Printing on ceramics and decals

newuser30

Does anyone have any advice or knowledge on printing on ceramics? I know there are various methods but I can't seem to find info on how to simply print out a design on decal paper and then fire it onto the piece. It appears the decal papers you can buy online are not really suitable for ceramic and in order to do your own design you have to send it to a company who then apply it to decal paper and then you fire it onto your ceramics.

Is there any way it can be done in your own studio? Has anybody had experience of doing up a simple design and being able to apply it to ceramic surface?

Is the most common method silk screen, and where might I learn how to do this? Thanks!

callee

Hi, It is possible to produce your own decals if you have the right laser printer, the result will be black to sepia. If you want colour you need to send the artwork to one of the companies in the UK that specialise in decals. You won't necessarily get the colours true and they have to be applied to a glazed surface. It is also possible to print and apply coloured decals either from an inkjet printer or a laserprinter and not fire them on, they won't be permenant or food safe but seem to be fairly robust. You can buy ready made silkscreens from a number of sources (they don't have to be specifically made for the ceramics industry), and there are places that can make silkscreens but its probably only worthwhile if you are doing a production run. If you would like more information you can PM me.

newuser30

Thanks so much for your help. I will send you a PM.