Ceramic Decals

Ceramic decals

Ceramic decals are decorative transfers used to enhance the appearance of ceramic and glass surfaces. These designs are printed on special decal paper and then applied to the surface before being fired in a kiln, which fuses the decoration to the piece permanently. Whether it’s an intricate floral pattern on a plate or a vibrant logo on a mug, ceramic decals provide a simple way to add colour, depth, and personalisation to ceramic creations, making them ideal for both commercial and creative applications. From bespoke gifts to branded dinnerware, their versatility is highly valued by ceramic artists and manufacturers alike.

There are different types of ceramic decals designed to suit various styles and finishes. These include on-glaze decals, which are applied to the surface and fired at lower temperatures for vibrant results, in-glaze decals, which are fired at higher temperatures for a more integrated look, and underglaze decals, typically placed beneath a transparent glaze for a seamless and refined finish. Each type offers unique aesthetic possibilities, allowing individuals to experiment with countless designs, textures, and techniques to achieve their desired finish.

Ceramic decals designs & patterns

Types of ceramic decals

Ceramic decals are a versatile and creative way to add intricate designs, patterns, or personalised touches to ceramic surfaces. Available in a range of styles, these decals cater to diverse artistic needs and applications, from vibrant overglaze decals to delicate underglaze patterns.

  • Overglaze decals

    - decorative designs applied to glazed ceramics or glass surfaces, offering endless customisation options with patterns, colours, and even accents of precious metals, which are fired at low temperatures to create durable, intricate finishes.

  • Underglaze decals

    - can be applied to greenware or bisqueware before glazing, offer a flexible decorating option alongside alternatives like graffito and rice paper decals, with large-format sheets also available for more extensive designs.

  • In-glaze decals

    - highly durable and perfect for ceramic ware, tiles, porcelain, glass, and enamel, making them the ideal choice for high-grade restaurant, hotel, and barware.

  • Metallic effect decals

    - crafted with real precious metals, are available in stunning shades of gold, silver, and copper to bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to any surface.

  • Ceramic relief decals

    - great for creating a striking raised design, adding texture and a three-dimensional element to enhance the surface of any ceramic piece after firing.

 

Overglaze decals

Intricate designs

Overglaze decals are a popular choice for adding intricate designs and personalised charm to ceramic and glass surfaces. Made from special water slide and heat-release paper, these decals allow images to be transferred seamlessly onto glazed surfaces. The process is straightforward – the decal is applied to the glazed item, such as porcelain, glassware, or tiles, and then fired in a kiln at temperatures ranging from 620°C to 840°C. Once fired, the design becomes a permanent, UV-resistant feature, ensuring lasting durability and vibrancy. This technique is known for its versatility, offering countless applications for both hobbyists and commercial users.

One of the standout benefits of overglaze decals is the ability to customise designs to suit specific needs. Whether you're creating full-colour images for dinnerware or adding a luxurious touch to ceramics with decals made from precious metals like gold or silver, the creative possibilities are endless. Available in various patterns and customisable options, they add colour, depth, and individuality to any ceramic piece. Furthermore, their ease of use makes them ideal for school projects, creative workshops, or commercial businesses looking to produce unique or branded items at both small and large scales. Overglaze decals truly combine artistry and practicality, making them a valuable tool for enhancing glazed surfaces.

Underglaze decals

Decals for greenware and bisqueware

Underglaze decals are a versatile and decorative tool used in ceramics to create intricate patterns and designs. Designed for application on greenware or bisqueware, these decals are applied before the final glazing and firing processes. The process involves transferring coloured underglaze onto the ceramic surface, allowing for a seamless integration of elaborate designs into the finished piece. Popular among ceramic artists, underglaze decals come in a variety of formats, including graffito paper and rice paper decals, catering to differing design preferences and techniques.

