Arts >> Art >> Other Art

How to Make Fire on Decals

Ceramic decals accent glazed ceramics by permanently fusing into the glaze when fired. Black toner that contains iron oxide produces a reddish image when fired, and special color ceramic toner will create a full-color image. If you have access to a kiln and a basic understanding of ceramics, fire-on decals are an excellent way to decorate dishes, tiles and ceramic sculpture.

Things You'll Need

  • Decal paper
  • Toner containing iron oxide
  • Ceramic toner
  • Printer
  • Glazed ceramics
  • Water container
  • Scissors
  • Sponge
  • Paper towel
  • Kiln cones
  • Kiln
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare your digital image. If you are printing with black toner, set your image to black and white mode and adjust the darkness and contrast. If you are printing with color ceramic toner, set the image to CMYK mode rather than RGB. Whatever method you choose, the image should be set to at least 300 DPI.

    • 2

      Print the image on the decal side of your ceramic decal paper and allow it to dry completely. Be sure that you use decal paper intended to be fired in a kiln.

    • 3

      Cut out the decal as close to the image as possible then place it in water for about a minute or until the decal slides off the paper backing.

    • 4

      Position the decal onto the glazed ceramic surface, toner side down. Use a sponge or paper towel to gently rub the decal from the center to the edge to get rid of air bubbles.

    • 5

      Fire your decaled ceramics at cone 04 to cone 6.

Other Art

Related Categories