Instructions on how to SET UP and USE the GRINDER - STEPS TO FOLLOW
1 Remove the EYE SHIELD and set to the side.
2 Remove the SPONGE and set it to the side.
3 Lift the GRID and set it to the side.
4 Add COLD WATER to the pan to a LEVEL of just below the DIVOT at the back of the water pan.
5 If there is a lot of glass sludge- REMOVE THE SLUDGE with a spoon and put it in the garbage.
6 NEVER REMOVE THE GLASS SLUDGE/DUST IN DRY FORM - WET IT.
7 Re-Add WATER to a LEVEL of just below the DIVOT at the back of the pan.
8 Put the GRID back onto the grinder water pan.
9 Squeeze out the SPONGE into water and put it back into place.
10 Put the EYE SHIELD back onto the grinder.
11 Clean the EYE SHIELD so you can see through it.
12 Any time - while grinding if you see white being slung onto
the glass then it is time to clean out your sponge.
THE SPONGE FILLS WITH GLASS DUST AND THEN CANNOT WICK WATER ONTO THE GRINDER HEAD,
SO BE SURE TO CLEAN IT OUT EVER SO OFTEN AS YOU ARE GRINDING.
A GRINDER THAT DOES NOT HAVE WATER OR A CLEAN SPONGE WILL RUIN THE GRINDER HEAD!
13 Adjust the height of your grinder head so that it will be using an area that has grit on it.
I get four positions of use out of mine by moving it to the lower area of use then when that is used up then I move
it up to the new position and so on.
1 Remove the EYE SHIELD and set to the side.
2 Remove the SPONGE and set it to the side.
3 Lift the GRID and set it to the side.
4 Add COLD WATER to the pan to a LEVEL of just below the DIVOT at the back of the water pan.
5 If there is a lot of glass sludge- REMOVE THE SLUDGE with a spoon and put it in the garbage.
6 NEVER REMOVE THE GLASS SLUDGE/DUST IN DRY FORM - WET IT.
7 Re-Add WATER to a LEVEL of just below the DIVOT at the back of the pan.
8 Put the GRID back onto the grinder water pan.
9 Squeeze out the SPONGE into water and put it back into place.
10 Put the EYE SHIELD back onto the grinder.
11 Clean the EYE SHIELD so you can see through it.
12 Any time - while grinding if you see white being slung onto
the glass then it is time to clean out your sponge.
THE SPONGE FILLS WITH GLASS DUST AND THEN CANNOT WICK WATER ONTO THE GRINDER HEAD,
SO BE SURE TO CLEAN IT OUT EVER SO OFTEN AS YOU ARE GRINDING.
A GRINDER THAT DOES NOT HAVE WATER OR A CLEAN SPONGE WILL RUIN THE GRINDER HEAD!
13 Adjust the height of your grinder head so that it will be using an area that has grit on it.
I get four positions of use out of mine by moving it to the lower area of use then when that is used up then I move
it up to the new position and so on.
irenesglass.com,gallery,hot
glass,beads,jewelry,windows,suncatchers,wi
ndchimes,glass artist,delphi,delphi
hot,warner-criv,warner,glass craft,glass
craft bead expo,bead
expo,skutt,paragon,jen-ken,jen ken.
glass,beads,jewelry,windows,suncatchers,wi
ndchimes,glass artist,delphi,delphi
hot,warner-criv,warner,glass craft,glass
craft bead expo,bead
expo,skutt,paragon,jen-ken,jen ken.
| ISGS, INC 2840 Sumner Avenue, Hoquiam, WA 98550 360-589-7766 |
| GOOD TIPS BROUGHT TO YOU DUE TO MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION FROM IRENE: Below here you will find some pretty neat information. If there is a topic you want covered then just let me know. ** Next week I will be adding a lot of information on Glassline Fusible Paint Pens Do stay tuned as we have some new and exciting info coming up! ** |
FUSE MASTER TRANSPARENT ENAMELS - 1175 F CURE POINT
The rich, vibrant colors and ease of application makes our enamels one
of the most popular brands available. Viewed in transmitted light, these
colors rival the brilliance and intensity of stained glass. Our pallet of 42
dazzling, inter-mixable colors do not require any extra grinding and
matures at 1175°F; bending and slumping temperature.
