Instructions

BASIC DECAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Trim around the decal removing most of the excess backing. Make sure the area you will be placing the decal on is free from dirt and/or grease. 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 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 the adhesive on the back of the decal will be diluted and it may not adhere to your ware. 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 and finish with a soft cloth. Let the decal dry for 24 hours before firing or sealing.

For Fused Glass

Apply decals to your finished, fused glass artwork. Decals cannot be placed between layers of glass, they must go on top of your glass; then fired properly to become part of your piece. Follow the Basic Decal Application Instructions. See below for firing instructions.

For Soap

Follow Basic Decal Instructions. Try to keep the water on the soap to a minimum. No firing or sealant is necessary. With use the bar of soap will become smaller and smaller leaving the decal intact.

For Candles/Wood/Plastic

Cut decal as close to the design as possible which will hide the edges after the decal has been applied. Follow the Basic Decal Application Instructions. Let dry overnight, using a razor blade or your fingernail gently peel off the clear coating covering the decal and brush on 2 or 3 light coats of clear sealer (which you can purchase at any craft store). Spray sealer can also be used.

For Scrapbooks

Soak decal off paper backing following the Basic Decal Application Instructions but instead of placing on your piece, lay the decal with the adhesive side up on a paper towel. Let dry overnight. Apply a light coat of Tacky Glue diluted with a bit of water to the back of the decal. Place decal glue side down onto scrapbook paper. Eliminate any excess glue from behind decal using a soft, very 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 may wrinkle.

Firing Instructions

The recommended firing temperature for fused glass decals is Cone .022 (1034 – 1074F). Firing schedule is as follows:

250 DPH to 360 . . . hold 30 minutes

Preheat is important as materials on the decal must burn off gently. Leave the kiln lid open 1” to 2”, plus any peepholes as good ventilation will provide a clean end product.

500 DPH to 1000 . . . hold 10 minutes

Under optimum conditions the firing cycle should be slow and well ventilated with the first 800 degrees F being the most critical. Preheat slowly to prevent pinholes and/or blisters.

AFAP to 1034-1074 soak 8 to 10 minutes

Heat soak the decals to provide a finished, polished piece.

*Please note that the firing temperatures given are by no means absolute. Brand of kiln, age of kiln, and current to kiln all play a factor in the firing of your kiln. Please test fire under your conditions. Know your kiln. *

Decal Survival Tips

Tip #1: Any water or air that remains trapped under the decal will cause the decal to burn off in the spot during kiln firing leaving a void in the 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.

Tip #5: If you are doing a lot of decal work at once be sure to change your water often to keep it clean and warm.

Tip #6: Have Fun. Use a bit of one decal combined with a bit of another decal to create your own designs. Your art is limited only by your own imagination so let it soar!

STORING DECALS

Decals are best stored in a flat position as long as each sheet is separated by a barrier (usually wax coated) so that the ink does not adhere to the paper backing of the decal above it. Decals can be stored vertically if they are in folders, bags or envelopes that prevent them from curling. Decals can have a very long shelf life when stored at a constant room temperature between 68 and 74 degrees F and 60-65% humidity.

Captive Decals