Dry transfer is a term used to describe decals which can be applied without the use of water or other solvent. Sometimes they are called rub-ons or rubdowns due to the method of application. The decal itself is on a backing material such as paper or plastic sheeting. The backing is placed, decal side down, on the surface to transfer to, and then it is applied by rubbing with a stylus, ballpoint pen, pencil, etc.