They may be brushed, sponged, silk-screened, air brushed or sifted on
most any type of clear or colored glass. When applied with Water
Friendly Medium, clean up only requires water. The stock colors may be
used individually or blended to create special colors for shading or fine
detail. Whether you work exclusively with enamels or are a beginner, our
Transparent Enamels are an ideal addition to your studio.
These colors are NOT approved for food-bearing surfaces.
* Denotes that gold is used as a coloring agent.
The rich, vibrant colors and ease of application makes our enamels one
of the most popular brands available. Viewed in transmitted light, these
colors rival the brilliance and intensity of stained glass. Our pallet of 42
dazzling, inter-mixable colors do not require any extra grinding and
matures at 1175°F; bending and slumping temperature.
They may be brushed, sponged, silk-screened, air brushed or sifted on
most any type of clear or colored glass. When applied with Water
Friendly Medium, clean up only requires water. The stock colors may be
used individually or blended to create special colors for shading or fine
detail. Whether you work exclusively with enamels or are a beginner, our
Transparent Enamels are an ideal addition to your studio.
These colors are NOT approved for food-bearing surfaces.
* Denotes that gold is used as a coloring agent.
FUSE MASTER LEAD FREE OPAQUE ENAMES
1300 F TO 1500 F CURE POINT
Our Lead-Free Opaque series consists of 21 inter-mixable enamels
that blend so well that a complete spectrum of hues and shades may
be achieved with a basic stock of colors. These vibrant enamels
mature at the glass fusing temperature range of 1300°F - 1550°F.
They can be mixed with Water Friendly Medium, then air brushed,
painted, sifted or sponged on the top of glass or sandwiched between
layers of glass. Our Lead-Free enamels are the ideal material for
enameling dinner ware. Bead makers will find these colors easy to use.
Just roll a hot bead through some dry powder then case with a layer of
clear glass. The lead-free colors can be used to add color to any
pate-de-verre project. Mix Water Friendly Medium, some enamel and
crushed glass into a paste, them pack the mixture into a mold and fire.
The results are truly exciting.
Add some of these colors to your paper weights or blown glass
vessels. They can be sifted onto hot glass or they can be picked up by
rolling hot glass through the powder. It is best to case the colors
before reheating to preserve their richness.
In situations where lower maturing temperatures are required, like silk
screen printing, the Lead-Free line can be mixed with the transparent
colors. The Lead-Free Opaques can also be used for copper
enameling.
These colors ARE approved for food bearing surfaces.
* Denotes that gold is used as a coloring agent.
1300 F TO 1500 F CURE POINT
Our Lead-Free Opaque series consists of 21 inter-mixable enamels
that blend so well that a complete spectrum of hues and shades may
be achieved with a basic stock of colors. These vibrant enamels
mature at the glass fusing temperature range of 1300°F - 1550°F.
They can be mixed with Water Friendly Medium, then air brushed,
painted, sifted or sponged on the top of glass or sandwiched between
layers of glass. Our Lead-Free enamels are the ideal material for
enameling dinner ware. Bead makers will find these colors easy to use.
Just roll a hot bead through some dry powder then case with a layer of
clear glass. The lead-free colors can be used to add color to any
pate-de-verre project. Mix Water Friendly Medium, some enamel and
crushed glass into a paste, them pack the mixture into a mold and fire.
The results are truly exciting.
Add some of these colors to your paper weights or blown glass
vessels. They can be sifted onto hot glass or they can be picked up by
rolling hot glass through the powder. It is best to case the colors
before reheating to preserve their richness.
In situations where lower maturing temperatures are required, like silk
screen printing, the Lead-Free line can be mixed with the transparent
colors. The Lead-Free Opaques can also be used for copper
enameling.
These colors ARE approved for food bearing surfaces.
