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Home Office Printers

Best Printer for Waterslide Decals (2026): 5 Papers Compared

Five waterslide decal papers for inkjet and laser printers compared: sheet counts, finishes, coating steps and what each listing states.

Best Printer for Waterslide Decals (2026): 5 Papers Compared

The kitchen table is covered in mugs waiting for custom art, the printer is humming, and the best printer for waterslide decals is only half the equation: the paper it feeds matters just as much. We compared five waterslide decal papers by printer compatibility, sheet count, finish and what each listing states about the transfer process, using only what each listing publishes.

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Quick picks

  • Hayes Waterslide Paper
    Best Overall Hayes Waterslide Paper: 5760 dpi support, 200gsm clear paper, 24/7 customer support. Check price on Amazon
  • Sunnyscopa Waterslide Paper
    Best Pack Options Sunnyscopa Waterslide Paper: 10, 20 or 100 sheets, tear resistant, made in South Korea. Check price on Amazon
  • Koala Laser Decal Paper
    Best for Laser Printers Koala Laser Decal Paper: Clear paper for laser printers, no coating needed, 25 sheets. Check price on Amazon
  • Koala White Decal Paper
    Best White Paper Koala White Decal Paper: White matte paper for dark surfaces, 25 sheets, inkjet. Check price on Amazon
  • A-SUB Decal Paper
    Best Simple Pick A-SUB Decal Paper: Clear 8.5×11 inkjet paper, 20 sheets, for indoor projects. Check price on Amazon

The picks

Hayes Waterslide Paper

Hayes Waterslide Paper

Hayes Paper Co.9.5/10 Office Score
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The Office Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 200gsm clear A4 paper for inkjet printers with a fully described transfer process and 24/7 customer support.

Pros

  • Supports printing up to 5760 dpi, per the listing
  • 200gsm paper with quick dry and strong adhesion claims
  • Full process described: 3 coats, 50 to 60 second soak
  • 24/7 customer support team stated

Cons

  • Not for laser printers, per the listing
  • 200gsm may jam older inkjet models, per the listing
  • Spec table conflicts with bullets on size and weight
  • No warranty term is stated
Detailed Review

Hayes lists 20 clear A4 sheets of 200gsm waterslide decal paper for inkjet printers, with printing up to 5760 dpi. The listing describes printing on the white glossy side, sealing with 3 light coats of clear acrylic spray, soaking the cut decal in water for 50 to 60 seconds, and smoothing it onto the surface with a cloth; printers with water-based inks are described as best. The spec table reads '8.3 x 11.7 centimeters' for the size and '15' for the paper weight, which conflicts with the title and bullets; we trust the title and bullets here.

Who it's for: crafters who want the most detailed transfer instructions in this set. Who should skip it: anyone printing on a laser printer or an older inkjet that cannot feed 200gsm paper.

Its Office Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 73 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
Sheets20
Size8.25 x 11.7 in (A4)
Paper weight200gsm, per bullets
Printer typeInkjet

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 18 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.

Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.

This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

Sunnyscopa Waterslide Paper

Sunnyscopa Waterslide Paper

Sunnyscopa9.5/10 Office Score
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The Office Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A clear letter-size paper from a maker listing 30-plus years of experience, with 10, 20 and 100 sheet options.

Pros

  • 10, 20 and 100 sheet options listed
  • Maker states over 30 years of experience, made in South Korea
  • Listing claims tear resistant and smudge proof output
  • Waterproof material feature stated

Cons

  • Needs an inkjet printer plus acrylic spray
  • Fewer stated process details than the Hayes listing
  • No warranty term is stated
  • No safety certification is stated
Detailed Review

Sunnyscopa lists 20 clear sheets of US letter waterslide decal paper for inkjet printers, with 10 and 100 sheet options also listed. The listing describes the maker as specializing in printable decal paper since 1990 and the product as made in South Korea, with tear resistant, smudge proof output and a waterproof material feature. It lists use on tumblers, mugs, glass, candles, nails and more, with no internal contradictions between the title, bullets and spec table.

Who it's for: buyers who want pack-size flexibility from a long-established maker. Who should skip it: anyone who wants step-by-step soak and coating times on the listing.

Its Office Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 71 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
Sheets20
Size8.5 x 11 in (Letter)
Pack options10, 20, 100 sheets
Printer typeInkjet

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 18 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.

Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.

This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

Koala Laser Decal Paper

Koala Laser Decal Paper

KOALA PAPER9.4/10 Office Score
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The Office Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

The only laser paper here: 25 clear sheets that need no coating after printing.

Pros

  • Only laser-printer paper in this set
  • No coating needed after printing, per the listing
  • 25 sheets, the largest pack here
  • Clear finish for light or clear surfaces

Cons

  • Not for inkjet printers
  • Spec table paper weight conflicts with the bullets
  • Printer must be set over 190g per square meter
  • No warranty term is stated
Detailed Review

Koala lists 25 clear sheets of waterslide decal paper for laser printers, and states that no coating spray is needed after printing. The bullets say to set the paper weight to label or heavy paper mode over 190g per square meter, while the spec table reads '67' for the paper weight; we trust the bullets here. The clear paper is described as suitable for light or clear surfaces.

Who it's for: laser-printer owners who want to skip the coating step. Who should skip it: anyone printing on an inkjet printer.

Its Office Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 69 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
Sheets25
Size8.5 x 11 in
Printer typeLaser
CoatingNot needed, per the listing

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 18 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. No safety lock or safety listing is stated, so safety scores zero. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.

Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.

This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

Koala White Decal Paper

Koala White Decal Paper

KOALA PAPER9.4/10 Office Score
i
The Office Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

The only white paper here: 25 matte sheets for inkjet printers and dark surfaces.

Pros

  • Only white paper in this set, for dark surfaces
  • 25 sheets, the largest pack here
  • Matte finish with a clear acrylic coating step noted
  • Detailed instructions included, per the listing

Cons

  • Inkjet only, not for laser printers
  • Coating step required after printing
  • Indoor use stated
  • No warranty term is stated
Detailed Review

Koala lists 25 white matte sheets of waterslide decal paper for inkjet printers, for ceramics, glass, metal, wood and more. The listing notes that a clear acrylic coating must be sprayed after printing and states that detailed instructions are included. There are no internal contradictions between the title, bullets and spec table.

Who it's for: crafters decorating dark surfaces where clear paper would disappear. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a clear finish or prints on a laser printer.

Its Office Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 68 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
Sheets25
Size8.5 x 11 in
FinishMatte
Printer typeInkjet

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 18 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.

Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.

This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

A-SUB Decal Paper

A-SUB Decal Paper

A-SUB9.4/10 Office Score
i
The Office Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A straightforward clear inkjet paper in a 20-sheet pack for light-colored surfaces.

Pros

  • Clear 8.5 by 11 inch sheets for inkjet printers
  • Recommended for light-colored or clear surfaces
  • Lists use on glass, ceramic, tumblers, mugs and models
  • Indoor use stated for the finished decals

Cons

  • Fewest stated details of the five listings
  • 20-sheet pack with no other pack options stated
  • No coating or soak guidance on the listing
  • No warranty term is stated
Detailed Review

A-SUB lists 20 clear sheets of 8.5 by 11 inch waterslide decal paper for inkjet printers, recommended for light-colored or clear surfaces including glass, ceramic, tumblers, mugs, metal, plastic, candles and models. The listing states indoor use for the finished decals. There are no internal contradictions, but the listing gives fewer process details than the others here.

Who it's for: a first project where a simple 20-sheet pack is enough. Who should skip it: anyone who wants stated coating, soak or printer-setting guidance.

Its Office Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 27/35, build 19/25, value 19/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 65 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.

Key Specifications
Sheets20
Size8.5 x 11 in
Printer typeInkjet
UsageIndoor

Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 18 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.

Safety and Warranty

What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.

Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.

This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More picks to compare

Compare the picks

Decal Paper Office Score Printer Type Sheets Size Finish Amazon
Hayes Waterslide Paper 9.5/10 Inkjet 20 A4 Coated View on Amazon
Sunnyscopa Waterslide Paper 9.5/10 Inkjet 20 Letter Translucent View on Amazon
Koala Laser Decal Paper 9.4/10 Laser 25 8.5×11 in Smooth View on Amazon
Koala White Decal Paper 9.4/10 Inkjet 25 8.5×11 in Matte View on Amazon
A-SUB Decal Paper 9.4/10 Inkjet 20 8.5×11 in Not stated View on Amazon

Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 18 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Office Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For decal paper, safety would mean stated material certifications; no listing states one, so safety is 0 for all five, and no listing states a warranty term, so warranty is 0 for all five. How we pick explains the weights.

