Best Printer for Waterslide Decals : Top 11 Model Revealed for 2021

A suitable decal can enhance almost any piece of craft.

Suppose you made a t-shirt for someone, and you want to make it more attractive by using a design that they will appreciate.

In these situations, having the best printer for waterslide decals can be a huge help.

As useful as these waterslide decals can be, it is still a very niche concept, and finding the right printer for this purpose can be troublesome. Fortunately for you, we are here to help.

In this article, we have reviewed 11 of the best printers suitable for the task mentioned above.

By reading our reviews, you will get an obvious idea of what you need from the printer.

Our Recommended Best Printer for Waterslide Decals 2021

This is the part of the article where we will review the 11 selected products and analyze what makes each stand out. Reading through these, you will have a clear idea of your options.

1. HP ENVY 5055 Waterslide Decal Printer

The first printer on our list is the quintessential example of “Jack of all trades, master of none.” HP’s envy 5055 can perform a wide array of functions effectively, but it won’t necessarily stand out in any of them. But it makes a compelling case for itself through its versatility alone.

Speaking of versatility, the printer can function as a 3-in-1 device. It works as a printer, copier, and scanner at the same time. But the envy 5055 merely contains 2-ink cartridges and thus is only suitable for occasional home use.

Furthermore, the resolution of the printer stands at 1200 x 1200 DPI. This resolution is excellent for printing actual small scale decals. But in the case of large scale decals, this resolution might not give you the best results.

When it comes to monitoring the printer, you can do it remotely with the help of the HP Smart app.

Because of its wide array of features and intuitive interface, the app is straightforward to use. The printer also supports a wide range of paper sizes, starting from 3×5 inches to 8.5×14 inches.

Highlighted Features:

• Comes with a 2-ink cartridge system and 1200×1200 DPI resolution making it optimal for home use.
• Supports a wide range of paper sizes.
• Can perform the functions of a printer, scanner, and copier.
• Has a very easy to use the companion app for monitoring its functions.

2. Canon Pixma MG3620 Printer for Decals

When it comes to versatility in making decals, the Canon Pixma MG3620 is a strong contender for the best printer for decals. This versatility comes primarily due to the various resolutions of this printer.

This printer can work at multiple resolutions starting from 600×600 DPI and 4800×1200 DPI. Thus, it can support small scale detailed designs and large scale designs at the same time.

Not only that, but the printer can also work as a scanner. The scanner resolution of the printer is 1200×2400 DPI, which is optimal for any sort of activity.

Furthermore, it comes with a quiet mode that reduces the noise generally made by printers significantly.

To further add to your overall convenience, it comes with an excellent mobile app called the Canon PRINT. The simple commands and layout of the app make it very easy to navigate.

The overall design deserves a lot of praise. It is very compact and takes up as little space as possible. Again, it gives you three different color options, including black, red, and white.

Besides being a convenient design, these colors contribute to giving the printer a high aesthetic value.

However, the only couple of significant issues with the printer are its weak tech support and connectivity. It can be quite a hassle to connect your printer with your Wi-Fi.

Highlighted Features:

• Offers different resolutions depending on the scale of your activity.
• Has a perfect mobile app that is convenient and comes with lots of unique features.
• Has a special quiet mode for a noise-free operation.
• The design is very compact and takes up little space.

3. Epson Eco Tank ET-3760 for Waterslide Decal Paper

If you are looking for a relatively environment-friendly printer that doesn’t bleed you dry with its high ink costs, this one is for you.

The primary reason for this is how it uses ink differently from its contemporary products. Instead of needing ink cartridges, it uses a large ink tank. By filling the tank with Epson ink bottles, which cost very low, you can run the printer seamlessly.

Not only that, the printer initially comes with enough ink to print 6500 B&W pages and 5200 colored pages. So it’s going to take a while before you need a refill.

The paper tray of this thing is very spacious and can handle vast numbers of papers of various sizes. It can work with almost all paper sizes. The paper capacity is very high, and the speed at which the printer can print is admirable.

Despite a more extensive paper tray than usual, the overall design is still pretty compact and takes up very little space.

The only problem cited by customers is that the ink that Epson provides can be a bit dull at times. While that can be an issue for some, it is certainly not a deal-breaker.

Highlighted Features:

• Uses an ink tank instead of cartridges to save costs in the long run.
• Initially comes with enough ink to print at least 6500 B&W pages.
• Small in size and thus doesn’t require much space.
• Has a very high paper capacity and printing speed.

4. Canon 2986C002 PIXMA TS6220

This printer is a more budget-friendly alternative to the PIXMA MG3620, as mentioned earlier. It comes with a lot of the same features but at a reduced cost. Despite the lower price, it holds up very well in comparison to the more expensive models.