* Denotes that gold is used as a coloring agent.
Mica Powder - UP TO 1400 DEGREES
Mica powders can add color, sparkle, depth and interest to your fused glass. Mica is
compatible with any glass including inexpensive window glass.
To apply, sprinkle or brush onto your glass and fuse between two layers of glass.
• What you see is what your end result will look like.
• Because of this I play with the application/delivery of the Mica onto a blank
clean palette then once I see what delivery gives me the look I like, I then apply it in
that fashion to my art.
• Yes, I put the played with powder back into my container for future use.
For more precise designs mica can be mixed with Water Friendly Medium and water
and painted or silk screened on just like enamels.
Adding the Mica to Paints that are Transparent is another way to add awesome
sparkle to your painted areas on your art.
These colors hold up to 1400ºF and come in many different colors.
To use Mica without encasing between layers:
Just mix with an over-glaze like Super Spray or Clear Coat.
These particles are fine enough to run through your airbrush.
NOTE: Mica powders or Pixie dust from most craft stores do not fire well, they turn
black on the fused art due to not being able to withstand the heat.
Mica powders can add color, sparkle, depth and interest to your fused glass. Mica is
compatible with any glass including inexpensive window glass.
To apply, sprinkle or brush onto your glass and fuse between two layers of glass.
• What you see is what your end result will look like.
• Because of this I play with the application/delivery of the Mica onto a blank
clean palette then once I see what delivery gives me the look I like, I then apply it in
that fashion to my art.
• Yes, I put the played with powder back into my container for future use.
For more precise designs mica can be mixed with Water Friendly Medium and water
and painted or silk screened on just like enamels.
Adding the Mica to Paints that are Transparent is another way to add awesome
sparkle to your painted areas on your art.
These colors hold up to 1400ºF and come in many different colors.
To use Mica without encasing between layers:
Just mix with an over-glaze like Super Spray or Clear Coat.
These particles are fine enough to run through your airbrush.
NOTE: Mica powders or Pixie dust from most craft stores do not fire well, they turn
black on the fused art due to not being able to withstand the heat.
MICA POWDERS
| SHOP WITH IRENE AT HER BRICK AND MORTAR STORE OR ON THE INTERNET AT AMAZON Thank you for supporting our Brick and Mortar Store that Teaches and Gives Old Fashioned Good Customer Service! |
PRINTING YOUR PICTURES THEN FUSING THEM ON GLASS
This is so neat that I felt that I should share the information - Someday I will do this, just not yet and NO I don't carry the products for
it.
Here are a couple more links to help you through the learning process
and
maybe even where to purchase what you need:
Fusing Made Easy Pictures in Glass - for great info on the PHOTO FUSING PAPER USE AND MORE!!!
DC Hub for Video and More Information
CLICK DC HUB'S VIDEO TO WATCH IT IS AWESOME IT WILL OPEN IN YOUR MEDIA PLAYER.
http://www.dcphub.com/images/DigitalColourCeramicDecal.Wmv This link might work? The video is only 3.22 Minutes !!
To purchase the photo fusing paper try the following links:
COE 90
Alpine Glass
Fusion Headquarters
Glass Transfer = Ceramic Decal
Printed transfers have been utilized for decades to make detailed images that are permanently applied to an almost limitless range of
ceramic and glass products: drinking glasses, collector plates, bottles, jewelry, appliance components, sanitary ware, table settings,
tile, cookware, pottery, and much more.
The terms "transfer" and "decal" are used interchangeably, representing the image that is printed separately and then removed from
its backing paper to be applied to the final product. This unique manufacturing process uses special pigments called ceramic oxides
that, when fired in a kiln, permanently bond with the substrate (base item).
It is important to note that ceramic decals are the name for printed transfers manufactured for a variety of substrates, including glass.
They are called ceramic decals because of the pigments used, ceramic oxides. The major difference is that glass products must be
fired at lower kiln temperatures and, therefore, decals for use on glass are built with specific pigments that will fuse properly in the
lower temperature range. Any reputable manufacturer will tell you the ideal temperature at which their decals should be fired; custom
manufacturers will work with you to make sure the range is appropriate to the product you are decorating.
