How to Print on Ceramic

Printing on ceramic is a creative process that allows you to transfer designs, images, or patterns onto ceramic surfaces such as mugs, plates, and tiles. Whether for personal projects or commercial applications, this technique combines artistry with functionality. By using specialized tools and methods, you can achieve vibrant, long-lasting results that are both decorative and durable. This guide will walk you through the basic steps of how to print on ceramic.

Can You Print on Ceramic at Home? 

Yes, you can print on ceramic at home with the right tools and materials. While professional-grade equipment may offer more advanced capabilities, many home-based methods can achieve impressive results. Techniques like using waterslide decal paper, sublimation printing, or ceramic paint allow you to create customized designs with ease.

Each method requires specific supplies, such as a printer, transfer paper, and heat sources, but they are generally accessible to hobbyists or DIY enthusiasts. With practice and attention to detail, printing on ceramic at home can be a fun and rewarding process to personalize items or craft unique gifts. 

Tools and Supplies Needed

To begin printing on ceramic at home, you will need a few essential tools and supplies depending on the method you choose. Here’s a basic list to get you started:

• Printer: An inkjet or sublimation printer is commonly used, depending on the technique. Ensure the printer is compatible with the required transfer paper.
• Transfer Paper: Specialized papers, such as waterslide decal paper or sublimation transfer paper, are essential for transferring designs onto ceramic surfaces.
• Ceramic Items: Plates, mugs, tiles, or any other ceramic object that you wish to customize.
• Heat Source: A heat press machine or oven is often required to fix the design onto the ceramic item permanently.
• Ceramic Paint or Markers (optional): For hand-drawn or painted designs, high-quality ceramic paints or markers are ideal.
• Sealer or Glaze (if applicable): A clear protective coating can help to seal the design and increase its durability.
• Scissors and Tweezers (optional): To cut transfer paper to size and help with precise placement of decals.

Having these tools and supplies on hand will ensure a smoother process and better results when printing on ceramic at home.

10 Methods How to Print on Ceramic

1. Use Waterslide Decal Paper for Inkjet or Laser Printing

One of the most accessible and popular methods to print images onto ceramic surfaces is by using waterslide decal paper. This special paper allows you to print designs using a standard inkjet or laser printer and then transfer them onto ceramics with water. After printing your image in mirror format, you let the ink dry, seal it with a clear acrylic spray (especially for inkjet prints), and then soak the paper in water.

The design slides off the backing and can be applied to a mug, plate, or tile. Once positioned, it’s crucial to press out any air bubbles and let it dry completely before sealing or baking to improve adhesion. Though not dishwasher-safe without a top coat or firing, this method is great for decorative pieces or personalized gifts.

2. Sublimation Printing with Heat Press

Sublimation printing is a professional method used for vibrant and permanent prints, particularly for mugs and plates. It requires sublimation ink, special sublimation paper, and ceramic items coated with a polymer receptive to sublimation dye. After printing your mirrored image, you wrap the sublimation paper around the ceramic item and secure it with heat-resistant tape.

Then, using a mug press or convection oven, heat is applied (usually around 400°F for 5–8 minutes), turning the ink into gas and embedding it into the coating. This method results in dishwasher-safe, long-lasting images, perfect for high-quality product creation or business purposes.

3. Apply Iron-On Transfer Paper for Ceramics

Although typically used on fabric, iron-on transfer paper can be adapted for ceramics using heat and pressure. Start by printing your desired image onto transfer paper using an inkjet printer. Place the transfer face-down on your ceramic piece and apply a hot iron evenly over the surface. The heat causes the ink to transfer from the paper onto the ceramic. While this method is less durable than sublimation or firing techniques, it works well for non-washable decorative items like ceramic plaques or wall art. To preserve the print, a clear acrylic sealer or resin coating is recommended.

4. Use Screen Printing for Bold Designs

Screen printing offers a traditional, hands-on way to print on ceramics, ideal for larger batches or bold, graphic designs. The process involves creating a stencil (screen) for each color in your design, then pushing ceramic ink through the mesh screen onto the item. Once printed, the piece must be dried and fired in a kiln to set the ink permanently.

