Custom Black Overglaze Ceramic Waterslide Decals
Made possible by the Indiana Arts Commission
Tired of sepia colored decals? Have a commission that needs a logo? Interested in adding a new design element to your work? Is supporting local fellow artists important to you? If you mentally checked yes then SAME! You’re in the right place.
These decals are digitally printed and come in a crisp black, offered in small and large. They perform best on a piece that is straight rather than bellied, as they are not overly flexible (see photos for example of most compatible form.) A light gloss colored glaze has proven most successful, but many glazes will work. It’s important to avoid textured glazes, glaze breaks, and pinholes when applying the decals. Testing is always recommended! Once fired these decals are permanent, food safe, microwave, and dishwasher safe.
Small 4x5”
Large 8x10.5”
How to order:
1) Choose your desired size and quantity here and checkout
2) Email savjacob@alumni.iu.edu with your file
How to set up the file successfully:
1) File formats accepted: JPEG PNG PDF
2) The resolution (dpi, or ‘dots per inch) at least 300, this prevents images from becoming overly pixelated
3) The dimensions of the file should be the decal size you are ordering ie. 8x10.5”
4) If using Illustrator you must vectorize, or create outlines for all fonts in your file, this saves your font as vector shapes and will assure your files will print correctly. I recommend procreate for ease and a user friendly experience.
5) Make sure the image in the file is black, no color, no grey
How do I apply my decals to my glazed work?
1) Start by preparing a clean area free of clay and dust
2) Gather a sponge, rubber rib, room temp. bowl of water, and towel
3) Soak one decal at a time in the room temp. water until the decal separates from the backing. This will happen within 20-30 seconds and it is important not to leave the decal in the water too long
4) Place the decal onto the clean dry surface of your glazed ceramic piece. The decal will be able to slide around a bit, but do not remove it from the piece and try to re-place it, this may damage the decal.
5) Using a clean sponge, or rubber rib smooth out any water/air bubbles, it’s best to start from the center and work your way to the edges. If the decal happen to tear, don’t worry! Place it as close together as originally intended, so the tear is not visible in the image. Once fired the tear will not show.
6) The decal may look to be a light green/blue color, once fired that will go away and only the black will remain.
How to fire:
Fire to 1500-1650F (more energy efficient than iron oxide decals)
Do not fire above 1800F the decals will turn grey
Suggested firing schedule
Rate 1 50F/Hr to 160F
Hold 30 minutes
Rate 2 250F/hr to 850F
Rate 3 400F/hr to 1500-1650
Post firing you may be able to see a faint outline of where the decal was cut out, this is normal and only impacts the work aesthetically, but is also unavoidable on many glazes.
If you have any questions, or concerns please reach out to Savjacob@alumni.iu.edu
Made possible by the Indiana Arts Commission
Tired of sepia colored decals? Have a commission that needs a logo? Interested in adding a new design element to your work? Is supporting local fellow artists important to you? If you mentally checked yes then SAME! You’re in the right place.
These decals are digitally printed and come in a crisp black, offered in small and large. They perform best on a piece that is straight rather than bellied, as they are not overly flexible (see photos for example of most compatible form.) A light gloss colored glaze has proven most successful, but many glazes will work. It’s important to avoid textured glazes, glaze breaks, and pinholes when applying the decals. Testing is always recommended! Once fired these decals are permanent, food safe, microwave, and dishwasher safe.
Small 4x5”
Large 8x10.5”
How to order:
1) Choose your desired size and quantity here and checkout
2) Email savjacob@alumni.iu.edu with your file
How to set up the file successfully:
1) File formats accepted: JPEG PNG PDF
2) The resolution (dpi, or ‘dots per inch) at least 300, this prevents images from becoming overly pixelated
3) The dimensions of the file should be the decal size you are ordering ie. 8x10.5”
4) If using Illustrator you must vectorize, or create outlines for all fonts in your file, this saves your font as vector shapes and will assure your files will print correctly. I recommend procreate for ease and a user friendly experience.
5) Make sure the image in the file is black, no color, no grey
How do I apply my decals to my glazed work?
