Dry transfer

Dry transfers (also called rub-ons or rubdowns) are decals that can be applied without the use of water or other solvent.

The decal is then applied by burnishing the backing with a stylus or similar object such as a ballpoint pen.

This allows for ink only where needed even if the pattern is delicate, because the backing supports the decal while it is being applied.

Dry transfers are used in manual technical drawing when standard graphic elements such as title blocks, forms, patterned lines, shading, piping or electronic schematic symbols need to be repetitively used.

From the 1960s to the 1980s, dry transfers featuring action scenes were a popular children's pastime.