Building a Transfer
Ceramic decals are created by screen printing onto a special paper. The paper is coated with either a water-soluble gum or a thin
wax so the image can be separated from the paper after printing. The decal is held together and protected by a special top layer
called the cover-coat, which burns off during firing.
The pigments used in a transfer are selected specifically for the substrate to which it will be applied. Factors including the maximum
firing temperature the item can bear and how it will be used by the consumer are especially important in creating a durable and
saleable product. Glass generally fires several hundred degrees lower than similar ceramic items because the ceramic temperature
is too hot for the glass - it would melt. Because the ceramic oxides require a certain temperature to properly bond to the substrate, a
glass piece could not use a decal manufactured to fire at 1450° F.
The intended use of the product is important to both make sure the item will withstand regular wear, such as dish washing, plus
ensure it meets all legal criteria. There are a number of federal and individual state regulations concerning lead (Pb) and other toxic
heavy metals traditionally used in ceramic decorating. These metals are used to create bright and durable colors, although
technology in heavy metal-free decorating has come a long way and is available from quality decal printers. More information about
toxic heavy metal regulations can be found at unleadeddecal.com
Once the basic criteria are established, the pigments required to print the specific image are mixed and milled to create a smooth,
consistent ink. The screen printing process uses one color at a time, layering them with a drying period in between each color. A
decal can consist of only one to ten or more layers of color, precious metals, or conductive paste. After all layers of the design have
been printed, the cover-coat is applied with a final printing pass.
The expertise involved in ink formulation, printing detail, and final inspection make this manufacturing process as much of an art as it
is a science. No two manufacturers (printers) operate with the exact same processes or quality standards.
Applications
Transfers offer several advantages over other methods of decorating glass. First and foremost, a transfer is printed on a flat sheet
of paper instead of directly onto curved or irregular surfaces, resulting in superior accuracy and consistency from piece to piece. For
similar reasons, decals are versatile in allowing detailed four-color process, tight registration, and various special effects like raised
print or incorporating precious metals into a design. During decoration, significantly less set-up and clean-up time is needed for
applying decals as opposed to a direct-screening process and decals are excellent for just-in-time production or interruptible
processes.
While ceramic transfers offer many benefits, they cannot be the best decorating method for every project. The development work
and fixed cost materials required for screen printing make small-quantity custom work less cost effective. Decals generally become
economical with a minimum of one hundred printed sheets, which may equate to hundreds or even thousands of pieces depending
on the size of the design.
Another consideration is the application process and time frame. The most common format of decals is for waterslide application, in
which the base paper is coated with a gum that dissolves in water. After a brief soak, the decal is slid off the paper, directly onto the
substrate (see photo below). A squeegee or lint-free cloth is used to make sure no excess water or air is trapped under the decal. It
is recommended that waterslide decals be allowed to dry overnight before firing.
Another method, which is much faster because it is automated with a machine and requires no drying time, is heat release
application. Decal paper for heat transfer comes in large rolls with a wax base that will melt and allow the transfer to adhere to its
substrate. These are best suited to large industrial operations with consistently high volumes that can support the investment and
space required for a heat transfer machine.
How to Purchase Transfers
Ceramic decals can be found most easily and in the greatest selection on the Internet. Some companies produce both a stock line of
standard designs that can be bought in small quantities in addition to custom printing services where you provide the design and
specifications. Some companies are focused on only stock or only custom manufacturing. A search for "ceramic decal manufacturer"
should bring you a good listing of options.
Quality decal manufacturers will engineer the decal to work best with your specific substrate, firing environment, and other unique
characteristics of your product. The bonding of a ceramic decal to its substrate is a chemical reaction that is most effective when all
important variables have been taken into account.
