i hope to mount or 'decoupage' digitally printed (inkjet or laser) photos on to slate and stone tiles. any ide

Question

I know of waterslide decal paper but wish to avoid the hassle -and the likelihood of dirt and dust marring the surface - when I varnish over the decal to protect it. I have read about kiln-firing special ceramic decals onto pottery, and am wondering if a similar technique could be used on slate. The slate rectangles I am using will, however, be up to 24" x 18". Can the recommended temperature of 1450 F be achieved in a conventional domestic oven?

Answer 1

You are right - decoupage would become filthy and impossible to clean. You are wrong - domestic ovens don't exceed about 500 degrees F.

I think you would have to go over the images with a glaze - a transparent coating usually used to put pictures on things like coffee cups.

I am not sure that slate would work in a kiln because I know that pottery people are very cautious about not having air bubbles in things they heat in a kiln (air in bubble expands and blows up the pottery). You might want to use a ceramic tile instead of slate.

I think you might be able to pay a pottery maker or an arts/crafts store to fire those tiles for you.

I think the basic idea is good but the details need work.

Answer 2

I don't know but that sounds really awesome!