Firstly, the resolution of this printer is admirable. At 4800×1200 DPI, you can easily print any sort of decals that you want. If necessary, you can also decrease the resolution as you see fit.

Secondly, the printing speed of the printer deserves praise. It has a speed of 10 ppm for colored photos and a speed of 15 ppm for black and white ones.

Thirdly, it has your back even in the convenience department. The product comes with a 3 inch LCD screen. This screen helps you monitor ink levels and image quality very quickly.

It can also be controlled via the Canon PRINT app, and as we have discussed, the app works very well on all devices.

Furthermore, the printer is compatible with Alexa, and thus, you can print with just your voice command alone.

Lastly, it comes with five different ink cartridges to ensure the best quality of the image possible. The printer also comes in 2 different colors (black and white) to give you variety when it comes to its looks.

Highlighted Features:

• Can print very fast at 10 ppm (color) and 15 ppm (Black).
• Has just the right resolution to print any sort of decals.
• Comes with five individual cartridges to ensure the highest quality.
• Can be monitored with the help of a perfect companion app.
• Compatible with Alexa and thus allows voice-activated printing.

5. Epson Workforce Wf-7710 – Laser Printer for Waterslide Decal

This printer prides itself on efficiency. As the name suggests, it is a workforce. The speed, capacity, and quality are all top-notch and almost unrivaled.

Let us first talk about speed. This printer can print 18 black pages or ten colored pages in just one minute. Very few printers can match that speed.

It also has a very high page capacity. You can print up to 20,000 pages in one month. But for the safety of your printer, it is recommended to not go above 1300 (which is still an insanely high amount)

Moreover, it ensures the quality of its decals because of its too high resolution. The resolution stands at 4800×2400, which is higher than most printers can provide.

If all of that wasn’t enough, this printer also cares for your convenience. Firstly, it can be used by five people at the same time. Secondly, it comes with a 4.3 inch LCD screen to easily monitor ink levels and determine image quality.

Thirdly, the Epson iPrint mobile app has a straightforward layout, and using it is a piece of cake.

Furthermore, the printer is a laser printer. But compared to most laser printers, it saves 80% less energy, which is hugely beneficial for the environment.

Highlighted Features:

• Offers exceptional speed at 18 ppm for black pages.
• The image resolution is higher than most printers at 4800×2400 DPI.
• Can print about 20,000 pages in a month.
• Saves a lot of energy compared to other laser printers.
• Can be used by five users at a time.

6. HP Office Jet 5255 for Custom Waterslide Decals

This printer from HP is built for maximum convenience. HP understands the necessity of ease alongside performance, and that understanding is distinct in this product.

Firstly, it is an all-in-one printer that can print, scan, copy, and even fax documents and pictures.

Secondly, it comes with an auto document feeder to make your task even more comfortable. This printer has an auto-duplexing feature to further add to the comfort.

Thirdly, the companion app known as HP Smart goes a long way in making this printer one of the most comfortable printers out there. You can also print photos directly from social media and the cloud through this app.

Lastly, it comes with a very lightweight and compact design. Not only does it take up little space, but it is also very easily portable.

Besides being extremely convenient to use, these printers also deliver a very strong performance. It works on multiple resolutions.

For colorless text-based prints, it works at 1200×1200 DPI, and for colored images, it has a resolution up to 4800×1200 DPI. Furthermore, it supports almost all sizes and variations of paper for maximum versatility.

If that wasn’t all, the printer is also very affordable. The only issue with the printer is its relatively slow speed and its IOS app. The IOS app doesn’t work as well as it does on other devices.

Highlighted Features:

• Equipped with an auto document feeder and auto-duplexing feature for maximum convenience.
• Comes with an exceptional companion app.
• Supports all sorts of papers and paper sizes.
• Has a very lightweight and compact design.

7. Canon TS8320 All In One Wireless Printer

Like the previous product, this one also takes your convenience into special consideration. Compared to the other printers from Canon, this one is specially designed for maximum utility.

For example, this printer also comes with a 4.3 inch LCD screen. The generous size of the screen is perfect for monitoring ink levels, inputting commands, and determining image quality quickly.

Moreover, the Canon PRINT app further adds to this convenience. We have already discussed what makes this app so great and why it is easy to handle. A good companion app always bolsters the credibility of the printer.

A unique feature of this printer is the dual feeding. You can input papers from two different sides. Because of this, you can get more work done in less time compared to many other printers.

In addition to other unique features, this printer also supports voice-activated printing. If that doesn’t make printing convenient, nothing ever will.

But convenience isn’t the only thing the printer is good at. Even when it comes to providing the best image quality, this printer has your back. And it does that through its six individual ink systems. Furthermore, the printer also supports a wide range of paper sizes.

