Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Adhesive Decals

Ceramic decals: what are they and how are they made?

Screen-printing is an ancient method of printing invented in China during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD).  This method of printing called silk-screening, because the mesh used to press the ink through was made of silk.  Silk-screen printing invented in China used primarily to print on cloth, such as silk, cotton, and other fabrics. 

 

 

Then approximately 1750 Simon Francois Ravenet who emigrated from France to England, before Simon immigrated he had been seeking a way to decorate ceramic designs using screen-printing.  In England, Simon perfected a process of transferring artistic images to decorate ceramic pieces. 

 

 

Simon Ravenet augmented screen-print as a direct printing method and created a non-direct form of printing using a new transfer system.  This new transfer system used a medium constructed from a paper that was water-resistant that had previously been printed with a water-soluble adhesive. 

 

Simon Ravenet printed the artistic design onto the water-resistant paper on top of the water-soluble adhesive and printed a clear ink over the design. The finished decalcomania then is immersed in water, the adhesive releases from the water-resistant paper leaving a decalcomania sandwiched between the water-soluble adhesive and the final clear coat of ink on the surface of the decalcomanias printed image.   Applying the decalcomania to the surface of the ceramic piece, he wanted to decorate; the adhesive would allow it to adhere to the surface of the ceramic.

 

Simon Ravenet called this new transfer system a decalcomania.   This new technology imported to the United States in Circa 1865.  Then this process popularized in the United States, during the ceramic decorating craze of the mid-1870s.  In the United States, the word decalcomania abbreviated to the version we use today decal. 

 

Simon Ravenet had inadvertently invented water-slide off decals except it would be many decades before this new printing system would be use to print decals for promotions and product branding.  Simon Francois Ravenet transfer system is different from the water-slide off decals we use today.  The difference is in the types of inks Simon’s system employed were ceramic inks.

 

Ceramic inks are employed to produce ceramic water-transfer decals.  The ceramic inks are manufactured by milling the ceramic particles into the ink.  The ceramic particle during the milling process becomes infused with the ink.  This ink is no longer common ink it is now ceramic ink. 

 

When the ceramic transfer decal is applied to the ceramic piece then the ceramic piece is fired in a kiln the decal transfer becomes a part of the ceramic. Before this new transfer invention all pottery, earthenware, ceramic, and glass were decorated by hand painting a ceramic paint directly on the piece.  The same process used to cause the ceramic particles infused in the paint, so when the pottery placed in a kiln to fired the pottery the paint or ink literally became one with the pottery.

 

The question; is this style of printing used today?  Yes, fine china, every day dinnerware, mugs, drinking glasses, as well as industrial products employ ceramic decals.  The industrial uses such as; laboratory test tubes, toilet and lavatory fixtures are decorated this way, too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

About the Author

Doug Bryant

The Decal Factory - The best decals, signs, labels, posters, stickers and banners in the industry for business and hobby.
Toll Free - (800) 369-5331

Auto-Art Self-Adhesive Japanese Decals $6.99 Self-adhesive Auto Art(TM) are precision die-cut from high quality white vinyl and come with a clear carrier sheet for easy application. Price includes two decals. Decals are approx. 5.5?x8?

''Its A Jeep Thing'' Self Adhesive Decals $4.99 Self-adhesive decals Can be removed and reapplied Great for any vehicle Comes in varied styles and sizes Officially licensed Mopar product

Door And Windows Decals- Enter $24.3 Eliminate confusion and prevent accidents with these door and window decals. Durable polyester decals have a strong adhesive backing that adheres to glass and metal Mark doors: 30" to 36" and 60" to 66" above ground Decals printed on both sides Adhesive supplied on front unless noted

Door And Windows Decals - No Smoking $24.3 Eliminate confusion and prevent accidents with these door and window decals. Durable polyester decals have a strong adhesive backing that adheres to glass and metal Mark doors: 30" to 36" and 60" to 66" above ground Decals printed on both sides Adhesive supplied on front unless noted

Door And Windows Decals - Handicapped $24.3 Eliminate confusion and prevent accidents with these door and window decals. Durable polyester decals have a strong adhesive backing that adheres to glass and metal Mark doors: 30" to 36" and 60" to 66" above ground Decals printed on both sides Adhesive supplied on front unless noted

Door And Windows Decals - Push $24.3 Eliminate confusion and prevent accidents with these door and window decals. Durable polyester decals have a strong adhesive backing that adheres to glass and metal Mark doors: 30" to 36" and 60" to 66" above ground Decals printed on both sides Adhesive supplied on front unless noted

Door And Windows Decals - Pull $24.3 Eliminate confusion and prevent accidents with these door and window decals. Durable polyester decals have a strong adhesive backing that adheres to glass and metal Mark doors: 30" to 36" and 60" to 66" above ground Decals printed on both sides Adhesive supplied on front unless noted

Puppies Wall Decals Each $29.99 The over-sized Puppy Wall Decals features paw prints, the phrase "woof, woof" and four adorable puppies. Best of all, these puppy themed decals can be personalized with 1 line (20 characters) of text. The 44" wide x 54" high sheet of puppy wall decals are self-adhesive and may be repositioned and moved with no wall damage - just peel and stick! The Puppy Wall Decals can be used to decorate a puppy themed bedroom or party. Not recommended for use on windows.