This method is widely used in commercial ceramic production because it provides sharp, vibrant results. While it requires more setup than decals or transfers, screen printing delivers a professional finish and long-term durability for ceramic tiles, dishes, or artware.

5. Create Hand-Drawn Prints with Ceramic Markers

For a personal touch, ceramic markers are a simple and creative tool. These specially formulated pens allow you to draw or write directly onto glazed ceramic surfaces. Once your design is complete, you let it dry and then bake the item in an oven (typically around 300–350°F) to set the ink. This method is great for one-of-a-kind pieces like personalized mugs, kids’ artwork on plates, or decorative jars. Although hand-drawing limits precision compared to printing, the expressive quality and ease of use make it an excellent option for DIY projects and gifts.

6. Use Lazertran Waterslide Transfer Paper

Lazertran is a premium type of waterslide decal paper designed for laser printers, often used by ceramic artists. What sets Lazertran apart is its ability to fuse into ceramic surfaces when baked at high temperatures (above 400°F), allowing for a semi-permanent bond.

After printing your design, you soak and slide the decal onto the ceramic, adjust its position, and allow it to dry. Firing the ceramic in an oven or kiln helps the transfer bond more permanently. This method is perfect for high-resolution images and complex artwork and offers better durability than standard waterslide papers.

7. Try Overglaze Decal Printing and Firing

Overglaze decals are ceramic transfers that are printed with ceramic pigments and then fired onto pre-glazed and fired ceramic items. These decals are either purchased commercially or printed using ceramic toners in a laser printer capable of high heat. Once applied, the piece is fired in a kiln at a lower temperature (around 750–850°C), which melts the decal slightly into the glaze without compromising it.

This method is widely used in commercial pottery and by fine artists and yields food-safe, dishwasher-proof results. It requires access to a kiln but delivers an unmatched level of detail and permanence.

8. Use Digital Ceramic Printing with Ceramic Toner

Digital ceramic printing is a high-end technique that uses specialized printers with ceramic toner instead of standard ink. After printing, the ceramic decal is applied to the item and then fired in a kiln, where the toner bonds with the glaze. This allows full-color, high-resolution printing on tiles, plates, or porcelain.

Used in architectural and commercial applications, this method combines precision and durability. While not feasible for most hobbyists due to equipment cost, it’s an important technique for professional ceramic studios or businesses producing customized products in volume.

9. Apply Pottery Stamps and Transfers on Greenware or Bisqueware

For those working with unfired clay or bisque-fired pottery, printing can be done using pottery stamps, rollers, or silkscreen transfers. Designs can be impressed into wet clay (greenware) using carved stamps or pressed-on silkscreen prints using underglazes. Alternatively, iron-oxide decals or transfer sheets can be applied to bisqueware and then covered with a transparent glaze before the final firing.

These traditional methods blend printing with the ceramic forming process and offer permanent, kiln-fired results that work especially well in artistic or rustic ceramic designs.

10. Experiment with Photo Emulsion Screen Printing

Photo emulsion screen printing is a more advanced technique that allows for very detailed and photographic-quality images to be transferred to ceramics. You begin by coating a silk screen with light-sensitive emulsion, then expose it to UV light with a transparency of your design on top. After washing out the unexposed emulsion, the screen is ready to print. Using ceramic ink, you press the design onto your ceramic item, which is later fired in a kiln. This method is ideal for ceramic artists and professionals seeking intricate prints and can be used on tiles, plates, or art pieces.

Conclusion

Screen printing on ceramics is a versatile technique that bridges craftsmanship and creativity, enabling artists to produce intricate and high-quality designs on various ceramic surfaces. By mastering this method, one can achieve professional results that elevate both functional and decorative ceramic works. Whether for personal projects or commercial purposes, screen printing continues to be a valuable tool in the world of ceramic art. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to print on ceramic! We hope you found it helpful and informative.