waterslide laser decal, "ink" up or down?

[ramonet]

I'm planing to include a waterslide decal on the headstock of my new build and I have a question. I don't know if I must print the logo in "normal" position (with the "ink" on top of the plastic, so the final clear coat go on top of the ink) or in reverse mode (with the "ink" between the plastic and the finish, so the clear coats don't touch the ink).
I'm going to practice on a scrap, but it's better to start on the right way.

Thanks

P.D.: any advice?

 

[SkuttleFunk]

when I used to use waterslides for branding, the ink was always on the up side so that the printing was clear and not clouded by the 'not completely transparent' decal paper

 

[Cagey]

I'm not sure how you'd print on the adhesive side even if you wanted to, so it's gonna be ink side up. Just be very light about the first coat or two of clear, lest you melt the toner. It's not really ink, it's super-fine ground plastic that gets fused to the substrate and acetone will dissolve it. Once you have a little finish on it to sorta seal it, you can start applying as normal. Strongly suggest some experimenting before working the finish piece.

 

[bagman67]

Coat the decal with a layer or two of shellac before you start hitting it with the lacquer and you will diminish the likelihood of the acetone vehicle screwing up your decal.

 

[ramonet]

Thank you all