View source for Decal

{{Short description|Pattern or image that can be moved to another surface upon contact}}
{{Other uses}}
{{More citations needed|date=September 2015}}
[[File:C.O.L.B.E.R.T. decal placement.jpg|thumb|A decal being attached to a piece of machinery]]

A '''decal''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|d|iː|k|æ|l}}, {{IPAc-en|USalso|d|ᵻ|ˈ|k|æ|l}}, {{small|[[Canadian English|CAN]]}} {{IPAc-en|ˈ|d|ɛ|k|əl}})<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decal| title = Decal Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster}} </ref> or '''transfer''' is a [[plastic]], [[cloth]], [[paper]], or [[ceramic]] [[substrate (printing)|substrate]] that has printed on it a [[pattern]] or image that can be moved to another surface upon [[wikt:contact|contact]], usually with the aid of [[heat]] or [[water]].

The word is short for ''[[decalcomania]]'', a decorative technique by which engravings and prints are transferred to pottery or other materials.  The technique was invented by [[Simon François Ravenet]] (1706-1774), an engraver from France who later moved to England and perfected the process he called "décalquer" (which means "to copy by tracing"); it became widespread during the decal craze or mania of the late 19th century.

==Properties==
The term "decal" refers to the mass-produced art transfer in two different states:

1. As manufactured, which consists of the artwork printed on the upper side of a paper or film [[label stock]], temporarily affixed by a typically water or heat soluble adhesive to the upper side of a silicone- or other release agent-coated paper or film backing stock.  Decals are produced, shipped, and stored in this composite state.

2. As applied, where only the adhesive-backed artwork remains, affixed to its desired (and appropriate) substrate, temporarily or permanently as designed.

Two variations include the traditional [[water slide decal|''water-slide'' or ''water-dip'']], with the artwork printed on water-resistant paper coated with a layer of water-soluble adhesive, and a dry ''peel-and-stick'' format using a standard adhesive&mdash;which technically is not a decal, as there is no "art transfer", rather an adhesive-backed [[label]] known as a [[sticker]] or "vinyl-cut decal".{{cn|date=July 2022}}

== Modern production process ==
Mass-production of vinyl decals starts with large rolls of vinyl sheet. Vinyl is fed through a [[cutting plotter]] or large-format printer/cutter which prints the desired image and cuts out the desired shapes. Designs are typically created using specialized computer software and sent to the machines electronically. Modern cutting systems have evolved to achieve sub-millimeter precision on die-cut decals through automated processes and sophisticated blade pressure control.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dupont |first1=Olivia |title=Beyond the Blade: How Precision Cutting Technology Revolutionized Decal Manufacturing |url=https://www.signazon.com/knowledge/beyond-the-blade/ |website=Signazon.com |access-date=20 June 2025}}</ref>

After the patterns are cut, excess vinyl on the sheet is removed in a process called ''weeding''. Finally, a paper pre-mask{{what|What is a "pre-mask"?|date=July 2022}} can be applied to the top of the vinyl design allowing easy application of multiple letters and shapes.{{how|How are "multiple letters and shapes" applied?  The technique as described is completely opaque.|date=July 2022}}

A recent innovation involves the inclusion of a [[radio frequency identification]] (RFID) circuit (chip and antenna) in the paper or film facestock.{{Why|In what applications, to what end?|date=July 2022}}{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}

==Applications==
[[File:Gunpla decal sheet.jpg|thumb|Decal sheet for plastic model]]
Decals were popularly associated from the mid-20th century on with [[hot rod]] automobiles and [[plastic model]]s. Along with [[stickers]] they are used to "personalize" items, such as musical instruments or sports gear.

Government agencies (and some private-public partnerships) use permanent peel-and-stick stickers on vehicles for identification. These "decals" are referred to as fleet markings and are required by law on all fire and law enforcement vehicles in the US. Most fleet markings are created from reflective vinyl with an adhesive backing that is applied in a peel-and-stick manner.

{{also|Tattoo#Decal-style temporary tattoos}}

==Methods of printing==
*[[Inkjet printing]]
*[[Laser printing]]
*[[Offset printing]]
*[[Paper embossing|Embossing]]
*[[Photocopier]]
*[[Thermal printing]]

==See also==
*[[Bumper sticker]]
*[[Ceramic decal]]
*[[Country tag]]
*[[Dry transfer]]
*[[Lithography]]
*[[Sticker]]
*[[Wall decal]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Wiktionary-inline}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Decorative arts]]
[[Category:Scale modeling]]