When the initial ceramic
compound is poured into a mould and sets, it forms greenware [ceramics at its
initial stage]. When the greenware is fired, it forms bisqueware, a more solid
and workable ceramic surface [greenware is very fragile]. It is the bisqueware
stage where most ceramic designs are applied.
When the design is finished
and a glaze coat applied, the item is fired in a kiln to seal the underglaze
colours. From this stage only onglaze inks may be used to further decorate the
ceramic piece [underglaze colours will not adhere to the glazed surface].
There are numerous ink types
that can be applied to ceramics, the following is a brief description of the 5
most common types and their applications.
Kera Underglaze Printing
Ink
The Kera Underglaze Printing Ink
is specially formulated to be either screen printed directly onto a flat
ceramic surface i.e. tiles, plus Transfer Printed onto curved surfaces -
both greenware & bisqueware.
Simple, no other Ceramic ink has been
developed to provide the versatility required for screen printing and
transferring of designs from a secondary surface [transfer paper]. The ink can
also be screen printed directly onto flat surfaces. Normal underglaze inks are
developed for brushing and will dry in the screen & on the transfer paper.
Kera Onglaze Printing Ink
Once an item has been glazed and fired,
only an onglaze ink may be applied to further decorate the item. Kera
Onglaze Printing Ink may be directly screen printed onto a glazed flat surface
i.e. glazed tiles.Details -click here . .
FastBright Low Firing
Onglaze & Glass Ink
A newly developed ink for low firing
applications onto onglaze materials and glass. Details -click here . .
Brushing colours
Underglaze colours formulated for
brushing/ painting a design onto ceramics at the GREENWARE or BISQUEWARE
stage. Once a design has been screen printed or Transfer Printed, brushing
colours may be applied to complete the design.
Engobes
Explained simply, an engobe is a very
opaque base coat used for changing the background colour and blocking
out any surface faults of the piece. Ideal for covering large areas, the
engobe is actually of a high quality and concentration, and is cheaper
than underglazes only because of the types of materials used. When
covering over a mistake/ unwanted design three or four coats may need to
be applied due to the opaque nature.
a) Direct
Screen Printing - Laying a RISO ScreenMaster screen printing
screen directly on top of the item to be printed and the ceramic medium [Underglaze
or Onglaze] screened through the screen onto the item below.
b) Transfer
Printing - Laying a RISO ScreenMaster screen printing screen over
Transfer Paper and screen printing the Kera Underglaze Printing medium through the screen onto the paper below. This wet design is then
‘transferred’ from the Transfer Paper onto the ceramic piece [flat or
curved]. Refer to separate Transfer Printing Instructions.
The unique ink development by Ceramic Glazes
of Australia and the simplicity of the NEHOC printing system, enable anyone to
achieve professional results without the professional costs, or any experience
in screen printing.