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Underglaze Transfer Instructions

Our underglaze transfers are lead-free, food-safe, and screen printed on rice paper -

perfect for greenware or bisqueware. They fire up to cone 10, though lighter colors like

pink do best at cone 6 or below. For best results, use a zinc-free clear glaze. Unglazed

surfaces are food-safe when fired to cone 6 or higher.

Materials Needed:

• Elan Transfers Underglaze Transfer

• Wet, leather hard, or bisque surface to apply transfer to

• Bowl of water

• Plastic rib tool (I use the yellow Y3 mud tools rib)

• Sharp scissors

• Pottery sponge

• Tiny paint brush for touch ups

• Kiln ☺

1. Position the Transfer: Place the transfer sheet face-down on your clay slab or

form. Starting from the center, gently press it onto the surface using a damp (but

well-wrung) sponge. Avoid excess water, as it can cause smearing.

2. Watch for Color Change: As the transfer adheres, the design will darken slightly.

Continue pressing gently with the sponge to ensure full contact with the clay.

3. Check for Full Transfer: Slowly lift one corner of the sheet to check if the design

has fully transferred. If not, press it back down and gently sponge again. The wetter

the clay, the easier the transfer—but the higher the chance of smearing.

4. Adjust Based on Clay Moisture: The amount of pressure and moisture needed

varies depending on how wet or dry your clay is. With practice, you’ll develop a feel

for the right balance.

5. For Leather-Hard Clay: On firmer clay, you can use a plastic rib (like the yellow

Mudtools Y3) to press the transfer down—similar to applying a window decal. Avoid

using ribs on wet clay (they may smear the design) or bisqueware (they’re less

effective).

6. Remove the Backing Paper: Once the transfer is complete, slowly peel away the

paper. If any areas didn’t transfer, lay it back down and rub gently with a damp

sponge or your fingertip. Use leftover ink on the sheet and a fine brush to fill in

missed or smudged spots.

Greenware: Let your piece dry completely to bone dry, then bisque fire. Since the underglaze

isn’t fully fused at this stage, handle with care to avoid smudging. Don’t wash the bisqueware -

gently blow off any dust instead. Apply a zinc-free clear glaze and glaze fire as normal.

Bisqueware: Wait 24 hours or more after applying the transfer before glazing to prevent

peeling. Once fully dry, glaze and fire as usual.

Glazing Tip: Use a thin, even coat of zinc-free glaze. Thick glaze may cause the

design to blur.

For more info please visit elantransfers.com