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How to Obtain the Best Results from Waterslide Transfer Paper
Store unopened packets in ambient conditions. If they have been exposed to very high or very low temperatures, introduce transfer paper to the print room several days before printing is due to begin, to acclimatise the paper to the print room conditions.
Do not open the packets until printing is about to commence. For best results, reseal any part used packets before storage to prevent wavy edges.
If a large batch of paper has been supplied, packets are best used in sequence, according to the batch number on the outside of the packet, starting with the lowest digit first, to minimalise variability.
Tullis Russell Brittains waterslide papers typically have an intersheet humidity of 55-60% RH and if the print room conditions are similar, there should be no contraction or expansion of the sheets.
Should print room conditions be outside this specification, the paper can still be printed acceptably, but if extremely precise registration is required, the paper can be preconditioned by passing it through the wicket driers or inserting singly in the drying racks for 1-2 hours.
It is recommended that ambient conditions are used to dry the paper. Any form of forced drying without adding moisture will lead to a drop in humidity and a moisture loss from the paper with a corresponding contraction of the sheets.
Making Ceramic Waterslide Transfers
These are manufactured using a waterslide transfer paper.
Decal production by screen printing
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Ceramic colour is mixed with a medium made up of resin, plasticiser and solvent, and printed by screen onto the paper.
A lacquer covercoat, also of resin, plasticiser and solvent, is applied, covering the whole printed decoration. This allows the whole decal to be removed from the transfer paper when soaked in water.
Tullis Russell Brittains papers are also ideal for printing by off-set litho.
Decals are best released in clean, warm water.
Sheets should be soaked individually so that water can fully penetrate the paper. The sheets can then be piled on top of each other to await application.
It is not recommended that sheets are left so long in the water that the decals float off as this renders them difficult to apply.
Once the decal is released, any traces of air or water between the decal and ware must be removed. This is best performed with a rubber squeegee.
Ware must be allowed to dry before firing.
On firing, the organic ink medium and covercoat will burn away, leaving the inorganic colours, which are fused to the ware by the intense firing heat.
  
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