Always be sure the firing range for the decals you purchase is within the temperature your ware, and your kiln, can handle. It's also
important to remember that ceramic oxides can fire into different, generally brighter colors than you see on the pre-fired decal. If you
have a fired sample of the decal or a quality image of how it will look once fired, base your purchase decision on the fired
appearance rather than the cover-coated, un-fired decal.
Custom Decal Manufacturing
In order to reproduce artwork or a specific type of image, a custom ceramic decal is necessary. You will need a high quality graphic
(300 dpi/ppi at actual size) or at least an idea of the image you want and your budget for purchasing or licensing a copyright, or
having it designed for you.
You may need to send a sample of the image (a lower-resolution web graphic or PDF, or a hard copy) prior to beginning custom
work for a complete and accurate price quote. Depending on the design, there could be a number of printing screens required
and/or special degrees of difficulty in reproducing the effects desired for your glass or ceramic piece. Ideally, you should also have a
physical sample of the piece to be decorated; the manufacturer will use it for fitting purposes and may do a test-firing if you have a
proof decal run. When you discuss your needs with the manufacturer, all of these details can be worked out prior to beginning the
project.
The fixed costs of custom printing mean that the per-piece cost of a ceramic decal will decrease as your quantity gets higher. No
matter how many decals you need, the printer will need to perform the same graphic manipulations, ink formulations, screen making,
press set-up, and press clean-up. All these things must happen regardless of the quantity.
• Glossary of Industry Terms
• ceramic decal - a printed image used for permanent glass or ceramic decoration that is transferred from its base paper and
applied and fired onto a substrate
• ceramic oxide - an inorganic pigment that permanently bonds with ceramic and glass substrates when properly mixed in an
ink formulation and fired in a kiln
• ceramic transfer - another term for ceramic decal
• cover-coat - a layer of organic material that encapsulates the color and burns away during firing
• firing - the process of heating a ceramic or glass item in a kiln at high temperatures. This melts the ceramic oxides in a decal
and permanently bonds them to the substrate.
• four-color process - printing system using four base colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) to produce a gamut of colors
• gamut - a complete range of colors created by a set of like pigments
• glass decal - another term for a ceramic decal specifically manufactured to fire onto a glass substrate
• glass transfer - another term for a ceramic decal specifically manufactured to fire onto a glass substrate
• heat release - decal application method requiring a heat application machine. Decals for heat release are printed on a wax-
coated paper; the machine melts the wax and transfers the decal directly onto the substrate.
• ink formulation - the mixture of pigments and a liquid base used to print a specific color
• inorganic - a type of pigment, such as a ceramic oxide, that will melt and fuse to the substrate during firing
• kiln - special oven used for firing glass and ceramics at high temperatures. Kilns are available in a range of sizes, loading
formats, and firing capabilities.
• palette - a range or group of colors with similar chemical composition
• pigment - the base coloring substance, for decals a ceramic oxide, used to create the ink for printing a color
• screen - a grid of fine wire stretched across a frame through which ink is pressed to reproduce an image
• spot color - also referred to as "picked color," a specifically formulated ink printed alone or as a supplement to other layers.
May be used to enhance four-color process.
• substrate - the glass or ceramic base item to which a decal is applied and fused during the firing process
• waterslide - decal application method in which the paper is soaked briefly in water, dissolving the gum coating and allowing
the decal to be transferred by hand onto the substrate
This is so neat that I felt that I should share the information - Someday I will do this, just not yet and NO I don't carry the products for
it.
Here are a couple more links to help you through the learning process
and
maybe even where to purchase what you need:
Fusing Made Easy Pictures in Glass - for great info on the PHOTO FUSING PAPER USE AND MORE!!!
DC Hub for Video and More Information
CLICK DC HUB'S VIDEO TO WATCH IT IS AWESOME IT WILL OPEN IN YOUR MEDIA PLAYER.
http://www.dcphub.com/images/DigitalColourCeramicDecal.Wmv This link might work? The video is only 3.22 Minutes !!