Product Office Score Perf. /35 Build /25 Value /25 Safety /10 Warranty /5
Hayes Waterslide Paper 9.5 32 21 20 0 0
Sunnyscopa Waterslide Paper 9.5 30 21 20 0 0
Koala Laser Decal Paper 9.4 29 20 20 0 0
Koala White Decal Paper 9.4 28 20 20 0 0
A-SUB Decal Paper 9.4 27 19 19 0 0

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.

How to choose the best printer for waterslide decals

Match the paper to your printer

Four of the five papers are for inkjet printers; only the Koala laser paper is made for laser printers, and the Hayes listing states its paper is not for laser printers. The Koala laser paper needs no coating after printing, while the inkjet papers need a clear acrylic coating step. Browse more home office printers to match a printer to the paper first.

Pick clear or white for the surface

Clear paper suits light-colored or clear surfaces: the A-SUB listing recommends light-colored or clear surfaces, and Sunnyscopa lists glass, ceramics, candles and nails among its surfaces. White paper is the choice for dark surfaces, and the Koala white paper is the only white paper here, with a matte finish. The Hayes and Koala laser papers are clear.

Check the sheet count and size

Three papers come in 20-sheet packs (Hayes, Sunnyscopa, A-SUB) and both Koala papers come in 25-sheet packs. The Hayes is A4 at 8.25 by 11.7 inches; the others are US letter or 8.5 by 11 inches. Sunnyscopa also lists 10-sheet and 100-sheet options, which suits someone printing a single batch or a long run of designs.

Follow the coating and soak steps

The Hayes listing describes the full process: print on the white glossy side, seal with 3 light coats of clear acrylic spray, let dry, cut, then soak the decal in water for 50 to 60 seconds before sliding it onto the surface. The Koala white paper also notes that a clear acrylic coating must be sprayed. The Koala laser paper skips the coating step entirely, which saves time on each print. For related craft printing see our printers for stickers and crafts.

Decal paper Printer type Sheets Size Coating needed
Hayes Waterslide Paper Inkjet 20 A4 Yes, per the listing
Sunnyscopa Waterslide Paper Inkjet 20 Letter Yes, per the listing
Koala Laser Decal Paper Laser 25 8.5×11 in No
Koala White Decal Paper Inkjet 25 8.5×11 in Yes, per the listing
A-SUB Decal Paper Inkjet 20 8.5×11 in Not stated

Figures as stated in each listing.

Setup Notes

  • Confirm your printer’s tray accepts the paper size: A4 for the Hayes, US letter or 8.5 by 11 inches for the others.
  • The Hayes listing warns that its 200gsm paper may jam older inkjet models, so check your printer’s supported weight.
  • For the Koala laser paper, set the printer’s paper weight above 190g per square meter, per the listing.
  • Keep the acrylic spray, a water tray and a soft cloth near the printer so each transfer follows the same steps.
  • Store unused sheets flat in a dry spot; coated paper and humidity do not mix well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use waterslide decal paper with any inkjet printer?

All four inkjet papers list compatibility with inkjet printers. The Hayes listing says printers with water-based inks are best and warns that older models may jam on its 200gsm paper.

Do I need special paper for a laser printer?

Yes. Only the Koala laser paper here is made for laser printers, and it needs no coating after printing. The Hayes listing states its paper is not for laser printers.

Does the paper need a coating after printing?

The inkjet papers do: Hayes describes 3 light coats of clear acrylic spray, and the Koala white paper notes a clear acrylic coating must be sprayed. The Koala laser paper needs no coating.

Should I buy clear or white decal paper?

Clear for light-colored or clear surfaces, per the A-SUB listing. White for dark surfaces: the Koala white paper is the only white paper here.

How many sheets come in a pack?

20 sheets for Hayes, Sunnyscopa and A-SUB; 25 sheets for both Koala papers. Sunnyscopa also lists 10-sheet and 100-sheet options.

How long do I soak the decal?

The Hayes listing says to soak the cut decal in water for 50 to 60 seconds, then slide it onto the surface and smooth out air bubbles with a cloth.

Hayes Waterslide Paper
Still deciding? Our top pickHayes Waterslide Paper
Check price on Amazon

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