Elan Decal Instructions & Firing Schedule
Kiln Fired Overglaze Decal Instructions
Our full-color water slide overglaze decals are food safe and lead free. Apply them
after glaze firing for best results. Because they are semi-transparent, they work best on
white or light-colored glazes, smooth flat surfaces, and non-textured finishes. Note:
curved surfaces can be more challenging to apply to.
Materials Needed
• Elan Transfers Kiln Fired Overglaze Decal
• Glazed ceramic piece to apply decal to
• Bowl of warm water
• Plastic rib tool (I use the yellow Y3 mud tools rib) or a roller also works
• Sharp scissors
• Rubbing alcohol
• Lint free cloth
• Kiln ☺
1. Clean the Surface: Use a lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove oils and
dust from the ceramic surface.
2. Prep the Decal: Remove the white protective sheet from the decal. Cut out your
design as close to the edge as possible to minimize visible cut lines after firing.
3. Pre-warm China and Decal: Soak your china in hot water (115–125°F) for a few
minutes and leave it wet to help the decal stick. Meanwhile, dip the decal in
lukewarm water (85–95°F) for 3 seconds, then let it sit on a table for 45–60 seconds
until it uncurls. This helps the decal be less brittle and more flexible.
4. Apply the Decal: Slide the decal onto the china and gently smooth it from the
center outward using a paper towel, squeegee, or angled paint brush to remove all
air and water. Trapped moisture may cause bubbling during heating.
5. Dry Thoroughly: Use a clean lint-free cloth to gently dry from the center out. Let it
dry completely - ideally overnight or for at least 6 hours until no moisture is left.
6. Fire: Once fully dry, fire your piece in a kiln according to this:
▪ 350°F / HR until 788°F hold for 0 min
▪ 400°F / HR until 1616°F hold for 15 min
▪ Shut off kiln and let cool
If you are using a manual or kiln sitter kiln please fire to cone 012 and use a slow
increase until the kiln reaches 500 degrees F and then fire on a medium setting until
cone 012.
Oven Fired Overglaze Decal Instructions
Safe to use on pre-made pottery that is oven safe up to 375°. For example; ring dishes,
wall plates, ornaments, or decorative plates. These are not food or dishwasher safe
and are for decorative use only.
Materials Needed:
• Elan Transfers Oven Fired Overglaze Decal
• Chinaware
• Bowl of hot water & lukewarm water
• Paper towel or squeegee
• Sharp scissors
• Lint free cloth
• Oven ☺
1. Clean the Surface: Use a lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove oils and
dust from the ceramic surface.
2. Prep the Decal: Remove the white protective sheet from the decal. Cut out your
design as close to the edge as possible to minimize visible cut lines after firing.
3. Pre-warm China and Decal: Soak your china in hot water (115–125°F) for a few
minutes and leave it wet to help the decal stick. Meanwhile, dip the decal in
lukewarm water (85–95°F) for 3 seconds, then let it sit on a table for 45–60 seconds
until it uncurls. This helps the decal be less brittle and more flexible.
4. Apply the Decal: Slide the decal onto the china and gently smooth it from the
center outward using a paper towel, squeegee, or angled paint brush to remove all
air and water. Trapped moisture may cause bubbling during heating.
5. Dry Thoroughly: Use a clean lint-free cloth to gently dry from the center out. Let it
dry completely - ideally overnight or for at least 6 hours until no moisture is left.
6. Cure in Oven: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. Thicker items like
stoneware may require extra time. If clear areas turn brown, the heat was too high -
adjust for your oven as needed.
24k Gold Overglaze Decal Instructions
NOT MICROWAVE SAFE
Water slide overglaze 24K gold decals for use on pottery that has already
been glazed fired. We use the highest quality German gold for our decals
which will result in the brightest and purest gold designs on the market. These
work best on smooth flat surfaces and non-textured finishes. Note: curved surfaces
can be more challenging to apply to.
Materials Needed:
• Elan Transfers 24k Gold Overglaze Decal
• Glazed ceramic piece to apply decal to
• Bowl of warm water
• Plastic rib tool (I use the yellow Y3 mud tools rib) or a roller also works
• Sharp scissors
•
Rubbing alcohol
• Lint free cloth
• Kiln ☺
1. Clean the Surface: Use a lint-free cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove oils and
dust from the ceramic surface.
2. Prep the Decal: Remove the white protective sheet from the decal. Cut out your
design as close to the edge as possible to minimize visible cut lines after firing.
3. Pre-warm China and Decal: Soak your china in hot water (115–125°F) for a few
minutes and leave it wet to help the decal stick. Meanwhile, dip the decal in
lukewarm water (85–95°F) for 3 seconds, then let it sit on a table for 45–60 seconds
until it uncurls. This helps the decal be less brittle and more flexible.
4. Apply the Decal: Slide the decal onto the china and gently smooth it from the
center outward using a paper towel, squeegee, or angled paint brush to remove all
air and water. Trapped moisture may cause bubbling during heating.
5. Dry Thoroughly: Use a clean lint-free cloth to gently dry from the center out. Let it
dry completely - ideally overnight or for at least 6 hours until no moisture is left.
6. Fire: Fire to cone 018 or 019 on a slow schedule. If using a manual or kiln sitter kiln,
fire to cone 019 with a slow increase of 150°F per hour until the kiln reaches 750°F,
then continue on a medium setting until cone 019 is reached.
When using with full-color kiln fired overglaze decals, fire those first to cone 012, then
apply gold decals and fire again to cone 018/019.
