What equipment do I need to do this?
Any model/age monochrome (black-only) Canon or HP laser printer or copier, a graphics program if you want to manipulate images and access to a kiln.
Why HP or Canon?
All Canon and HP black-only laser printers have at least 30% iron oxide in their onboard toner cartridges. Iron oxide is what makes the image work and is why the images always fire to a lovely sepia or reddish-brown.
I have a color HP or Canon Laser printer, will the process work if I set it for black-only?
NO, it won’t. Cartridges used in most desktop color machines do not contain the necessary iron oxide.
Canon MDSS site here
HP MDSS site here
Can I use a MICR toner?
Your best bet is to use the regular branded toners that come with all HP and Canon Black-Only Laser machines but If you already have another brand of laser printer and there is a compatible MICR toner available , then you are all set. MICR toners contain iron oxide but they cost about as much as a whole new Canon or HP printer so if you are starting from scratch, you might want to buy an inexpensive used or new Canon or HP monochrome laser printer. *Some Micr Toners contain too much iron oxide and may not sink into the surface completely.
Here’s a site with info on MICR toners. https://www.sundatasupply.com/categories.php?catid=&brandid=22&filter=MICR
If images all fire to sepia color how can you get colored images?
Color can be added with traditional glazing/ painting techniques either before image fire or in additional firings. The instructions sheets tell you how.
Can I scan or copy photographs directly to a printer without a graphics program?
Yes. You can copy an image directly to Fired-On Images transfer paper. Multi-function machines work as copy machines with-or-without a computer hook-up.
Can I get my completed image printed elsewhere?
You can bring your image to a copy shop if they have a monochrome HP laser printer or Canon monochrome printer or digital copier.
Can I put my ceramic or glass pieces with images fired on in the oven or dishwasher?
Yes. That’s the beauty of Fired-On Images! Once fired, your images will never ever wear off… so if your clay, glaze, or glass can handle the oven or dishwasher your finished image certainly will.
What does it mean to be “tested food safe” and why does that matter?
Fired-On Images transfer papers are the only pre-coated decal papers that have been specially developed for firing in a kiln have been laboratory tested for food safety and are food safe when fired onto a food safe glaze. Nice to know it’s safe to use functional works like coffee cups, plates, heirloom serving platters, etc. without worry.
What temperature do I use to fire images?
Transfer & Decal firing temp is dependent on the type of clay glaze or glass used. The chart in the instructions that come with Fired-on Images Transfer paper lists the specific firing temperatures.
Why would an image disappear completely after firing?
Wrong printer or cartridge did not contain iron oxide. See Compatible Printer List in instructions or web site.
How do I get support if I’m having problems?
Call the Distributor you got your transfer paper from and ask for customer support. All Certified Distributors have been trained on the process and to help their customers identify and quickly resolve any issues.