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Waterslide decal paper lets you print a design on an inkjet printer, soak the decal in water and slide it onto a surface such as a mug, model or tumbler. The main choice is clear or white film.
This guide covers four decal papers sold on Amazon. It is built from product listings, not our own testing. Follow the maker’s instructions, including whether to seal the print before soaking.
New to printers? Start with our guide to the best printers for home use and how we pick printers.
Last updated: October 30, 2026.
Quick Picks
| Product | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hayes Waterslide Decal Paper for Inkjet, Clear (20 sheets) | Clear waterslide decal paper | Decals on light-colored surfaces |
| Hayes Waterslide Decal Paper for Inkjet, White (20 sheets) | White waterslide decal paper | Decals that show on dark surfaces |
| Sunnyscopa Waterslide Decal Paper, Clear, US Letter (20 sheets) | Clear waterslide decal paper, US letter | US-letter size for standard printer settings |
| Koala Waterslide Decal Paper, Clear (20 sheets, 8.5×11) | Clear waterslide decal paper, US letter | Straightforward clear decals at letter size |
4 Best Waterslide Decal Paper for Inkjet Printers
1. Hayes Waterslide Decal Paper for Inkjet, Clear (20 sheets)
A 20-sheet pack of clear A4 waterslide decal paper for inkjet printers.
Good for: Decals on white or light surfaces such as mugs and tumblers. Strengths: Clear film shows the surface through the design. Weaknesses: Clear film does not cover dark surfaces, and you need a sealer. Skip it if you want to apply decals on dark items.
2. Hayes Waterslide Decal Paper for Inkjet, White (20 sheets)
A 20-sheet pack of white A4 waterslide decal paper for inkjet printers.
Good for: Designs that must be opaque on dark surfaces. Strengths: White backing keeps colors from fading into dark surfaces. Weaknesses: You cannot print white ink, so the white background is the paper. Skip it if you want a transparent look.
3. Sunnyscopa Waterslide Decal Paper, Clear, US Letter (20 sheets)
A 20-sheet pack of clear US letter size waterslide decal paper for inkjet printers.
Good for: Decals for scale models and crafts in the US. Strengths: US letter size matches default printer settings. Weaknesses: Clear film, so it works best on light surfaces. Skip it if you want white-backed decals.
4. Koala Waterslide Decal Paper, Clear (20 sheets, 8.5×11)
A 20-sheet pack of clear letter-size waterslide decal paper for inkjet printers.
Good for: Model builders and crafters. Strengths: Letter size and a 20-sheet pack. Weaknesses: Clear film; you will need a sealer for durability. Skip it if you need decals for dark surfaces.
Decals: Notes
Seal before soaking
Apply a clear sealer to inkjet decals as the paper maker advises.
Application
Soak briefly, slide into place and smooth out bubbles.
Durability
A final clear coat improves durability.
How to Choose
Clear or white
Clear film shows the surface through the design, so it works on light surfaces. White film gives an opaque background.
Check the size
Some packs are A4 and some are US letter. Match your printer settings.
Seal the print
Inkjet ink can run in water. A clear sealer before soaking and after applying helps durability. Follow the paper instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put decals on a mug?
Decals are usually for decoration, and the maker may not rate them for dishwasher use. Check the instructions.
Do I need a sealer?
Usually yes for inkjet decals. Follow the maker’s guidance.
Can a laser printer print decals?
You need decal paper rated for laser printers. These are for inkjet.
Bottom Line
For light surfaces, clear decal paper is the usual pick. For dark surfaces, choose the white film. In the US, the Sunnyscopa and Koala letter-size packs match your printer’s default size.
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