Ceramic decal

Overglaze decals are applied on top of the fired glaze and fired at lower temperatures (700°C-850°C), offering a wider range of vibrant colors but lower resistance to abrasion. Underglaze decals are applied to the greenware or bisque before glazing and fired at high temperatures (1100°C-1350°C), resulting in a permanent, food-safe finish that is completely protected by the glaze layer, making them ideal for heavy-duty commercial dinnerware.

You must require suppliers to provide third-party lab reports (SGS, Intertek, or TUV) confirming compliance with FDA (US) or EC 1935/2004 (EU) standards. Specifically, ensure the pigments used are lead-free and cadmium-free, especially for decals applied to the interior or rim of drinking vessels and plates to prevent heavy metal leaching.

Ceramic decals are sensitive to environmental conditions. They should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment (20°C-25°C) with a relative humidity of 50-60%. High humidity can cause the water-slide film to become sticky, while low humidity makes the paper brittle. Properly stored decals typically have a shelf life of 6 to 12 months; beyond this, the transfer film elasticity may degrade, leading to cracking during application.

Screen printing is the industry standard for bulk orders, providing thick ink layers and excellent color saturation. However, for highly complex photographic designs or small batches, digital ceramic printing (using specialized ceramic toners) offers superior resolution and no plate-making costs, though the color gamut may be slightly more limited compared to traditional silk screening.

Color discrepancy is a major risk in ceramic printing. Always request a physical pre-production sample (PPS) fired on your specific ceramic body. Digital proofs on screen are not reliable due to the chemical changes during kiln firing. Establish a Delta E (ΔE) tolerance level in your contract and use Pantone or RAL codes as a baseline for color matching.

Decals must be packed in moisture-proof PE bags and placed between rigid cardboard sheets to prevent bending or creasing. For large sea freight orders, ensure the use of desiccants inside the cartons to prevent moisture absorption. Specify 'Do Not Fold' and 'Keep Dry' labels on all outer packaging to ensure courier compliance.

For custom designs, suppliers usually charge a plate-making fee (film fee) per color. Negotiate for a refund of these fees once the total order volume reaches a certain threshold (e.g., 5,000 pieces). If you have multiple designs, ask for a combined MOQ to lower the per-unit cost while maintaining variety in your inventory.

Utilize Secured Trading Services on Made-in-China.com to ensure payment is only released after the goods pass inspection. For high-value orders, hire a third-party inspector to verify the film thickness, registration accuracy, and quantity before the balance payment is settled to avoid receiving defective batches.