Everyone loves waterslide decals. The smooth prints don’t just look great, they add another dimension to your crafts or business projects.
While they were once something only used by professionals, new advancements in technology have made it possible to create them from the comfort of your own home.
When getting a printer for waterslide decals, there are a few key traits you need to keep an eye out for. That includes aspects like power, speed, and quality.
All of the models analyzed in the following paragraphs have such traits, as well as a few other key attributes that make them perfect for just about any setting.
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Who Should Get This
The printers outlined in this guide are perfect for both professionals and hobbyists alike. There are many reasons you might want a waterslide decal, and the below models work for all of them.
That makes these especially great for people who need to use decals for craft projects, as well as those who need them for a business or workspace.
As great as the following printers are at printing decals, they have many traditional specs that also make them perfect for more traditional printing jobs.
If you just need a solid workhorse printer or if you want a day-to-day machine that can also do decals, the following options are for you.
Best Printer for Waterslide Decals: Our Picks
This section discusses the top decal printers and analyzes what individual niches they best fill.
1. HP OfficeJet 5255
- Best for: Overall
- Key Features: Quick print speed. Optional HP Instant Ink and intuitive smart app. 35-page auto document feeder.
- Connective Technology: Cloud Printing, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
- Sheet Size: 3 x 5 to 8.5 x 14, Letter, Legal, Envelope
- Input/Output: 100 sheets, 25 sheets
When looking for a waterslide printer, it’s hard to match the HP OfficeJet 5255. The device is incredibly well-rounded, reasonably sized, and prints at lightning speed. You have a large input/output as well as full Bluetooth connectivity.
Another large bonus of this model over similar devices is the HP Instant Ink and smart app. Both pieces of supportive technology bring another dimension to the printer and make it easy to use.
The setup for this printer is definitely on the tricky side. However, once you put in some initial work you’re set up to use one of the fastest, sleekest, and most well-rounded printers on the market.
2. Canon 2986C002 Pixma
- Best for: Compact
- Key Features: Simple setup. Intuitive UI. 3-inch color LCD screen. Compact. Amazing support. USB functionality.
- Connective Technology: USB, Bluetooth, Wireless
- Compatible Devices: Smartphones
- Dimensions: 14.7 x 12.5 x 5.5 inches
Though many top-end waterslide decal printers get in the way, the Canon Pixma is a wonderful choice for those who need something sleek. The rather tight design never gets in the way, and allows you to fit the printer into just about any corner or desk.
Going past the versatility, the Pixma is a solid device. The 5-color Individual Ink System is fantastic, as is the vivid 3-inch LCD screen. The printer is a Canon too, which means you can save some money through the Dash Replenishment program as well.
The only big drawback with this machine is that doing any at-home service or maintenance can be tough. As long as that’s not a problem, it’s a great compact machine.
3. Epson Workforce
- Best for: Versatility
- Key Features: 20,000 page-per-month capacity. Wireless functionality. 4.3-inch screen. Many sheet size options.
- Connective Technology: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, Ethernet
- Sheet Capacity: 250 sheets
- Screen Size: 4.3 inches
If you want a strong printer that can handle both waterslide decals and large jobs, the Epson Workforce may be your top choice. Not only does it come with a vivid 4.3-inch screen, as well as a 250 sheet tray and an incredible 20,000 pages per month capacity.
The all-in-one functionality backs up those aspects beautifully, as does the high-resolution output and the auto-duplexing. It can handle many different sizes as well.
This printer is incredibly powerful, but, as with any large page device, it does jam from time to time. It uses ink quickly as well. As long as you’re aware of those issues, the Workforce is a powerhouse for decal and large jobs alike.
4. Epson Stylus Photo R2000
- Best for: Premium
- Key Features: Supports various paper materials. Excellent printing speed. Energy-efficient certified. Bright colors.
