How do you get a photo onto a fused glass platter or bowl? By turning it into a fusible decal and fusing it on. This is exactly what this video tutorial is all about.
This project is actually a very belated wedding gift for my grandson and his partner. It is very belated, as I waited for ages to get opaque white glass supplied and, of course, I was very slack. Sorry, Jacob and Mikayla.
The video tutorial includes the design, materials, and equipment information, as well as the cutting of glass, firing and slumping.
Project Information
In the YouTube video, you will find links to related videos, a chapter list with time stamps, and links to more resources.
Don’t forget, the glass I use is Bullseye 90 COE. I use Thinfire fiber paper on the shelf, but when fire polishing on my shelf, and slumping in moulds, I spray with boron nitride mould release.
I have published previous project tutorial videos about this type of decal paper. You may find them of interest.
Making a Fused Glass Tulip Platter with a Fusible Decal and Using a Fusible Decal to Make a Fused Glass Platter
We also have a page with details about the type of laser printer you will need.
But this video has a special place in my heart. The platter means a great deal and I hope it will to Mikayla and Jacob.
First, the glass is 3 mm opaque white on 3 mm clear. The decal will be fused on the 3 mm white but could be fused to the clear on white. This would give a shadowing effect to the image.
Because the decal is printed with a laser printer, the image on the decal is formed with the laser toner. For the decals, we need laser toner that contains iron, and not all toners do. This is why it’s important to use the correct printer and toner. Refer to the page mentioned above for more information on this.
When the platter is fused, the toner basically burns off and leaves only the iron behind. This then oxidises and fuses into the top surface of the glass, giving us that nice sepia or rust-like colour. Be careful to not overfire. Go as hot as necessary to get the desired result. The hotter it is fused, the more the image will fade.
When applying the decal do not rub the surface, or at least limit the amount of rubbing. Rubbing can remove or smudge the toner and ruin your decal. Not the end of the world as you can simply print another.
If you have any questions please ask in the comments section on YouTube.
Full Fuse Firing Schedule
- #1 – 222 C (432 F) up to 535 C (995 F), hold 60 minutes
- #2 – 333 C (631 F) up to 810 C (1490 F), hold 10 minutes
- #3 – Full down to 482 C (900 F), hold 60 minutes
- #4 – 65 C ( 149 F) down to 425 C (797 F), no hold
- #5 – 132 C ( 270 F) down to 371 C (700 F), no hold
Decal Firing Schedule
- #1 – 222 C (432 F) up to 535 C (995 F), hold 60 minutes (vent kiln up to this temp)
- #2 – 333 C (631 F) up to 670 C (1238 F), no hold
- #3 – Full up to 730 C (1346 F), hold 5 minutes
- #4 – Full down to 482 C (900 F), hold 60 minutes
- #5 – 65 C ( 149 F) down to 425 C (797 F), no hold
- #6 – 132 C ( 270 F) down to 371 C (700 F), no hold
Slump Firing Schedule
- #1 – 167 C (333 F) up to 620 C (1148 F), no hold
- #2 – Full down to 482 C (900 F), hold 60 minutes
- #3 – 65 C ( 149 F) down to 425 C (797 F), no hold
- #4 – 132 C ( 270 F) down to 371 C (700 F), no hold
Jeff, your site for printers will not come up. Can you send me a list of printers that hold the correct toner % of iron that I can print photos. HP is NOT user-friendly. I have been cut off, transferred, and on hold for hours
Thank you in advance.
Gerri
Hi Gerri
Because we are closing Rocket Rose Art down, we are no longer a distributor for Fired-On decal paper. If you go to Fired-on.com there is info in their FAQ pages.