[ZenLee]

Hello All,

I am currently working on a project involving Nail Polish and Waterslide Decals. I have been working with numerous decal companies however all of them have had the same problem and I cannot find an answer. I was hoping that someone here might be able to help? Or at least point me in the right direction.

We are developing a waterslide decal that once it is applied will need to be sealed with a clear coat of nail polish on top. We have samples of decals from China that work very well for this application. However, we want to purchase from an american manufacturer. We have tested several different decals from different american companies - the problem is that they all dissolve/melt into a mess once the nail polish coat is applied.

The American decals are made with solvent-based lacquer inks.

I assume that the solvents in the nail polish are reacting with the inks?

I would so appreciate any information you might have concerning this problem.

[ATMyller]

Yes the solvents (ethyl acetate, xylene, toluene) are dissolving the decal. Try using water-based clear coat.

[billnotgatez]

Do the China inks have lead (Pb) in them
Acetone is typically used to clean off nail polishes from nails in the USA

[ZenLee]

Thanks for your replies!

It's interesting because the Chinese decals - if you apply the nail polish to the top of them they are 100% fine - however if the nail polish gets on their back side they shrivel up and dissolve. They must have a different top/bottom - perhaps lacquer on the bottom and a protective top coat that is not lacquer based.

Not sure about the lead. I will give UV inks and water-based inks/coats a try.

[hmx9123]

See if anyone makes decals from acrylics.  They should be impervious.  Of course the material they are stuck to....