Graffito paper is a unique type of underglaze transfer paper that acts like carbon copy, enabling artists to transfer ceramic underglaze designs directly onto pots with a simple drawing or tracing process. It's an inexpensive alternative to traditional ceramic decals, offering accessibility for potters and hobbyists alike. Rice paper decals, on the other hand, are prized for their simplicity and affordability, available in numerous designs and colours. These decals transfer oxide-bearing designs onto pots by lightly brushing the paper with water. Additionally, some underglaze transfers are available in extra-large formats, ideal for wrapping around mugs or decorating larger ceramic pieces. This wide range of options makes underglaze decals a popular choice for adding creative flair to pottery.

Inglaze decals

Heavy use decals

In-glaze decals are a versatile and durable decoration option for a variety of surfaces, including ceramic ware, tiles, porcelain, glass, and enamel. These decals are applied to items before they are kiln-fired at high temperatures, allowing the design to fuse into the surface itself. This process ensures a seamless finish that is both visually appealing and long-lasting, making in-glaze decals highly suitable for applications where durability and elegance are key.

One of the standout qualities of in-glaze decals is their ability to withstand heavy use without fading or chipping. This makes them particularly popular for high-grade hotel, restaurant, and barware, where items often endure frequent handling and cleaning. From intricate patterns on tiles to decorative restaurant crockery, in-glaze decals deliver both practicality and aesthetic value, maintaining their vibrant colours and finish even in demanding environments.

Metallic effect decals

Gold, silver, and copper decals

Metallic effect decals offer an elegant and effortless way to elevate ceramic pieces with a luxurious touch. Created using real precious metals such as gold, silver, and copper, these decals add a striking "glitz" to your ceramics, perfect for those who want to achieve intricate designs without the challenges of free-hand painting. These decals are simple to apply, making them an excellent choice for both seasoned ceramic makers and beginners who want to create professional-quality finishes on their work.

Available in a wide variety of designs, metallic effect decals provide versatility to suit any creative vision. Whether you're adding subtle accents in copper or making bold statements in gold or silver, these decals seamlessly blend functionality with artistic appeal. Their eye-catching shimmer not only enhances the aesthetic of your ceramic pieces but also transforms them into timeless, treasure-worthy creations. Perfect for special projects or personalised gifts, metallic effect decals deliver a professional finish with minimal effort.

Ceramic relief decals

Decals with a raised and textured surface

Ceramic relief decals are a specialised type of decorative decal that create a raised design or pattern on the surface of ceramics after firing. Unlike traditional flat decals, these relief decals add a tangible layer of depth, making them an excellent choice for designs that require a more pronounced or textured effect. They are widely used in both functional and decorative pieces, allowing creators to elevate the aesthetic appeal of ceramics with intricate details that can be both seen and felt.

One of the standout features of ceramic relief decals is their ability to introduce texture and a dynamic, three-dimensional element to ceramic designs. By creating a raised surface, these decals enable unique artistic expressions, transforming ordinary ceramics into tactile and visually engaging pieces. Whether used to mimic intricate carvings or simply to provide a standout design, relief decals are a versatile tool for artists and manufacturers aiming to add complexity and sophistication to their ceramic creations.

HoReCa decals

Ceramics decals in the dinnerware and teaware industries

Ceramic decals have become an essential feature in the dinnerware and teaware industries, particularly within the HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering) sector. These custom designs are applied to plates, cups, saucers, and other ceramic pieces to create visually striking, high-quality dinnerware that seamlessly aligns with the venue's aesthetic. For hotels and upscale restaurants, custom decals elevate the dining experience by adding unique visual elements to every dish or beverage served. Whether it’s intricate patterns, subtle accents, or the establishment’s logo, these designs leave a lasting impression on guests, turning a meal into a memorable experience.

Beyond enhancing the dining atmosphere, ceramic decals are a powerful branding tool for businesses in the HoReCa sector. Incorporating logos, bespoke patterns, or custom imagery on teaware and dinnerware reinforces brand identity and establishes a cohesive feel across the venue’s offerings. For catering services, personalised decals on serving plates and trays provide a professional touch, helping the brand stand out in competitive markets. By infusing their dinnerware and teaware with custom aesthetics, businesses can establish a sense of sophistication while subtly marketing their brand.