Chroma Etch Effectz Decals $4.99 Self-adhesive Etch Effectz? decals are custom printed and die-cut for the look of ?etched glass? and adhere to any smooth flat surface. Size of decals in pack may vary depending on design, package size is 6?x 8?.

Vinyl Footprint Floor Decals $53.99 Vinyl footprint floor decals lead the way to safety and can't be missed. Self-adhesive yellow vinyl footprint floor decals adhere to any smooth, dry, clean surface.Sold in packages of 12 (6 pairs of footprints).12"h x 4"w.

Static Cling No Smoking Decals $17.3 Perfect for windows and glass doors. Emphasize your smoking policy without using a permanent adhesive with these clear static cling decals Apply to smooth and clean surfaces Recommended for indoor use Decals are sold five per package Choose from two sizes: 3" x 3" or 4" x 4"

Door And Windows Decals - Do Not Enter $24.3 Eliminate confusion and prevent accidents with these door and window decals. Durable polyester decals have a strong adhesive backing that adheres to glass and metal Mark doors: 30" to 36" and 60" to 66" above ground Decals printed on both sides Adhesive supplied on front unless noted

Door And Windows Decals - Automatic Door $24.3 Eliminate confusion and prevent accidents with these door and window decals. Durable polyester decals have a strong adhesive backing that adheres to glass and metal Mark doors: 30" to 36" and 60" to 66" above ground Decals printed on both sides Adhesive supplied on front unless noted

Door And Windows Decals - Rescue Window $24.3 Eliminate confusion and prevent accidents with these door and window decals. Durable polyester decals have a strong adhesive backing that adheres to glass and metal Mark doors: 30" to 36" and 60" to 66" above ground Decals printed on both sides Adhesive supplied on front unless noted

Alpine Wall Decals $12 Feel like climbing the walls? This tiny, contemporary team does it for you. Includes 9 dimensional plastic decals in 3 sizes. Modern DIY arrangement. Adhesive for mounting.

Bullet Hole Decals $3.99 Self-Adhesive Vinyl Decals are custom printed in full color on clear or white vinyl and precision die-cut. Looks like actual bullet holes in your car.

Fork Guard Decals $15 One Industries Fork Guard Decals All One Industries graphics are subsurface screen printed on 15 mil vinyl then processed with authentic 3M brand adhesive to create a 1 piece final product.

Handicap Not Accessible Decals $27 Identify accessible rooms and areas. Tear-resistant, self adhesive vinyl decals are suitbale for indoor or outdoor use Single sided Size - 4"W x 4"H

Handicap Symbol Decals $23.2 Identify accessible rooms and areas. Tear-resistant, self adhesive vinyl decals are suitbale for indoor or outdoor use Single sided Avaliable in 2 sizes - 3" x 3" and 4" x 4"

Handicap Accessible Decals $27 Identify accessible rooms and areas. Tear-resistant, self adhesive vinyl decals are suitbale for indoor or outdoor use Single sided 4" x 3" symbol of access

Handicap Exit Decals $27 Identify accessible rooms and areas. Tear-resistant, self adhesive vinyl decals are suitbale for indoor or outdoor use Single sided Size - 4"W x 4"H 

Access For The Disabled Decals $74.2 Identify accessible rooms and areas. Tear-resistant, self adhesive vinyl decals are suitbale for indoor or outdoor use Single sided Size - 4"W x 4"H

Fire Rescue Handicap Symbol Decals $27 Identify accessible rooms and areas. Tear-resistant, self adhesive vinyl decals are suitbale for indoor or outdoor use Single sided Size - 4" x 3"

Wilson Helmet Decals Kit $9.99 Wilson Helmet Decals Kit. Customize the color of any 2011 Wilson helmet. Wilson decals can be applied and re-applied multiple times during use. Water and dirt resistant adhesive designed to withstand the wear of the season. Each decal precision-cut to fit the integrated grooves in the helmet shell. Includes complete color kits for one helmet plus number sticks. Mix multiple color kits for ultimate customizations. Header car with poly bad packaging. One color per kit.

