost and time, and improve the final product.
To learn more about TSL Graphics’ Waterside Decal offering, visit here.
5. Stripes
Stripes are a transition decal from the barrel of the baseball bat to the handle, intended to make the transition cleaner. Vinyl creates a profiled edge on the bat, which is undesirable in the baseball bat industry.
At TSL Graphics, we have developed waterslide stripes that provide a zero profile option that looks just like paint! The stripe is designed to have a slight arch to it so that the decal goes on easily without lumps or creasing. We can even make it look like the stripe is painted on with brush strokes and all!
6. Heat Resistant Clear Sticker
Heat-resistant clear stickers have a similar effect as a waterslide, but with quicker application and a lighter transfer. These stickers can still be clear coated over with a very low profile.
Normally, you are going to see the corner of a sticker, but not with TSL’s heat-resistant clear stickers. We ensure our decals have a zero profile effect, making it look as if it was painted right onto the product.
At TSL Graphics, we specialize in high-quality, custom decals
No matter your project, TSL Graphics is dedicated to serving all of your decorating needs. We will work with you directly to address what is important to you. To explore more ways TSL Graphics can help you implement new technologies to increase your return on investment on your sporting equipment products, contact us today.
Also called wetslide or water transfers, waterslide decals are a great way to decorate plastic parts. They can be applied to PP, PC, ABS, PET and other plastics and cured to the surface with no paint required.
Waterslide decals can give the look of in-mold graphics without the fallout or rework costs. And because the graphics can be applied later there is no need to choose brand or product mix in the molding process. Artwork and model information follow demand, lowering inventory costs.
Waterslide decals are screen printed, so colors can be vibrant and opaque, include metallics, neon colors and fine details. Digital printing, texture and foil effects can also be included in the decal.
Contact us to discuss how this might work in your application or for other decorating options.
At TSL Graphics, We use Pantone references every day but just now learned how this color standard system began.
In “The Bird-Based Color System that Eventually Became Pantone“, print media writer Allison Meier tells the history of Pantone colors began with birdwatching. Enjoy the article and maybe your next color choice will be inspired by something flying outside your window.
By screen printing our waterslides, solution transfers, pressure sensitive decals and everything else we can mix ink to match every Pantone color, including metallics and more. We can also match to YS, PPG and other color references but we don’t know the origins of those!
TSL Graphics’ waterslide decals are easily our most popular product. They work on painted metal, composites, lacquered wood, glass, and more. They’re easy to apply too and don’t require chemicals or equipment.
For those who haven’t applied a waterslide before, TSL made a new video showing the process. This is the basic application technique that applies to many different constructions. The steps are the same for baseball bats, industrial equipment or a guitar headstock.
After this point we have suggestions for precise placement and your specific production process. Call us with questions or for more information!
Solution transfers remain popular for commercial product decoration even with newer options. Many times, if a customer has been using them for years it’s difficult to change to anything else.
For a company looking for new ideas, solution transfers may be easier to apply to some shapes like flat surfaces and cylinders or save cost. Solution transfers are also suited for application under a powder clear coat because they are especially heat resistant.
Our new video gives you the basic information to apply a solution transfer. We have many options and suggestions to improve application speed and accuracy for certain products. See our solution transfer page or give us a call for more information.
TSL Graphics has answered many calls about solution transfers, and very few use the same name for them. This product was a decorating staple for decades and different printers called it different things. Water transfers, solvent transfers, water decals, solution decals and many company-specific trade names.
A solution transfer will always be printed on a release paper with the image side down and adhesive exposed like this:
Solution transfer will most often require an activator or chemical added to the water for application. Some companies sold this as a proprietary blend while others refer to Butyl Cellosolve or glycol ethers. Regardless of the name, the active ingredient is the same.
TSL Graphics offers several options of solution transfers for different materials and methods of application including a pure water option that requires no chemical.
For more information, see our solution transfers page and check out our application video or just contact us to discuss.