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 most HP and all 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.
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. To *Check HP's MSDS site to be sure cartridge contains Iron Oxide or Ferrite CLICK HERE
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.
If your glaze bubbles up during the decal firing then that glaze is not suitable for a re-fire. Use non-moving glazes for best results.
Why would an image disappear completely after firing?
Wrong printer or cartridge did not contain iron oxide. Must use a Canon or an HP Black-Only (mono) laser printer that has no capability of printing in color. No other brands of printers will work.
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. If you need further help email us at info@fired-on.com
What do I do if the image smudges when goes through the printer?
If you see smudges or streaks on the decal paper after it goes through the printer be sure you are using an authentic branded cartridge. If that doesn't help then change your printer "Paper Type" preference to "HEAVY PAPER"
How do I know if the Toner has Iron Oxide or Ferrite?
Check the cartridge number and or printer model in the links below. It should say it includes either iron oxide or Ferrite. Some newer HP cartridges do not contain Iron Oxide or Ferrite.. be sure to check the MSDS site to be sure.
HP MDSS site here
Canon MDSS site here
What Printers can I use for this process?
All Canon Black-Only Laser Printers work for this process!
Most HP black-only Laser Printers work for this process EXCEPT:
Attention: If you are in the market for a new printer be aware that as of 2019, HP has changed the ingredients in some of their black-only laser machines. All Black-Only HP laser machines made before 2019 still work and all Canon Black-Only Laser machines work well.
as of Dec 2020 here are the HP model numbers to avoid:
HP LaserJet 103, 107, 108, 408
HP LaserJet MFP 131, 133, 135, 136, 137, 138
HP LaserJet MFP M440, MFP432, M437 M438, M439 M442, M443
HP LaserJet MFP M42523, MFP M42525, M42623
Avoid All HP machines that say they are “NEVER STOP” Technology , "Managed" or "LaserJet Flow"
If in doubt check the HP MSDS for your model number Click Here
What equipment do I need to do this?
Fired-On Images Laser Decal Paper , A monochrome (black-only) Canon or *HP laser printer or copier, a graphics program if you want to manipulate images and access to a kiln.
As of 2019 some HP new printers do not contain Iron oxide or Ferrite. Check the MSDS site to check the ingredients of the toner. Click Here to check!
Why HP or Canon?
All Canon and MOST *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. *As of 2019 some HP Black-Only laser printers do not contain the necessary iron oxide or ferrite. Check HP's MSDS site to check ingredients of your toner by clicking here.