Decorating

Lithography

Invented / discovered by Aloys Senefielder in 1978, this is a chemical process based on the principle that grease and water do not mix.

Lithographing is one of the processes we use to decorate the ware at Royal Stafford. This process is carried out by applying prints to the ware, sometimes after glazing (Onglaze) which is less hardy than underglaze and more liable to be damaged by abrasion or chemical attack. The underglaze process is carried out on the ware at the "biscuit" stage before the glaze has been applied; this way the ware is slightly stronger in effect.

Lithographic processes

Onglaze

  1. The piece of ware is checked for any faults before decorating.
  2. The ware must be clean.
  3. The print is checked to make sure the pattern is correct and is not faulty.
  4. The print is cut to the correct size.
  5. The print is then applied to the ware using a wet sponge to help slide the print into position.
  6. Using a squeegee the excess water and creases are pressed out of the print.
  7. The ware is then dried off by dabbing it with a clean dry cloth.
  8. The finished piece is then placed onto a conveyor belt where it moves onto the next process.

Underglaze

  1. The prints are applied to the ware with a solution.
  2. The ware and print are checked for faults.
  3. The print is cut to the correct size then placed into a water trough for a few seconds.
  4. The solution is applied to the biscuit ware by rubbing it on with a sponge.
  5. The print is then applied to the ware using a clean sponge.
  6. A squeegee is used to take away the excess water and creases.
  7. The ware is dried off by dabbing with a clean dry cloth.
  8. The finished piece is then placed onto the conveyer belt to go onto the next process.

Printing

The vast majority of our flat type items are decorated by machine using the underglaze printing process. This process consists of a silica bomb, a steel engraving and thermoplastic colours.

Printing process

  1. Colour is spread onto the engraving.
  2. The silica bomb takes an imprint of the pattern and transfers it to the plate.
  3. Due to advances in technology, we are now capable of printing four different colours at the same time, on the same machine, with a high degree of definition and to an exceptionally high standard of quality.

| Main | Clay & Slip | Moulds | Casting | Production | Firing | Glaze and Spraying |
| Decorating | Glost Kiln Firing | Packing & Despatch |