1. Understanding Ceramic Decal Technologies
Whether you are launching a flagship cafe chain, outfitting hotel suites, or assembling VIP corporate gift packages, custom brand identity on coffee mugs, cups, and dinnerware creates lasting brand impressions.
However, many businesses mistakenly accept low-cost 'sublimation' or 'on-glaze screen printing' (fired at merely 750°C). While cheap initially, these prints sit on top of the glaze. Within weeks of commercial detergent exposure, the print scratches off, fades, or peels, giving customers a subpar impression.
2. The In-Glaze Firing Process at 1150°C
In-glaze decoration (Inglaze decal application) is the gold standard for institutional hospitality. During in-glaze firing, the pre-glazed ware is adorned with specialized mineral-pigment ceramic transfers and brought up to 1150°C – 1200°C.
At this temperature, the transparent glaze layer softens, and the ceramic pigment sinks directly INTO the molten glaze. As the kiln cools, the glaze resolidifies over the pigment, sealing your artwork beneath an impenetrable diamond-hard layer of vitrified glass.
Because the pigment is locked beneath the protective glaze surface, in-glaze custom printing cannot be scratched by stainless steel spoons, faded by aggressive dishwasher chemicals, or abraded by repeated stacking.
3. Industrial Dishwasher Resistance Comparison
Commercial kitchens clean wares with caustic alkaline detergents at temperatures exceeding 80°C. Standard sublimation prints deteriorate after 20-50 cycles. On-glaze decals fade within 300 cycles. Prince Ceramics in-glaze fired ware retains 100% color fidelity and surface gloss after 3,000+ commercial cycles.
| Method | Firing Temp | Surface Feel | Dishwasher Durability | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sublimation Mug Printing | 180°C - 200°C | Smooth polymer film | Poor (peels quickly) | Short-term promotional single gifts |
| On-Glaze (Overglaze) | 750°C - 800°C | Raised edges detectable | Moderate (fades in ~1 yr) | Delicate ornamental decorative pieces |
| In-Glaze Vitrified (Prince) | 1150°C - 1200°C | Completely flush with glaze | Lifetime / 3000+ cycles | High-volume cafes, hotelware & corporate |
4. Artwork & Pantone Color Matching Guide
Ceramic mineral pigments behave differently from organic offset inks because they must withstand extreme kiln heat without oxidizing or vaporizing. We provide precision Pantone Solid Coated approximation using high-purity cobalt, iron, and chromium oxides.
We accept vector artwork in .AI, .EPS, or high-resolution .PDF formats. Our in-house screen printing masters prepare high-mesh screens to capture crisp text down to 6pt fonts and intricate emblem detailing.
5. How to Order Custom Branded Ware
Prince Ceramics supports custom-branded orders with flexible MOQs starting at just 100 units for cafe mugs, tea cups, and soup bowls. Production turnaround is typically 12–18 business days from sample swatch approval, with pan-India insured freight.
Published by Gaurav Saini
Founder & Head of Manufacturing • Prince Ceramics, Khurja
Over a decade of ceramic manufacturing expertise operating automated high-fire tunnel kilns in Khurja, UP. Specialized in vitrified hospitality formulations, chip-resistant rim geometry, and commercial in-glaze decal branding.