Service Installation Decals $51.9 Let your customers know who to call for service. Use on vending machines, service equipment, industrial machinery, promotional pieces and more All-weather polyester decals supplied in Polished Chrome with permanent adhesive and printing in one ink color For extended outdoor life, unnumbered decals printed with black ink are recommended Optional 1/4" black consecutive numbering available on select styles for an additional charge Service temp. range - 65°F to 225°F, min. application temp. 50°F

Chroma Holographix Window Decals $3.99 Self-adhesive Holographix decals are custom printed in full color, on holographic vinyl and are die-cut to 5x5.5'' Flashing wit an intense brilliance and color as light plays across their surfaces, Holographix(TM) are truly unique. Styles Available: Betty Boop, Superman, and Extreme.

Pet Alert Decals $2 Protect your best friend in case of a fire, flood, storm or any other immediate danger with Pet Alert Static Cling Window Decals. Each package contains two (2) decals that you place on your window or door to alert Fire Rescue and Police Personnel to save your pets in case of an emergency. These 4 x 5 inch decals allow you to inform rescue personnel as to how many dogs, cats, birds or other pets you may have in your home. Pet Alert Decals are made of strong vinyl static cling material and adheres to any clean glass surface without adhesive and can easily be removed and used again. Don't leave your pets home without them! Brand: Pet Safety Alert, Inc. Made in USA

Sea Creature Wall Decals Each $29.99 The over-sized Sea Creature Wall Decals feature colorful tropical fish, a turtle, sting ray, dolphin, coral and bubbles. Best of all, these under the sea themed decals can be personalized with 1 line (20 characters) of text. The 44" wide x 54" high sheet of sea creature wall decals are self-adhesive and may be repositioned and moved with no wall damage - just peel and stick! The Sea Creature Wall Decals can be used to decorate a under the sea themed bedroom or party. Not recommended for use on windows.

Door And Windows Decals - Door Swings Out $24.3 Eliminate confusion and prevent accidents with these door and window decals. Durable polyester decals have a strong adhesive backing that adheres to glass and metal Mark doors: 30" to 36" and 60" to 66" above ground Decals printed on both sides Adhesive supplied on front unless noted\

Door And Windows Decals- Emergency Escape WIndow $24.3 Eliminate confusion and prevent accidents with these door and window decals. Durable polyester decals have a strong adhesive backing that adheres to glass and metal Mark doors: 30" to 36" and 60" to 66" above ground Decals printed on both sides Adhesive supplied on front unless noted

Hearing Impaired Text Telephone Decals $30.8 Identify accessibility areas within a building . Tear-resistant, self adhesive vinyl decals are suitbale for indoor or outdoor use Single sided Size - 4"W x 4"H

See-Thru Security Decals - No Admittance $25.1 Communicate your security message without limiting window visibility. Security signs allow you to post important security messages without detracting from glass doors or windows Decals come with back-adhesive

See-Thru Security Decals - Property $25.1 Communicate your security message without limiting window visibility. Security signs allow you to post important security messages without detracting from glass doors or windows Decals come with back-adhesive

See-Thru Security Decals - Surveillance $25.1 Communicate your security message without limiting window visibility. Security signs allow you to post important security messages without detracting from glass doors or windows Decals come with back-adhesive

Flower & Peace Self Adhesive Vinyl Decal Set $7.99 Self-adhesive vinyl decals Great for any vehicle Includes an assortment of decals Easy to apply to any car surface

TeeZed Products L169 Glass Door Window Decals $20.96 Keep your children and pets safe with these window decals. They are designed to help the child know that the glass door is shut. Self adhesive vinyl decals. Durable and reusable making it great for part time carers.

Emulational Adhesive Butterfly Paster Sticker Decals for Wall Fridge Decoration(4Pcs) $2.96 - Emulational adhesive butterfly stickers - Ideal for applying on doors, lamps, household articles, bedroom ceilings and any smooth, clean surface - Good decoration for your bedroom, fridge, wall, lamp, etc - With sticker, convenient for using

Abc Wall Decals Set $29.99 Our exclusive ABC Wall Decal features the first three letters of the alphabet along with an apple, butterfly and kitty cat on a striped and polka dotted design. Best of all, the ABC Wall Decals can be personalized with your own custom text. Each wall sticker sheet measures an enormous 44 inches wide x 54 inches tall and has a self-adhesive backing. It can be repositioned and moved without the risk of wall damage. Just peel and stick! Create a fabulous alphabet themed bedroom or use them at your 1st Birthday party! Not recommended for use on windows.