Sticking Point: History, Manufacturing Techniques, and Preservation of Decals

Abstract

Decals, also known as decalcomania or transfer prints, flourished between the 1850s and 1970s. Applied to a wide variety of materials, they were used primarily for trademarking, advertisement, and decoration of many surfaces. The use of decals greatly speeded manufacture of many consumer goods and made them more affordable. This paper will discuss the invention and use of decals, categorize types of decals by application method, and describe preservation strategies for decals found in cultural heritage collections.