Expert: Leisha Hiester - 1/25/2009

Question
I am trying to make a wedding gift for a friend and would like to put a picture on the plate I am painting for her. The place I am painting at no longer offers this as their service because they were having problems. I was curious as to what you recommend for putting a picture on a ceramic plate. The plate is supposed to be decorative and not used, so I only need something that will look good and won't fade over time. What do you suggest?

Answer
Brooke,
If the end product is only for decorative use, I have successfully completed a photo transfer process taught to me by a photographer/artist friend. It is called a gel transfer.
The key is a product he uses from golden paints.
You paint the photo with several coats of this product. The photo becomes a transparent like skin.
Here's a good definiton from golden paints and a great 'how to.' It took me some practice, but it's worth it. :)

http://www.goldenpaints.com/artist/geltrans.php

http://www.calsk8.com/zeitgeist/stepbystep.htm