Experiment: Waterslide Decals on Vitreous Enamel. Part 1

Several months ago I purchased two packages of waterslide decal paper that can be printed on using a laser printer (black toner cartridges) then applied onto a vitreous enameled surface and fired. It is not too dissimilar to how you apply temporary tattoos.You can add layers of vitreous enamel, vitreous enamel paint, china paint (as used on china plates), etc. to color your pieces. This is a simple way to add designs to your artwork.

I plan to experiment and try out the two different brands of waterslide paper. I will apply these onto copper disks that I will cut out using a disk cutter.

Steps:

1. Prepare the piece for enameling.
2. Sprinkle a thin layer of enamel, either clear to seal the surface or colored. Fire.
3. Use a laser printer that uses toner cartridges to print the design onto the correct side of the paper.
4. Cut around the outside of the design leaving a couple of millimeters of space as suggested in the instructions.
5. Follow the instructions on how to transfer the decal onto the enameled piece using water. Let dry completely.
6. Sprinkle a thin layer of enamel, either transparent or opaque into the section you want to color. Fire.
7. You can add additional layers of decals or enamel. Do make sure that the entire decal is covered in enamel in order to protect it.

I purchased my packages online from Decal Paper, but their website no longer seems to function. There are a variety of brands and companies that sell something like this, Goggle: waterslide decal paper laser printer. Make sure they say it can be applied and fired on Enamel. You can try Fired-On.com 

I will post my progress pics and thoughts about this technique as I work with it.