Clear vs. White Waterslide Decals
Not sure whether to pick Clear or White for your waterslide decals? You're not alone, it's the question Bobcat gets asked most! 🐾 The short answer: it all depends on the color of the surface you're putting it on. Here's everything you need to know.
✨ CLEAR Waterslide
Best for: white and light-colored surfaces
- White ceramic mugs
- White or pastel tumblers
- Light-colored glitter tumblers
- Glass, when you want a see-through look
- Pens, ornaments, and other light crafts
Why crafters love it: no visible edges, so your design looks painted right on.
🤍 WHITE Waterslide
Best for: dark, colored, or metallic surfaces
- Black or dark tumblers
- Bright colored mugs and tumblers
- Stainless steel and metallic finishes
- Dark glitter and wood
- Anything where you want colors to really POP
Why crafters love it: bold, true colors on any background color.
What's the Difference?
Clear waterslide paper has a see-through background. Printers don't print white ink, so anything white or very light in the design turns see-through and shows the surface color underneath. The printed colors are also a little translucent, which is why clear decals look best on white or light surfaces. On a dark tumbler, the colors fade out and can be hard to see.
White waterslide paper has a solid white background behind the whole design. That white layer blocks the surface color, so your colors stay bright and true and the white parts of the design stay white, even on black or stainless steel. Because the background is white, you'll want to trim close to the design so the white edge doesn't show.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Clear | White | |
|---|---|---|
| Background | See-through | Solid white |
| Best surface colors | White and light colors | Dark, bright, and metallic colors |
| White in the design | Turns see-through | Stays white |
| Edges | Nearly invisible | Trim close so the white edge doesn't show |
| Color look | Soft, blends with the surface | Bold and vibrant |
| Application | Exactly the same! Trim, soak, slide, smooth, and let dry. | |
Quick Pick Guide
- White mug or tumbler? Go with Clear.
- Black, navy, or other dark tumbler? Go with White.
- Bright pink, teal, or another bold color? Go with White so the colors stay true.
- Stainless steel or metallic? Go with White.
- Clear glass? Clear for a see-through, stained-glass look, or White if you want the design to stand out.
- Design has lots of white in it (like white text)? Go with White, or that white will disappear on Clear.
Still not sure? Grab one of each and test them on your blank before you commit. Bobcat does it all the time! 🐾 You can also reach out with a photo of your blank and we'll help you pick.
More Help
Ready to apply? Check out our Waterslide Decal Directions and Waterslide Tips & Tricks. Want to see real projects? Visit Bobcat's Gallery: Waterslide Decals.
Printing your own? Hayes makes both clear and white waterslide paper in laser and inkjet versions. Shop Hayes Paper and use code SCINOT for 15% off!
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