Putting Patterns on Porcelain

Today there are many options for putting colorful patterns onto porcelain china. Some, like decoupage, waterslide decals and air-dry paints like Delta Air-Dry PermEnamel are within the reach of any home crafter.

If the tiles got installed recently, then wait for 24hours before scrapping the tile adhesive. Clear the excess adhesive between the grout lines. You can remove the adhesive with help of a putty knife. Use the knife carefully without producing scratches on the tile surface.Granite slabs are the most expensive of all countertop surfaces, but this is one product that holds its weight. The expense of granite will vary greatly, depending on the type, quality and availability of granite that you select, as well as the finished edge that you choose. If you just can�t resist the look of granite and your purse is stretched, try going for granite tiles. Cost is between $75 to $200 a linear foot, installed.The two classic ways of putting patterns onto porcelain, hand-painting and transfer printing, still exist today. In addition, there is a high-tech version of waterslide decals used commercially which consists of screen-printing decals with glazes and applying the decals to the porcelain. In each case, the pottery is high-fired before decorating to at least cone 6. [Cone is a measure of heat absorption resulting from heat applied over time. Cone 6 translates to between 2165 and 2269 degrees F (depending on how fast the kiln heats � or ramps � up).] Such high-firing produces the hard almost-translucent quality of genuine porcelain. Then the piece is decorated and lightly fired repeatedly to melt and fuse the glazes to the porcelain.Make sure that you remove any kind of adhesive between the tiles. Ensure that the tiles don't get dislodged due to application of force on the surface. Hence, it�s apt to use a putty knife to scrap the adhesive.For more information about decoupage, waterslide decals, dye sublimation or other crafts, visit http://www.theartfulcrafter.com/craft-ideas.html.You should level the thin set completely. Even out the surface and ensure uniform thickness of the thin set. Prepare the thin set in adequate quantity so that you cover the surface with perfection.Others, like dye sublimation printing, transfer printing and hand-glazing high-fired pottery require substantial investment in equipment and are best suited to well-capitalized businesses and artists� cooperatives.

For more information about decoupage, waterslide decals, dye sublimation or other crafts, visit http://www.theartfulcrafter.com/craft-ideas.html.

Author: Eileen Bergen