Question:
What is a decal?
Colour Development
Colour Development
Cloudy looking decals or decals where the colour is not bright need to be burned out and carbon monoxide fumes have to be removed from the kiln. Manual venting by propping the lid and removal of peephole plugs will improve the firing, but may not help bring enough air to the bottom of the kiln or to distribute it evenly throughout the load. A downdraft vent system will ensure sufficient air is brought into the kiln and circulated throughout.
Over-wetting
If you leave your decal in water too long, too much glue will be removed and it will not fire properly
Wetting
Be sure not to wet decals too much as they must maintain enough adhesive for a solid bond with your piece after being soaked and transferred to your piece
description
Technically, ceramic decals employ the use of china paints which are printed in decorative designs on special paper
Percection
Many highbrow ceramists look down on decals as the easy way out for decorating ceramic pieces but don't pay any attention to them
Removing air
When applying decals, it is important that all the air bubbles are removed from under the decal before it is allowed to dry. If not, a hole will result in that area during firing.
Quality
Decals we use in hobby ceramics are specially formulated for that special purpose. You cannot use five and dime decals to achieve the same results.
Burn-spots
To avoid burn spots on your designs, you must be sure that your decal is completely dry before firing.
Let your decals dry at least 24 hours before firing.
Did you know
Of all the overglaze products, decals are the only one that employ water in your method of application.
Chosing Glaze and Decal
Standard Application
To apply decals, first be sure a glazed surface will accept them. Always check the label of a glaze to make sure it reads overglaze compatible. Next, choose a glaze colour that will enhance your decal. Since most decals are china paints, their colours are translucent. So, a clear or lightly coloured glaze is the best choice. However, enamel decals are opaque and look best on dark glaze colours. Metallic decals adapt to a number of glaze finishes. Decals will also take on the finish of a glaze, so the same decal applied to a gloss glaze will appear different on a matte glaze.
Different decals
Different decals are made for glass and ceramics. Ceramic decals often fire hotter than those for glass. application: decals must have good contact with the surface of the ware, all wrinkles and bubbles need to be smoothed away. Avoid tearing the decal. Firing: decals are generally low firing - cone 022 to 016, check the package for the proper firing range. Venting: Decals contain lots of organics which need to be burned off. Often smelly fumes result during decal firings.
Ceramics Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions should I take in the studio?
How do I fire an electric kiln?
What are some stoneware glazes?
What Precautions when using dry ingredients?
How do I apply opaque stains ?
What should I keep in mind when designing my studio?
What tools do I need to start potting?
How do I best promote myself and my work?
What safety aspect should I keep in mind when working with glazes?
What should I remember when firing the kiln?
How do I best publicise my business?
How do I make a simple plaster mold?
How do I fire overglazes/lustres?
How do I create fine feature lines?
How and when sholuld I apply underglazes?
Are they Water or oil base stains?
Are any two kilns are exactly alike?
Can I use sand to stop glaze running onto shelves
Does greenware need to be dry before loading?
What is the history of the Potter´s Wheel?
What is The History of the Way of Tea
What is Celadon (Cheong-Ja) - the Stuff of Kings?
What is an overglaze marbleizer?
Is there a trick toThrowing Porcelain?
What are some stoneware glazes?
What are some good tools for decoration?
How do I apply texture to my piece?
Do I need kiln wash for bisque?
How do I refire a glazed piece ?
What must I remember when Raku firing?
How do I add decoration to my ceramics?
How do I care for my elements?
Does over firing produce poor colour in coloured glaze?s
What are some Black Firing Tips and Tricks?
What is the safest way to pack my ceramics?
How do I do a reduction firing?
automatic kiln sitter, should I trust it?
What are some tips for draining a mold?
What safety measures should I take with Raku Firing?
How do I attach a bat to the wheelhead?
What tools do I need for ceramics
What are suggested plate clay weights?
What do I need to get started?
What tools do I need to make a coil pot
How do I fire ceramic bisque ?
How do I recycle batches of clay quickly
What is the correct firing time?
How to I prepare and make slabs?
What materials are toxic in Ceramics?
Can Crackle glazes be used for food?
How do I avoid S cracks in wheel thrown ware
How do I get the press onside?
What are the Approx. firing times?
Ho do I avoid pitting and pinholes?
How do I decorate my ceramics?
How do I Bisque fire in an electric kiln?
How do I decorate my ceramics?
How do I apply crackle glazes ?
What effects can I achieve with a brush?
How do I Drain small pour holes?
How do I care for my new Kiln?
can I draw directly onto a piece?
How do I fire different bodies?
What is the humming in my new kiln?
What should I remember when firing a new kiln?
how do I get the best results in glazing?
How do I prevent dirt on my greenware?
How do I accomodate Clay Storage in my studio?
How do I prevent sagging during firing?
How do I load my brush for applying underglaze?
Why should I use pottery plaster?
How do I prevent glazes from settling ?
How do I create a woodtone effect?
What are some Doing well Quotes?
How do I care for my elements?
How do I store my throwing tools?
What is the history of Ceramics?
Why do I get black spots in my glaze?
How do I load my kiln for a glaze firing?
| Guru Spotlight |
| George Sayour |