Despite all of these features, this printer doesn’t rank high when it comes to the best printer for waterslide decals. Even though the printer is excellent and can print decals using it, better printers are geared towards that specific goal.

Highlighted Features:

• Equipped with a 4.3 inch LCD screen for your convenience.
• Has six individual ink systems.
• Comes with a fantastic companion app.
• Supports voice-activated printing.
• Features dual paper feeding.

8. HP Office Jet Pro 8025 for Color Waterslide Decals

Unlike most of the printers reviewed so far, this one is a high-end printer. While that does mean it costs more than the rest, it also means that you can do more with it. For making professional level decals for commercial purposes, this printer is easily one of the best choices out there.

The highest image resolution of this printer is 4800×1200 DPI, which is optimal for printing decals.

But the resolution isn’t the only reason why this printer can print such high-quality photos. The 4-ink cartridges contribute significantly to give you the best picture quality possible.

Moreover, the page capacity is also insanely high. In one month, you can use a maximum of 20,000 pages. It can be monitored with the HP smart app, which is a fantastic app for controlling printers.

One of the best features of this printer is the 7-inch touch screen that it features. Because of the larger size, it is effortless to navigate the controls and commands of the printer.

This convenience is further accentuated by the self-healing Wi-Fi, which keeps you connected for as long as possible.

Highlighted Features:

• Image resolution can go up to 4800×1200 DPI.
• Comes with 4-ink cartridges.
• Has a page capacity of 20,000 pages in one month.
• Features a 7-inch touch screen, which makes the printer very easy to navigate.
• Has a self-healing Wi-Fi feature that keeps you connected no matter what.

9. Canon TS532D AirPrint Printer

Like most cannon products, this is a product that is geared towards convenience. While it could use some improvements in the performance department, it still delivers pretty well.

Before we go further into the printer’s features, we should mention that you can get three different packages with this printer. One of them is just a traditional printer.

Another one includes photo papers and extra ink, and the other comes with a sturdier printer bundle. The printer also comes in multiple colors like black, green, white, and pink.

Before getting into the right parts about this printer, let us get some flaws out of the way. Firstly, it has a tiny display at only 1.44 inches.

Because of this, the printer may be a little harder to use. Secondly, it uses a 2-ink system. So you cannot use this for frequent commercial purposes.

Now let us talk about everything this printer does right. As mentioned, the printer takes exceptional care of your convenience.

For example, it features dual paper feeding. This dramatically reduces the time you would need to print documents on a different printer.

Again, the printer supports voice-activated printing. You don’t even have to input commands for your printer to work manually.

The smaller design also contributes to making this more convenient. More so, the printer doesn’t take up much space, and it can be easily moved from one place to another.

Lastly, the HP smart app is always there to make using the printer even easier than it already is.

Highlighted Features:

• Uses a 2-ink system that is good for occasional home use.
• Has the dual paper feeding feature.
• Allows you to input commands through voice alone.
• Has a minimal design and can be moved easily.

10. HP LaserJet Pro M15w

This printer is the smallest laser printer out there. It offers all the benefits of a laser printer without taking up the space that laser printers tend to take.

The printer has two variations. Firstly, there is the standard printer package. Secondly, there is a package where you get a black toner along with the printer.

A unique aspect of this printer is its accessible control panel. Even someone who has never used a printer could quickly get the hang of using this because of the simple layout of the control panel.

This printer is available with dual tray. The input tray of the printer can support 150 papers, while the output tray can support 100. Thus the printer can endure a heavy workload effectively.

The speed of the printer is also a point to be admired. It can print 19 pages in only 1 minute, which is a breakneck speed.

Furthermore, it comes with an extremely detailed setup guide. Thus, the installation is incredibly simple, particularly beneficial for people who haven’t used printers before.

However, the printer does have some issues. Firstly, it can heat up pretty efficiently, and that is never a good sign. Secondly, it doesn’t support all sizes of paper.

Highlighted Features:

• Comes with a very accessible and intuitive control panel.
• Both input and output tray can hold a high number of sheets (150 and 100 respectively).
• Comes with a very detailed setup guide for easy installation.
• Can easily print 19 pages in one minute.

11. Canon Pixma Pro-100

Like the HP Office Jet, this printer is a professional quality high-end printer. This is the type of printer that will serve you very well if you choose to use it for commercial purposes.

But this also means the printer is quite a bit more expensive. However, it makes up for it with some great features.

First, we have to talk about the resolution of the printer. The image resolution can go up to 4800×2400 DPI, which is much higher than most printers and almost guarantees exceptional image quality. If that wasn’t all, the printer also utilizes eight individual ink systems, which further increases the image quality.

The printer supports all sizes of paper. When it comes to decals, it can print both precise small scale decals and decals of a larger scale seamlessly.