- Connective Technology: Ethernet, USB Cable, Wi-Fi, USB Drive
- Sheet Size: 4 x 6 inches, 13 inches x 19 inches
- Max Print Speed: 20 pages per minute
Most solid decal printers tend to be one note or have a specific focus. The Stylus Pro breaks from that mold by delivering excellent waterslides on top of other projects. It can support just about any paper material you throw at it and it comes with blinding fast printing speed.
Backing up those traits is an auto-select feature as well as some of the best finishing quality money can buy. The entire machine, while larger, is energy-efficient certified as well.
This printer is definitely pricey, which only makes it good for users who want to pay for quality. If you have the budget, it’s hard to get more for your buck.
5. HP Envy 5055
- Best for: Usability
- Key Features: Compact and lightweight. 2-sided printing option. Strong photo resolution. Excellent app.
- Connective Technology: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cloud Printing
- Sheet Size: 3 x 5 to 8.5 x 14, Letter, Legal, Envelope
- Input/Output: 100 sheets, 25 sheets
If you’re in the market for a streamlined decal printer that won’t cause you any trouble with use or set up, the Envy 5055 is worth a look. Not only is everything easy to put together, but the HP companion app is simple to navigate and keeps everything running smoothly.
On top of that, the Instant Ink system ensures you don’t have to worry about refills and there’s support for various paper materials and sizes.
This printer doesn’t have the best printing speed on the market, which can make it less appealing for those who need fast jobs. Even so, if you have the time or patience, the well-made device is a great decal machine.
6. HP OfficeJet Pro 8025
- Best for: Speed
- Key Features: 20-pages-per-minute. Strong security. Self-repairing Wi-Fi. Sustainable design. Strong in print quality. HP Instant Ink.
- Connective Technology: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
- Sheet Size: 3.5 x 5; 4 x 6; 5 x 7; 8 x 10; 8.5 x 14
- Input/Output: 225 sheets, 60 sheets
Another great HP item, the Pro 8025 is perfect for anyone who cares about speed. The printer is lightning quick, pumping out a whopping 20 pages a minute, and is able to handle just about any job. That includes waterslide decals.
It also has stunning resolution, and it’s incredibly versatile through its ability to scan, fax, print, and copy. The colors are sharp and bright, and the self-healing WiFi helps maintain connectivity when you’re working on larger tasks.
The printer does tend to eat up ink faster than similar decal models, but that’s not a terrible tradeoff to make if you’re someone who likes or needs to get things done quickly.
How to Choose a Printer for Waterslide Decals
Compatibility
First and foremost, you need to ensure the printer you want to buy can actually create waterslide decals. The prints require specific materials to work, and if your printer isn’t compatible with those materials it won’t do you any good.
In that same vein, do what you can to get a model that has the ability to print different page sizes. That will increase its versatility and enable you to save paper when making small prints.
Print Quality
When getting a waterslide printer it’s also important to pay attention to resolution. You want your decals to come out as crisp and as clear as possible.
If you get a printer with low color quality or weak edges you aren’t going to get the result you want. While there are some great budget models, you never want to skimp on the finished product.
Inkjet or Laser
When picking out a modern printer, you need to figure out if you want an inkjet or laser model. Each type comes with its own benefits and limitations, and you want the one that will give you the best prints.
For instance, while color laser printers look excellent, they also tend to be quite expensive. On the flip side, inkjet might look better but laser printers use a toner that lasts longer than ink. Go with what works for you.
Useful Tips and Information
There’s a lot you can do with waterslide decals, but the process of making one is not as simple as it first seems. If you’re just getting started or want to create your own, this video covers some excellent tips on the process.
Once you have the basics down, you next want to ensure your decals come out as perfectly as possible. There are several ways to make that happen, but the tips listed here will help you take your products to the next level.
Final Words
Finding a solid waterslide decal printer is not as tough as it first might seem. Though once inaccessible, the prints have become much more available over the past few years.
It doesn’t matter if you’re someone who wants to make some fun print for an at-home project or if you’re designing something for your business, the above items will help you complete your task.
What printer do you use for waterslide decals? Why do you like it so much? Let us know in the comments below!
