Technical Information: Digital Ceramic Decals

Codes starting with D and Custom Decals should be fired according to this guide.

Digital Ceramic Decal Application & Firing Instructions

• Cut the motif from the sheet; for decals made with china flux covercoat, cutting closer to the image minimises the appearance of flux halo.
• Place decal in container of luke warm water until paper curls; remove from water and leave for 20-30sec until decal slides free of backing paper. This prevents the adhesive from dissolving away in the water and minimises water take up into the decal. Adding a drop of washing up liquid to the water can help reduce surface tension and makes bubbles easier to remove. Make sure your ceramic piece is not cold.
• Slide decal from backing paper face up onto wet finished ware. Proceed to "squeeze" out all the water making sure there’s NO moisture or bubbles underneath. Take extra care over dark areas as the water is harder to remove from these areas and will show any pin holes more readily than lighter areas. The digitally made decals require a firmer hand when squeezing out any moisture. Ideally use a firm Decal squeegee for this. This process takes time and care.
• Wait at least 24 hours for decal to dry. Lower temperatures or higher humidity increases drying time. The acid test for dryness is to set a small kiln at 200 C and insert a decorated piece for 5-10 minutes. If wet, the decal shows water blisters; if dry it stays flat and goes shinier. Digital ceramic decals take longer to dry completely than conventional decals.
• Fire slowly up to 200C to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate, then up to 780-820°C*.
• Ideal firing cycle 0-95 in 60min; 95-573 in 300min, hold 10min; 573-(780-820)*in 60 min, hold 10 min, then off.

*NB: Red Decals should be fired to the lower (780-800 top Temperature). These instructions are intended to be used as a guide only. Please test fire all decals before use to determine the optimum temperature for your kiln.