The reason your prints are dissolving in water comes down to a fundamental issue with how inkjet printers work:
The Canon Pixma iX6820 is an inkjet printer that uses water-soluble dye-based inks (not dry toner from a laser printer). Because inkjet ink is liquid- and water-based, it will immediately bleed or wash away as soon as the paper touches water unless it is manually sealed first.
To fix this, you need to adjust your process depending on the paper type and sealing steps:
1. Ensure You Are Using "Inkjet" Decal Paper
Double-check that your paper is specifically labeled Inkjet Waterslide Decal Paper.
- Laser paper has a non-porous coating that prevents liquid inkjet ink from drying, causing it to sit on top of the sheet and immediately wash off.
2. Seal the Print with Clear Acrylic Spray (Mandatory)
Inkjet waterslide decals must be sealed with a clear acrylic sealant after printing.
Step-by-Step Sealing Process
- Let the Print Dry Completely Wait 15 to 30 minutes after printing to allow the ink to settle before applying any spray.
- Apply Clear Acrylic Spray Use a clear acrylic sealer such as Krylon Crystal Clear or Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Clear.
- Spray in Thin, Even Layers
- Hold the spray can 8–10 inches away from the sheet.
- Apply 2 to 3 light coats, allowing 10–15 minutes of dry time between coats.
- Avoid heavy coats, which can cause the ink to run or make the decal too stiff to bend around surfaces.
- Allow Full Cure Time Let the sealed sheet cure for at least 1–2 hours (or overnight for best results) before trimming and placing it in water.
- Cut Close to the Design When cutting out your decal, leave a very small margin around the edge of the ink so the clear sealant stays intact over the design boundary.
