Although AMACO Ceramic Printing Inks are easy and convenient to use, knowing a few tips from hands-on experience will help your work turn out perfect, reduce waste, and achieve the most vivid colors.
Today, Pottery Clay has compiled 4 tips for flawless ceramic printing, along with a checklist of must-have tools for you.
- Apply a base glaze when printing on bisque-fired pieces Apply a thin base layer of glaze before printing—such as AMACO HF-11 White, SM-24 Seafoam, or C-40 Aqua —to help the ink adhere better and make the colors pop.
- Focus on thin layers Applying ceramic ink too thickly can cause it to flake off or create air bubbles during firing. Printing in thin layers ensures a smooth, sharp, and well-matured result after firing.
- Protect your design with plastic wrap Once you have printed the design onto greenware, if you need to shape the clay or place it into a mold, we recommend covering the printed surface with plastic wrap before pressing to prevent your hands or tools from smudging the design.
- DIY your own screen print blocks Create simple, custom DIY screen print blocks using iron-on vinyl, painter's masking tape, and organza fabric to craft your own unique patterns.
To ensure your ceramic printing goes smoothly, here is a list of essential tools you should have ready:
- Ceramic ink in your favorite colors
- Rubber brayer and ink tray for smooth application
- Sponge (for stencil techniques)
- Plastic scraper for spreading ink
- Palette knife or wooden stick for scooping ink
- Newspaper for transfer techniques
Whether you are a beginner looking to try ceramic printing or a professional ceramic studio, Pottery Clay has all the supplies, clay, glazes, and AMACO Ceramic Printing Inks ready to ship nationwide.