More about Decals

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Decals are materials that hold designs, pictures and patterns able to be transferred to another surface through contact. The application is often facilitated or achieved by the additional application of heat, water or pressure. The term decal is also used more specifically to apply to a method of printing patterns on a glue, paper and transparency composite using ceramic inks. This particular type of decal is applied to glass and ceramic surfaces. In ceramics, it can also refer to a design applied to a finished glaze before firing. It can also be used to describe a computer rendered image or design applied to an object or a pattern decoration applied to a piece of porcelain. Interestingly, the term decal comes from an abbreviated of the word decalcomania, which is an enthusiasm for copying by tracing.

From an industrial and practical standpoint, decals serve a variety of purposes. They are integral in the production of product identification materials, nameplates, and labels. They also provide a unique set of branding possibilities, and make it easy for a manufacturer to retain a single brand design and image from one product to the next. Some modern techniques, such as the Duro-lenz decal coating, have further enhanced the look of branded decals. This coating can be found on everything from sporting equipment to car insignias.

Decals are available in a number of materials, with vinyl being, perhaps, the most common. They can come in sticker, press-on or heat-apply form, and can be made in a virtually limitless set of colors and two-dimensional shapes. Most decal manufacturers offer full customization options to purchasers, and can meet an extensive range of requirements. They can easily craft durable, wear-resistant decals and labels for a comprehensive assortment of conditions and uses. Many of these manufacturers have extensive printing and engineering capabilities, and should be able to meet most related needs, from logo design to full branded print line.