Expert: Sam Kelly - 3/20/2010

Question
Hi Sam,  
Thank you for your time.  I have 8" glazed porcelain plate blanks that I have recently purchased from Maryland China.  They have a platinum band around the edge.  I want to put a design on them from a painting of my daughter's.  I have been looking at various techniques,  but am not sure they would be food safe.  What would you recommend?  Here are the options I have identified:
1. ceramic decal - bake in the oven at 350 for 30 min. (preferable because it would be an exact copy and each plate would be the same.)
2. latex enamel paint - air dry or harden in oven
3. pebeo ceramic paint - bake in oven at 325
4. some sort of glaze that can be used like paint over the existing glaze and can be fired again.  I have access to a kiln.

The last three would require my individually painting each plate - which is okay, the design is simple enough.

My primary concern is food safety.  Next, durability.
Would the platinum be affected by another firing?
Would you be able to recommend types of glazes if that is the best way.

Thank you again very much,  Nancy

Answer
Hi Nancy,

1. ceramic decal will work, but if you are going to eat off the plates damage will occur to the decal over time(knife and fork). If you are not going to eat off them every day this may be the best option. If you are selective on what is served on them then there may be no damage over time(softer foods). Not Toxic

2. latex enamel paint - No

3. pebeo ceramic paint. I do not know this product.

4. some sort of glaze - The plate glaze and fired temperature is unknown, therefor compatability of the ONglaze is unknown without doing a series of tests. If you go this path use lead free material.

I think I would go for the decal.

Sam