Printer- HP PhotoSmart D7160
Paper- Papilio Waterslide IAS8511KK

One hour after printing, I spray with either: Krylon Crystal Clear or Workable Fixatif
15 mins later, 2nd coat
Rod will be prepped with distilled white vinegar before application.
How long to dry before application to rod?? I've sometimes applied too soon, and smeared ink.

All help is appreciated.
Thanks

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble.It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." Mark Twain
John in Wethersfield, CT

Never used vinegar myself. No need for it IMHO

White or clear background water-slide paper?

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Hi, Raymond,
Clear background.
I think the vinegar allows me to move and locate the decal easier.

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble.It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." Mark Twain
John in Wethersfield, CT

Just use water or Micro-Set solution on the blank when laying down the decal.

I don't know the color in the decal or the color of your blank but I've not had any luck printing decals with my HP printer on clear water then putting it on a dark blank. The decals always look great once printed but the ink isn't very opaque and once removed from the backing all I see is clear media. Especially on a dark blank & light color inks.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Decal is red ink on clear; I have a Fishhawk silver metallic "A" as an u'wrap with two thin coats of Flex Coat before application of label.
I always get a good application of label EXCEPT when I'm in a rush to finish. I've got one decal on OK.
I just printed another different label; I'm trying to push the timing to complete project.

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble.It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." Mark Twain
John in Wethersfield, CT

Then IMHO as soon as your fix-a-tif is dry & ink is protected from the water your good to go.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

I have had good luck with metallic underwrap and just a coat of cp. Then apply decal. It won't save you time this time but on the next rod it will at least eliminate the finish before the label. I only use water also to get label on rod

Sunday morning, no problem; ink and Krylon dry. I use lukewarm water to wet decal(6-8 seconds).
Yesterday, by the time I got to the third decal did the water cool enough to affect the ability to slide decal for positioning?
The clear paper would rip rather than slide. Would that make a difference?
Today I used plain water to wet the rod and the decal was a little more difficult to slide, but I was successful.
Thanks to all for your help

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble.It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." Mark Twain
John in Wethersfield, CT

Please advise what the vinegar is for. Thank you.

Because the correct product used to place water slides, Micro Set, smells like vinegar to those who use the correct stuff.

It uses dilute solutions of glacial acetic acid to properly buffer the anionic surfactant contained therein.

Internet Forums tend to spread the word "It must be Vinegar" and many go to work to save a buck!

You of all people should know this!

Add a few drops of vinegar to 1/2 int of water and add two drops of liquid dishwasher detergent and save on shipping to South Africa.

Now I am amused.

Have a nice day!