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APPLYING  CRYSTAL

MURALS  TO

CERAMIC  TILES

Decorating with decals has changed. A new line of dimensional decals with raised crystal surfaces is now available to the hobby ceramists. The decals are durable enough for your bathroom shower or kitchen back-splash. The application is as interesting as the pieces.

Larger decals, designed to be used as murals, require special attention when being applied to multiple pieces such as ceramic tiles. Crystal murals actually involve two decals, one applied directly over the other. (Photo #1.)

TILE AND DECAL PREPARATION

On a smooth surface, lay out enough glazed tiles to fit the chosen decal. Form a template to keep the tiles in place by using heavy boxes or create a wooden form to surround the tiles. (Photo #2.)

Fill a container that is large enough to accommodate the mural with tepid water. For the mural shown, I have used a container intended for use with pre-pasted wallpaper. Separate the two decal sheets and set the crystal portion aside for now. Slowly immerse one edge of the decal into the water. (Photo #3.) As the decal becomes wet, it will curl up, allowing you to lower it entirely into the water.

Keep the decal immersed just long enough for it to release from its backing. When this happens, the decal will start to open up again. (Photo #4.)

DECAL APPLICATION

While you are waiting for the decal to release, wet down the tiles. This will allow you to slide the mural around easier. Carefully place the mural on the tiles and slide it off its backing onto the tiles. Work slowly so you don’t rip the mural. (Photo #5.)

When satisfied with the position of the mural, gently work the water out from underneath. First use a damp sponge (Photo #6), then use a decal squeegee (Photo #7). Work from the center out toward the edges, making sure you get rid of all air bubbles and water.

TILE SEPARATION

Keeping the tiles tight within the template and using a very sharp knife, cut down through the tiles in both directions. The knife will slide between the tiles, allowing you to cut a straight line. (Photo #8.)

When finished, remove the template. Carefully pick up one tile at a time, and using your thumb, make sure all edges of the decal have adhered to the tiles. (Photo #9.) Allow the tiles to dry, separated, overnight.

CRYSTAL DECAL PREPARATION

Again, place your tiles back together and set up the template for support. Fill the water container with tepid water and immerse the "crystal" portion in the same manner as the first decal. It will curl and release just as the first decal did.

Gently slide the crystal portion onto your tiles; the crystal sheet is marked for exact positioning.

Do not attempt to work the water out from underneath the crystal.

(Photo #11.)

SECOND TILE SEPARATION

After the crystal decal has set for about ten minutes, again cut down through the tiles with your knife. Cut slowly as the crystals are a little harder to cut through than the decal was. Be sure not to allow the crystals to dry before you cut them or you will need a jack hammer! (Photo #12.) It is not necessary to work the edges down as you did with the first decal.

Separate the tiles and allow them to dry at least overnight. I prefer to let them set for a couple of days before firing.

FIRING DIRECTIONS

Lay the tiles directly on kiln shelves that have been covered with kiln wash. Fire to an overglaze setting of witness cone 013 (1566 F – 852 C).

Written by Bonnie Boven
Courtesy of Scott Publications. Reprinted from Ceramics, February 1996

Photo 2