More so, the companion app knows was the Canon PRINT app works like a gem with little to no hassle. But the app may be a bit of a hiccup for IOS users. Thankfully, the printer also supports AirPrint. So they do not have to worry.

The only notable problem with this printer is that it can be a little challenging to set up. So you may need professional help to set it up properly.

Highlighted Features:

• Has an image resolution of 4800×2400 DPI.
• Uses eight individual ink systems to ensure the best quality.
• Supports a wide variety of paper.
• Can be controlled through AirPrint.

Top 11 Waterslide Decal Printers Comparison Chart

Printer for Waterslide Decals Buying Guide

If you have read this far into the article, you are aware of all the options that you have when it comes to printers. But you still need to understand your exact requirements and priorities. This buying guide will help you know just that.

Nature of Your Requirements

Some people want to use a decal printer occasionally for small scale home use. Again, some people would like to utilize this for commercial benefit.

For anyone who simply wants to use the printer casually from time to time, they don’t need their printer to be high end. So they can avoid the more expensive printers and go for affordable ones. These types of printers usually feature a 2-ink system.

But for people who want to use the printer for commercial purposes, they need to make sure they are getting the best printer for waterslide decals. For that, a certain amount of money needs to be spent.

Usually, these printers will have a 4-ink system or higher. These ink systems allow the printer to make professional-quality decals that they can benefit financially from.

Resolution 

The image resolution is significant in a printer if you want it to print good quality decals. The resolution you will need depends on the way you want to use it, of course.

For small and precise decals, a resolution of 1200×1200 DPI is more than enough. For larger decals, a printer must have a resolution up to 4800×1200 DPI or 4800×2400 DPI.

Design

Besides aesthetic value, a good design also makes sure the printer isn’t too bulky. If possible, one should always go for printers with smaller and more compact designs. These printers tend to be more lightweight and can be moved from one place to another easily without much effort.

Besides, printers with more compact designs don’t take up much of your workspace. Thus they don’t make working too difficult for you.

Speed

The speed of printers matters when it comes to printers. Time and tide wait for none, and that adage is truer now than it ever was.

These days, there isn’t a second to waste, especially if the decals are being used for commercial purposes. So you should focus on saving as much time as you possibly can.

That is why we put a particular emphasis on the printing speed of a printer. If a printer can print at least 15 pages in one minute, that printer is good enough. But of course, the higher the number of pages it can print in a minute, the better.

Tips to Get the Perfect Print on Your Decal Printer 

Buying a printer for decals is only the first step in making decals, and for newcomers, making decals can be a challenging and complicated process. So here are some tips which can help you out in making the best decals.

Put the Paper in with the Smooth Side Facing Front

There are two different sides to a decal paper. One of them is slightly rough, whereas the other is shiny and smooth. While putting the paper in the printer, you must put it in such a way that the smoother side faces the front.

Use Clear Spray

A lot of people tend to ignore this step, and that is why they often don’t get their desired result. Furthermore, many people do not know how to use a clear spray properly.

While using this spray, you should only give a light spray at first and then let it dry for a while. Then, you should repeat the process 2 or 3 times.

Dip It in Water for the Right Amount of Time

Most people either keep the decal submerged in water for a very long time or a concise time. And that is a very understandable mistake. Determining the right amount of time the decal needs to be submerged is very tough as there isn’t any science to it. The time may vary for different decals as well.

The best way to ascertain is by manually feeling the decal out. When the decal slides appropriately, you should remove the decal only then. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to become good at gauging the right time. You will get accustomed to the art properly after some practice.

Related: In-depth guideline for making waterslide decal at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to remove waterslide decals? 

You can use a hobby knife and carefully pry the waterslide decal away. Another alternative would be to use a sponge dipped in hot water.

2. Why are these decals called waterslide decals? 

These decals need to be dipped in water for a considerable amount of time before being applied on any surface. That is why they are called waterslide decals.

3. Do waterslide decals need to be sealed?

Yes, this is a very important step in using waterslide decals. You can seal them using a clear spray.

4. Are waterslide decals microwave safe?

After they have properly dried, waterslide decals can be used in microwaves without any worry.

5. How durable are waterslide decals? 

Unfortunately, waterslide decals aren’t exceptionally durable. They often start to peel away after a few months of use. Follow this article to know the details durability of a decal sheet.

Final Words

Decals are an excellent way to make any mundane piece of craft look more attractive and unique. People who already make ceramic accessories or t-shirts will benefit from getting the best printer for waterslide decals.

Even those who aren’t necessarily into this can use these printers to raise the aesthetic value of things they already own.

These decals can serve as excellent gift material as well. So if you are intrigued by the idea, do not hesitate. Get yourself a printer for decals as soon as you can.

You can always refer to this article for any queries, and we hope we can successfully answer all of them. With that being said, we must bid you adieu. Stay safe and happy printing!