Printing on Ceramics

Printing on ceramics involves transferring a design or image onto a ceramic surface using various techniques.

1. Decal Printing:

   A pre-printed image is transferred onto the ceramic surface using a decal paper. The decal is then sealed with a glaze and fired in a kiln, causing the image to adhere permanently.

2. Screen Printing:

   A screen mesh with the desired design is placed over the ceramic surface. Ceramic ink is poured onto the screen, and a squeegee is used to push the ink through the mesh onto the ceramic. Multiple colors can be layered to create complex designs.

3. Digital Printing:

   A digital image is printed directly onto the ceramic surface using a special printer. The ink is fired in a kiln to create a durable image.

Additional Considerations:

1. Glazing: After printing, the ceramic surface is often glazed to create a protective and glossy finish.
2. Firing: The printed ceramic is fired in a kiln at high temperatures to cure the ink and fuse it with the glaze.
3. Color Accuracy: Ceramic colors may vary slightly from the original design due to the nature of the firing process.