1) Start by preparing a clean area free of clay and dust
2) Gather a sponge, rubber rib, room temp. bowl of water, and towel
3) Soak one decal at a time in the room temp. water until the decal separates from the backing. This will happen within 20-30 seconds and it is important not to leave the decal in the water too long
4) Place the decal onto the clean dry surface of your glazed ceramic piece. The decal will be able to slide around a bit, but do not remove it from the piece and try to re-place it, this may damage the decal.
5) Using a clean sponge, or rubber rib smooth out any water/air bubbles, it’s best to start from the center and work your way to the edges. If the decal happen to tear, don’t worry! Place it as close together as originally intended, so the tear is not visible in the image. Once fired the tear will not show.
6) The decal may look to be a light green/blue color, once fired that will go away and only the black will remain.
How to fire:
Fire to 1500-1650F (more energy efficient than iron oxide decals)
Do not fire above 1800F the decals will turn grey
Suggested firing schedule
Rate 1 50F/Hr to 160F
Hold 30 minutes
Rate 2 250F/hr to 850F
Rate 3 400F/hr to 1500-1650
Post firing you may be able to see a faint outline of where the decal was cut out, this is normal and only impacts the work aesthetically, but is also unavoidable on many glazes.
If you have any questions, or concerns please reach out to Savjacob@alumni.iu.edu
Made possible by the Indiana Arts Commission
Tired of sepia colored decals? Have a commission that needs a logo? Interested in adding a new design element to your work? Is supporting local fellow artists important to you? If you mentally checked yes then SAME! You’re in the right place.
These decals are digitally printed and come in a crisp black, offered in small and large. They perform best on a piece that is straight rather than bellied, as they are not overly flexible (see photos for example of most compatible form.) A light gloss colored glaze has proven most successful, but many glazes will work. It’s important to avoid textured glazes, glaze breaks, and pinholes when applying the decals. Testing is always recommended! Once fired these decals are permanent, food safe, microwave, and dishwasher safe.
Small 4x5”
Large 8x10.5”
How to order:
1) Choose your desired size and quantity here and checkout
2) Email savjacob@alumni.iu.edu with your file
How to set up the file successfully:
1) File formats accepted: JPEG PNG PDF
2) The resolution (dpi, or ‘dots per inch) at least 300, this prevents images from becoming overly pixelated
3) The dimensions of the file should be the decal size you are ordering ie. 8x10.5”
4) If using Illustrator you must vectorize, or create outlines for all fonts in your file, this saves your font as vector shapes and will assure your files will print correctly. I recommend procreate for ease and a user friendly experience.
5) Make sure the image in the file is black, no color, no grey
How do I apply my decals to my glazed work?
1) Start by preparing a clean area free of clay and dust
2) Gather a sponge, rubber rib, room temp. bowl of water, and towel
3) Soak one decal at a time in the room temp. water until the decal separates from the backing. This will happen within 20-30 seconds and it is important not to leave the decal in the water too long
4) Place the decal onto the clean dry surface of your glazed ceramic piece. The decal will be able to slide around a bit, but do not remove it from the piece and try to re-place it, this may damage the decal.
5) Using a clean sponge, or rubber rib smooth out any water/air bubbles, it’s best to start from the center and work your way to the edges. If the decal happen to tear, don’t worry! Place it as close together as originally intended, so the tear is not visible in the image. Once fired the tear will not show.
6) The decal may look to be a light green/blue color, once fired that will go away and only the black will remain.
How to fire:
Fire to 1500-1650F (more energy efficient than iron oxide decals)
Do not fire above 1800F the decals will turn grey
Suggested firing schedule
Rate 1 50F/Hr to 160F
Hold 30 minutes
Rate 2 250F/hr to 850F
Rate 3 400F/hr to 1500-1650
Post firing you may be able to see a faint outline of where the decal was cut out, this is normal and only impacts the work aesthetically, but is also unavoidable on many glazes.
If you have any questions, or concerns please reach out to Savjacob@alumni.iu.edu