Decal : Wet Transfer without Setting Solution (with and without Top Coat)

I've seen builders placing wet decal with setting solution almost all the time, and some with an addition of softening solution too. One to conform the decal onto uneven surface better as well as to avoid 'silvering' and another is to soften the decal edges.

But what if we have none of those solutions?
That's what I'm trying to find out.

I did the water slides very carefully and make sure there is no air buildup under the decal and the result is fairly well. The decal sticks excellently, can't really see any problem with it so after half a day of drying time I apply top coat to one of the test.

After 24 hours, with my nails and tweezer I try to scratch the surface. To my surprise the one with the topcoat on resist almost every damage and pressure I try to apply, the edge of the water slide also seems to have soften out. So no damage dealt to the one with top coat.

The one without top coat too did pretty well while scratching with my nail, but couldn't withstand the sharp tweezer scratches or when applied to many pressure on the edges.

If there is a water slide to be applied onto weird surfaces / corners (not flat), you might want to cut / separate into the shape, skip applying it altogether or use the setting solution.

Top coat does helps a lot on this one but not so lucky with the dry transfer.

Dry Transfer (with and without Top Coat) -    • Decal : Dry Transfer (with and without Top...