BASIC DECAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Make sure the area you will be placing the decal on is free from dirt and/or grease. Most decals come with a layer of waxy paper between decals. This is to insure that the decals do not stick to one another. Remove the wax paper and throw it away as it will not be needed. Trim around the decal removing most of the excess backing. Place the decal into a shallow dish of warm water (cold water will take longer for the paper backing to separate and hot water can ruin the decal). The decal will curl as it begins to soak up water. It will begin to uncurl as it releases from the paper backing (approximately 20 seconds). Once the decal slides easily from the paper backing it is ready to slide onto your project. Do not allow the decal to float off in the water as this will ruin the decal adhesive. Lightly wet the area where you will be placing the decal, then slide the decal off its paper backing and onto your project. Work from the center outward to remove all excess water and air bubbles. Begin by using a damp sponge or squeegee and finish with a soft cloth. Let the decal dry for 24 hours before firing or coating with a clear sealer for non-fired applications.
.·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·.
For Glazed CeramicsFiring decals brings out the true colors. Follow the Basic Decal Instructions above. Kiln fire between .015 and .017 for regular decals and .018 for gold decals.
.·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·.
For SoapFollow Basic Decal Instructions above. No firing or sealant is necessary. With use the bar of soap will become smaller and smaller leaving the decal intact.
.·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·.
For CandlesCut decal as close to the design as possible which will help hide the edges after the decal has been applied. Follow Basic Decal Instructions above. For lasting protection, brush on 2 coats of clear sealer which should be available at your local craft store.
.·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·.
For Scrapbooks
Soak decal off paper backing. Apply a light coat of Tacky Glue to the back of the decal. Place decal glue side down onto scrapbook paper. Eliminate any excess glue from behind decal using a soft, slightly damp sponge. Let dry at room temperature for 24 hours. Be careful not to use too much glue or water as the scrapbook paper will wrinkle.
.·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·.
For WoodCut decal as close to design as possible. Follow Scrapbook Instructions. Brush or Spray on 2 or 3 light coats of clear sealer.
. .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·.
DECAL SURVIVAL TIPS
Tip #1: Any water or air that remains trapped under the decal may pop during kiln firing causing a void in the fired design.
Tip #2: Do not rub the decal after it has dried because it may tear.
Tip #3: When working on a curved surface it helps to warm your piece by filling it with warm water or holding a warm cloth against the piece; however, the decal will become more fragile and will tear easily. If your decal tears, it can still be used provided you can line up the design.
Tip #4: Do not apply decals to surfaces that come in contact with food or drink. On cups or mugs leave at least 1/2" between the rim of the cup and the decal. In recent years lead free decals have been developed; however, most of the decals on the market continue to contain some lead.
Tip #5: Have Fun! Use them on tiles, ladder back chairs, mirrors, dresser drawers, kitchen cabinets. The uses are limited only by your imagination.
.·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·.
FIRING TEMPERATURES
The recommended firing temperatures for ceramic decals is 1400 to 1500 degrees F and 1000 to 1040 for glass. These temperatures are by no means absolutes. Please test fie under your conditions. Under optimum conditions the firing cycle should be slow and well ventilated with the first 800 degrees F being the most critical.
PYROMETRIC CONE CHART
The chart below is a basic guide only
relating cone number and temperature:
CONE 108 - 60
022 1087F - 586C
021 1112F - 600C
020 1159F - 626C
019 1252F - 678C
018 1319F - 715C
017 1360F - 738C
016 1422F - 772C
015 1456F - 791C
014 1485F - 817C
.·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . ..·:*¨¨*:·. . . .·:*¨¨*:·. . . .:*¨¨*:·.
STORING DECALS
Decals can have a long shelf life when stored at a constant room temperature between 68 and 74 degrees F and 60-65% humidity. Ours are stored vertically in metal filing cabinets in a smoke and pet free environment.
Find more posts on our blog about decals.
