A method of making a membrane electrode assembly is provided. The method includes providing a non-porous substrate which has sufficient structural integrity to be reusable or which is formed into a loop. A slurry is formed which includes an ionically conductive material, an electrically conductive material, a catalyst, and a solvent. The slurry is applied onto the non-porous substrate, for example, in a pattern of discrete areas. The slurry is dried to form decals. The decals are bonded to a membrane and then the substrate is peeled from the decal in a substantially undamaged condition so that it may be reused.