To purchase the photo fusing paper try the following links:
COE 90
Alpine Glass
Fusion Headquarters
Glass Transfer = Ceramic Decal
Printed transfers have been utilized for decades to make detailed images that are permanently applied to an almost limitless range of
ceramic and glass products: drinking glasses, collector plates, bottles, jewelry, appliance components, sanitary ware, table settings,
tile, cookware, pottery, and much more.
The terms "transfer" and "decal" are used interchangeably, representing the image that is printed separately and then removed from
its backing paper to be applied to the final product. This unique manufacturing process uses special pigments called ceramic oxides
that, when fired in a kiln, permanently bond with the substrate (base item).
It is important to note that ceramic decals are the name for printed transfers manufactured for a variety of substrates, including glass.
They are called ceramic decals because of the pigments used, ceramic oxides. The major difference is that glass products must be
fired at lower kiln temperatures and, therefore, decals for use on glass are built with specific pigments that will fuse properly in the
lower temperature range. Any reputable manufacturer will tell you the ideal temperature at which their decals should be fired; custom
manufacturers will work with you to make sure the range is appropriate to the product you are decorating.
Building a Transfer
Ceramic decals are created by screen printing onto a special paper. The paper is coated with either a water-soluble gum or a thin
wax so the image can be separated from the paper after printing. The decal is held together and protected by a special top layer
called the cover-coat, which burns off during firing.
The pigments used in a transfer are selected specifically for the substrate to which it will be applied. Factors including the maximum
firing temperature the item can bear and how it will be used by the consumer are especially important in creating a durable and
saleable product. Glass generally fires several hundred degrees lower than similar ceramic items because the ceramic temperature
is too hot for the glass - it would melt. Because the ceramic oxides require a certain temperature to properly bond to the substrate, a
glass piece could not use a decal manufactured to fire at 1450° F.
The intended use of the product is important to both make sure the item will withstand regular wear, such as dish washing, plus
ensure it meets all legal criteria. There are a number of federal and individual state regulations concerning lead (Pb) and other toxic
heavy metals traditionally used in ceramic decorating. These metals are used to create bright and durable colors, although
technology in heavy metal-free decorating has come a long way and is available from quality decal printers. More information about
toxic heavy metal regulations can be found at unleadeddecal.com
Once the basic criteria are established, the pigments required to print the specific image are mixed and milled to create a smooth,
consistent ink. The screen printing process uses one color at a time, layering them with a drying period in between each color. A
decal can consist of only one to ten or more layers of color, precious metals, or conductive paste. After all layers of the design have
been printed, the cover-coat is applied with a final printing pass.
The expertise involved in ink formulation, printing detail, and final inspection make this manufacturing process as much of an art as it
is a science. No two manufacturers (printers) operate with the exact same processes or quality standards.
Applications
Transfers offer several advantages over other methods of decorating glass. First and foremost, a transfer is printed on a flat sheet
of paper instead of directly onto curved or irregular surfaces, resulting in superior accuracy and consistency from piece to piece. For
similar reasons, decals are versatile in allowing detailed four-color process, tight registration, and various special effects like raised
print or incorporating precious metals into a design. During decoration, significantly less set-up and clean-up time is needed for
applying decals as opposed to a direct-screening process and decals are excellent for just-in-time production or interruptible
processes.
While ceramic transfers offer many benefits, they cannot be the best decorating method for every project. The development work
and fixed cost materials required for screen printing make small-quantity custom work less cost effective. Decals generally become
economical with a minimum of one hundred printed sheets, which may equate to hundreds or even thousands of pieces depending
on the size of the design.
Another consideration is the application process and time frame. The most common format of decals is for waterslide application, in
which the base paper is coated with a gum that dissolves in water. After a brief soak, the decal is slid off the paper, directly onto the
substrate (see photo below). A squeegee or lint-free cloth is used to make sure no excess water or air is trapped under the decal. It
is recommended that waterslide decals be allowed to dry overnight before firing.
Another method, which is much faster because it is automated with a machine and requires no drying time, is heat release
application. Decal paper for heat transfer comes in large rolls with a wax base that will melt and allow the transfer to adhere to its
substrate. These are best suited to large industrial operations with consistently high volumes that can support the investment and
space required for a heat transfer machine.
