Decals Demo

I attended a workshop recently on how to apply decals to ceramic pieces. I haven't had much experience with low-fire ceramics so it was all new and interesting. And it was simple, too -- though to apply such small decals takes time and patience.

I started out with some plain porcelain beads that had been glazed and fired to cone 6.










I begin by cutting away as much of the external edges as possible. This helps the edges of the decal to not bunch up when I apply it on the round surface of the bead.











Next I roll the bead around in my hand to warm the bead up. A warm bead makes for a better surface for the decal to adhere onto. It is recommended to soak the decal in lukewarm water for the same reason. I only leave the decal in the water about 5 seconds. Then I gently pat the top and bottom on the paper towel to remove the excess water.


The decal is (from top to bottom) made up of a thin layer of plastic which has been sprayed over china paint, which has been sprayed on a thin layer of glue, which has been sprayed onto a piece of paper. The paper softens from the bottom, loosening the glue. The china paint sticks to the plastic.

When I slide the decal off the paper, I also rub the decal around in small circles on the paper to pick up glue. The glue helps the decal to stick to the bead.




Surprisingly the decal is extremly durable, able to stretch more than I thought it would. The bead must dry for a full 24 hours before being fired.








Here are some that have been fired.



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