MKL SB Series Luster Pastes for Decal Printing for On-Glaze Porcelain and Ceramics

MKL SB Series Luster Pastes for Decal Printing for On-Glaze Porcelain and Ceramics

Melis Kimya is the market leading manufacturer of lusters for glass in the world and Teka Color is the parent company of Melis Kimya.

These products are highly viscous pastes that are specifically designed for screen printing. Both direct screen printing and decal screen printing methods could be used when applying this range of lusters.

 

Application

Diluting this range of lusters are not recommended however if the paste starts to dry, T 62 diluent can be added up to 5% to compensate the evaporated solvents.

These products can be applied by polyester screen at a range of thicknesses, although trials should be carried out to establish the weight range, mesh size of 90 is recommended.

Reasonable precautions should be taken to keep both wares to be decorated and the liquid precious metal as free from dust as possible. Once applied, the product can be left to dry naturally or force dried. Dust settling on the wet film can give rise to pinholes and blemishes; therefore, the freshly decorated pieces or printed paper should be protected until dry.

 

Firing

Opalware 580 to 620°C

Earthenware 720 to 780°C

Bone China 780 to 820°C

Porcelain 780 to 850°C

Firing conditions are as important as good application. Good results can be obtained with most types of kilns using either gas or electricity. The kiln should be well ventilated to ensure the maintenance of an oxidizing atmosphere, particularly during the early stages of firing 250-400°C (482-752 F). Sudden changes in temperature should be avoided. The temperature should be raised steadily to the maximum required and held at peak for at least 10 minutes.

Peak temperatures of 780-850°C (1382-1562 F) can be used depending on the type of kiln, the quantity, size and shape of the ware, the softening point of the glaze and the duration of the firing cycle (typically 5 hours cold to cold). The higher the peak temperature can be set the better the durability of the decoration of the glass. Increasing the soak time (typically 15 minutes) also leads to better durability. This effect is strongest at low firing temperatures.