Decals

****Applying the decal:****

1. Place the decal in a small 1"-2" deep pan of warm water

2. Soak for thirty seconds or longer til the design begins to slide off.

3. If it does not slide off easily,let it set awhile longer.

4. Place the decal over the area you want it to adhere and slide the backing paper off.

5. Adjust the position of your decal and use a damp sponge or damp cloth to remove the excess water and air from underneath.

6. Work the sponge or cloth from the center of the decal to the outside,trying not to pull.

7. Do this until all the water and air bubbles have been removed.

(NOTE) If you are applying a decal to a rounded edge item,clip the decal in several places up to the design.This will keep the edge from crinkling.Don't cut into the design.

****Firing:****

Let your decal dry 24 hours before firing.

1. Use cone 017-018 on ceramics

2. Use 015-016 on chinaware

3. If you are using the new electronic kilns,set it to medium.

4.If you are using the older"automatic" kilns use the slow speed.

Manual Kilns:

1st hour:

All switches on low,peep holes open,and lid cracked.

2nd hour:

turn all switches on medium,leave peep holes open and lid cracked.

3rd hour:

turn all switches on high,close the lid if it isn't smoking,leave peep holes open.

In order to bring out the true and beautiful colors of a decal it is important to let all the fumes out.

After the kiln has shut off,keep the lid shut until it cools down.Leaving the peep holes open will allow it to cool down suffiently.

***Firing Decals on Greenware***

Clean your greenware as usual.Use a solution of 1/2 water to 1/2 elmers glue.Sponge or brush two light coats onto the place where the decal will be placed.Allow to dry.Apply a 3rd coat and put your decal in water so it will be ready to use.Before your 3rd coat is dry,apply your decal to the area.Blot the decal very gently to remove the excess water and bubbles.Let dry 24 hours.Fire at 04-06.

It will fade somewhat.I usually apply my glaze to it after it has been bisque fired at 04.Fire at 06.This gives the decal an old look and mutes many of the colors,changing some of them,especially in the red family.It is a very interesting effect.I have also used a decal and applied it over some of the other to give some colors a deeper look.

****Firing decals at a hotter temp on glaze:****

You can fire a decal after it has dried for 24 hours at 06.This will soften the edges of the decal.It also gives an antique look to your piece.

****Cold Mounting(no firing applications)****

Water mount decals have a small amount of glue on them.They stick very well to glass,vinyl,plastic,soap,candles etc.Just squeege them and forget.The smoother the surface,the better they stick.

You can also use them for decoupage.If you are attaching them to wood or a rough surface,apply a base coat first of any decoupage sealer and allow it to dry between coats.After applying the decal,reseal and let dry.

****GLASS DECALS****

Use glass decals not ceramic/porcelain bisque ones.

These are fired at a lower temp-cone 022.Pyrex,corningware can also have glass decals applied to them.Even though you can't use ceramic decals on glass,you can use glass decals on ceramic/porcelain ware.Just make sure to fire at 022.

****NOW a word of Caution:****

Do not use decals for surfaces that come into contact with food or drink.Some colors contain lead or cadmium.Wash hands after applying.

On cups and mugs leave at least 20mm between the decal and the top of the rim.