Hospitality decals

Ceramic decals in the hospitality sector

Ceramic decals are revolutionising the hospitality industry by offering hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses an ingenious way to elevate their guest experience. For hotels, custom decals allow them to craft a cohesive and memorable environment. From personalised room numbers on ceramic ornaments to branded bathroom accessories, these details create a sense of luxury and bespoke care that guests are unlikely to forget. Custom decals also enable establishments to incorporate their logo, colours, or unique motifs, subtly yet effectively reinforcing their branding while contributing to an elegant guest experience.

Restaurants, on the other hand, use ceramic decals to extend their theme and cuisine into their tableware. Imagine a fine dining restaurant serving dishes on plates adorned with artistic designs inspired by the food’s origins—a detail that complements the culinary experience and leaves a lasting impression. For catering services, durable and stylish decals offer the opportunity to present professionally and cohesively, making special events, whether corporate dinners or weddings, feel polished and unique. Across hospitality, these custom designs embody branding while creating visually stunning moments that captivate guests and elevate the overall experience.

Decals for fine bone china and porcelain plates

Styles of ceramic plates

The choice of plates in the hospitality industry goes beyond mere functionality; it plays a pivotal role in elevating the dining experience. From classic white porcelain to bold and contemporary stoneware, the style of plate can highlight a chef's culinary creativity and influence the perception of a dish. Each design, material, and finish carries a unique charm, carefully selected to complement the cuisine and reflect the establishment's identity.

  • Dinner plates
  • Side plates/starter plate
  • Pasta plates
  • Pizza plates
  • Dessert plates
  • Serving and sharing platters
  • Charger plates
  • Shaped plates
  • Coupe plate
  • Narrow rim plates
  • Wide rim plates
  • Menu plates
  • Cover plates and lids

Cups and mugs decals

Styles of ceramic bowls, cups and mugs

From elegant ceramic bowls to sleek glass mugs, the hospitality industry offers a wide variety of styles to suit every dining experience. Each piece not only serves a functional purpose but also enhances the presentation, leaving a lasting impression on guests. Whether it’s a rustic stoneware bowl for a hearty soup or a modern espresso cup perfect for a quick pick-me-up, the choice of tableware plays a vital role in elevating the overall ambiance and showcasing the personality of the establishment.

  • Soup bowls
  • Pasta bowls
  • Coffee cups
  • Tea cups
  • Mugs
  • Breakfast cups
  • Stacking cups

Teaware decals

Styles of ceramic teaware and jugs

Teaware and jugs play a pivotal role in the hospitality industry, combining practicality with a touch of aesthetic sophistication. From traditional porcelain teapots to sleek glass jugs, the variety of styles available allows establishments to elevate their service while catering to diverse customer preferences. Each design, whether crafted for functionality or visual appeal, reflects the unique atmosphere of a venue, making teaware and jugs essential tools for creating memorable dining and beverage experiences.

  • Teapots
  • Tea infusers
  • Tea strainers
  • Tea caddies
  • Tea sets
  • Milk jugs/creamers
  • Hot water jugs

Kitchenware decals

Other ceramic wares

Ceramic wares are essential in the hospitality industry, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal. Items like saucers, sugar bowls, butter dishes, and salt shakers add an elegant touch to table settings, while serving platters, bowls, and slop basins ensure seamless service. From tea tool kits to pepper pots, these durable and stylish pieces contribute to both the guest's dining experience and the efficiency of service staff.

  • Saucers
  • Teaspoons
  • Sugar bowls
  • Slop basins
  • Tea tool kits
  • Butter dishes
  • Salt shakers
  • Pepper pots
  • Serving platters
  • Serving bowls
  • Casseroles
  • Ramekins