Everything You Need to Know
Quick answers about ordering, file prep, firing, shipping, and everything in between. Can't find your answer? Get in touch.
About the Decals
What exactly is a digital ceramic decal? +
A digital ceramic decal is a full-color image printed onto water-soluble backing paper using mineral-based CMYK toners, then sealed with an inorganic covercoat and flux. When soaked in water, the image slides off the paper and can be positioned on a glazed ceramic surface. After kiln firing at 1555°F (846°C), the mineral pigments permanently fuse into the glaze — creating a durable, food-safe, permanent decoration.
Unlike silkscreen decals, which use one screen per color, digital printing reproduces over 16 million colors in a single pass — making it ideal for photographs, gradients, watercolor textures, and complex illustrations.
Are digital ceramic decals food safe? +
Yes. Our digital ceramic decals use lead-free mineral toners. Non-metallic colors are food safe when properly fired. However, as with any overglaze decoration, we recommend hand-washing to preserve the finish over time. The decal sits on top of the glaze rather than embedded within it, making it slightly more susceptible to abrasion than inglaze methods.
Can I use decal-decorated pieces in a microwave or dishwasher? +
Digital decals (non-metallic) are generally microwave safe and top-rack dishwasher resistant. For longest-lasting results, hand-washing is recommended. Repeated high-heat dishwasher cycles can eventually cause surface wear on overglaze decorations — the same is true of any overglaze application, not just decals.
What if my design has white areas? Will white print? +
White is not a printable color in CMYK digital ceramic printing — there is no white toner. Areas of your design that are white or transparent in your file will simply not have any toner, allowing the glaze beneath to show through. If you need white to appear as white, you need a white glaze beneath those areas. This is one of the key reasons digital decals work best on light-colored or white glazes.
Ordering & Files
What file formats do you accept? +
We accept PDF, AI, PSD, TIFF, PNG, and JPG files. For best results, use PDF, AI, or TIFF at 300 DPI minimum. PNG is preferred over JPG for raster files because it uses lossless compression — no JPEG artifacts that become visible at print scale.
If your file is a vector format (AI, PDF with vector elements), resolution isn't a concern — vectors scale perfectly to any size.
What resolution should my file be? +
300 DPI at final print size (Letter = 215.9 × 279.4 mm) is the minimum for sharp results. Higher is fine — we'll print at native resolution. Lower resolution files will print, but may appear soft or pixelated. If you're unsure, send us what you have and we'll let you know if it needs adjusting.
Do I have to upload my file at checkout? +
No — uploading at checkout is preferred but not required. You can complete your order and email your file to us within 48 hours. Just reference your order number in the subject line. This is useful if your file isn't ready yet or if you're ordering on behalf of someone else.
How many designs can I fit on one Letter sheet? +
As many as you can fit on the Letter canvas (215.9 × 279.4 mm / 8.5 × 11 in). Small repeat designs can be tiled dozens of times on a single sheet. Multiple different designs can be placed on the same sheet and cut apart after printing. We print exactly what you upload — the layout is entirely your choice.
Tip: Include both a test strip and your full design on the same sheet — it's a savvy way to test on your glaze before committing the whole decal.
Firing & Application
What temperature do I fire at? +
Fire to 1555°F (846°C). This is a low-temperature overglaze firing — your third firing after bisque and glaze. Ramp at 200°F/hr (95°C/hr) to 788°F with no hold, then 285°F/hr (140°C/hr) to peak and hold 15 minutes before cooling naturally.
For the full step-by-step firing schedule, see our complete firing instructions.
Do I need a special kiln for decals? +
No — any kiln that can reach 1555°F (846°C) is suitable. Electric kilns are ideal because they allow precise temperature control and a clean, oxidation atmosphere. Gas kilns can be used but require careful atmosphere management. The most important factors are accurate temperature measurement and a slow initial ramp rate.
Can I apply a decal to unglazed bisqueware? +
We don't recommend it. Ceramic decals are designed to fuse with a glaze surface — the mineral pigments bond with the glassy glaze during firing. On bare bisque, there's no glass layer for the pigments to fuse into, and the result will be dull, rough, and prone to wear. If you want to decorate unglazed areas, apply a clear or white glaze first, fire it, then apply the decal as a third firing.
Need the Full Firing Guide?
Our complete firing instructions page covers the 8-step application process, recommended kiln schedules, troubleshooting, glaze selection tips, and how to handle curved surfaces.
Read the Full Firing Guide →Shipping & Returns
How long does shipping take? +
Decals ship within 5–7 business days after file approval. We ship via USPS Priority Mail from our studio and provide tracking by email. Decal orders ship within the United States only. International shipping applies to book orders only.
How should I store unused decals? +
Store decals flat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep them in the original packaging or between sheets of clean paper. Properly stored, digital ceramic decals have a shelf life of 2–3 years. Avoid humidity — moisture can cause the backing paper to buckle and the covercoat to crack.
What's your return policy? +
Because each decal is custom-printed to your design, we cannot accept returns on printed decals. If your decal arrives damaged or there's a printing error on our end, we'll reprint and reship at no charge. Please photograph any issues and contact us within 7 days of delivery.
If you haven't sent your design file yet and wish to cancel, contact us for a full refund before production begins.
Still Have Questions?
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Ready to Order Your Custom Decal?
Upload your image, choose your quantity, and we'll print and ship your Letter-size digital ceramic decal — no minimums, no screen fees, no design restrictions.
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