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APPLYING THE DECALS TO GLASS - ELIMINATING BUBBLES UNDER WILL ELIMINATE BLOWOUT HOLES WHEN FIRED.
Use a Small Shallow Dish - Keep water fresh
Prepare Glass for Decals
Glass decals adhere to a smooth surface much better than a slightly rough surface. If your project calls for 2 layers of glass, pre-fuse them to a full fuse before applying the decal. If you are using a single layer of glass that has any texture to it, pre-fuse them to a full fuse or contour fuse. This will ensure the glass has a smooth surface to fire on.
Applying Decals to Glass
Clean the surface of glass using dish soap and water or alcohol; making sure the glass surface is completely dry. Once clean, only touch the glass by the edges. Fingerprints on the glass surface can cause the decal to not bond properly with the glass.
Place a small amount of room temperature water in a shallow dish. Place the decal in the water and soak for 20 or so seconds or until the decal easily slides off the paper backing. Note: If the decal soaks for too long it will separate from the backing. If this happens carefully collect the decal from the water.
Slowly slide the decal off the paper backing and onto the glass surface and position as desired. Gently rub the surface of the decal to massage away any air pockets. At this point the decal should be perfectly flat against the glass. Note: Decals will NOT flatten out during firing.
Use a small piece of paper towel to soak up any water left on the decal and glass.
Allow the decal to bond 2 to 4 hours before firing. Firing a wet decal can cause steam to lift the decal off the glass resulting in a partial decal transfer or it can distort the decal design.
Firing Decals in a Kiln
A successful decal firing is the result of a good decal to glass application combined with good firing conditions and schedules.
Important Tips for Firing Decals
Over firing decals to glass always results in poor decal quality.
When applying decals, change water frequently as impurities are released into the water during soaking. Warm water as opposed to cold water makes a better transfer.
Good ventilation in the kiln during decal firing is important as it allows the binding medium in the decals to burn off completely.
Slow ramping helps glass to decal heating, bonding, fusing environment.
HOLD - FOR 30 MINS AT 1100 - FOR SHINE AND FUSING
PERFECTION WITH NO DRAFTING OF COOLER AIR
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