As the name implies,
water-slide decals will slide off their backing paper after being soaked in water. They can be applied to virtually any shape and are especially suited to decorating compound curves and irregular shaped pieces.
After the decal has been transferred to the substrate, it is allowed to dry and then fired in a kiln. Permanent bonding of the printed image in a ceramic decal to its substrate can only be achieved in a proper kiln firing.
Once fired, the ceramic oxide pigments bond to the substrate and the organic covercoat burns away, leaving a durable image with a high quality finish.