How to Purchase Transfers
Ceramic decals can be found most easily and in the greatest selection on the Internet. Some companies produce both a stock line of
standard designs that can be bought in small quantities in addition to custom printing services where you provide the design and
specifications. Some companies are focused on only stock or only custom manufacturing. A search for "ceramic decal manufacturer"
should bring you a good listing of options.
Quality decal manufacturers will engineer the decal to work best with your specific substrate, firing environment, and other unique
characteristics of your product. The bonding of a ceramic decal to its substrate is a chemical reaction that is most effective when all
important variables have been taken into account.
Always be sure the firing range for the decals you purchase is within the temperature your ware, and your kiln, can handle. It's also
important to remember that ceramic oxides can fire into different, generally brighter colors than you see on the pre-fired decal. If you
have a fired sample of the decal or a quality image of how it will look once fired, base your purchase decision on the fired
appearance rather than the cover-coated, un-fired decal.
Custom Decal Manufacturing
In order to reproduce artwork or a specific type of image, a custom ceramic decal is necessary. You will need a high quality graphic
(300 dpi/ppi at actual size) or at least an idea of the image you want and your budget for purchasing or licensing a copyright, or
having it designed for you.
You may need to send a sample of the image (a lower-resolution web graphic or PDF, or a hard copy) prior to beginning custom
work for a complete and accurate price quote. Depending on the design, there could be a number of printing screens required
and/or special degrees of difficulty in reproducing the effects desired for your glass or ceramic piece. Ideally, you should also have a
physical sample of the piece to be decorated; the manufacturer will use it for fitting purposes and may do a test-firing if you have a
proof decal run. When you discuss your needs with the manufacturer, all of these details can be worked out prior to beginning the
project.
The fixed costs of custom printing mean that the per-piece cost of a ceramic decal will decrease as your quantity gets higher. No
matter how many decals you need, the printer will need to perform the same graphic manipulations, ink formulations, screen making,
press set-up, and press clean-up. All these things must happen regardless of the quantity.
• Glossary of Industry Terms
• ceramic decal - a printed image used for permanent glass or ceramic decoration that is transferred from its base paper and
applied and fired onto a substrate
• ceramic oxide - an inorganic pigment that permanently bonds with ceramic and glass substrates when properly mixed in an
ink formulation and fired in a kiln
• ceramic transfer - another term for ceramic decal
• cover-coat - a layer of organic material that encapsulates the color and burns away during firing
• firing - the process of heating a ceramic or glass item in a kiln at high temperatures. This melts the ceramic oxides in a decal
and permanently bonds them to the substrate.
• four-color process - printing system using four base colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) to produce a gamut of colors
• gamut - a complete range of colors created by a set of like pigments
• glass decal - another term for a ceramic decal specifically manufactured to fire onto a glass substrate
• glass transfer - another term for a ceramic decal specifically manufactured to fire onto a glass substrate
• heat release - decal application method requiring a heat application machine. Decals for heat release are printed on a wax-
coated paper; the machine melts the wax and transfers the decal directly onto the substrate.
• ink formulation - the mixture of pigments and a liquid base used to print a specific color
• inorganic - a type of pigment, such as a ceramic oxide, that will melt and fuse to the substrate during firing
• kiln - special oven used for firing glass and ceramics at high temperatures. Kilns are available in a range of sizes, loading
formats, and firing capabilities.
• palette - a range or group of colors with similar chemical composition
• pigment - the base coloring substance, for decals a ceramic oxide, used to create the ink for printing a color
• screen - a grid of fine wire stretched across a frame through which ink is pressed to reproduce an image
• spot color - also referred to as "picked color," a specifically formulated ink printed alone or as a supplement to other layers.
May be used to enhance four-color process.
• substrate - the glass or ceramic base item to which a decal is applied and fused during the firing process
• waterslide - decal application method in which the paper is soaked briefly in water, dissolving the gum coating and allowing
the decal to be transferred by hand onto the substrate
