Print Transfer Wizardry: Photo Lithography on Clay

(There's a video linked at the bottom.)

Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of photo lithography on clay (or how to get your printouts onto clay). Get ready to unleash your inner print transfer wizard as we guide you through the mesmerizing process of magically transferring printed images onto clay using a special ink. So buckle up, clay enthusiasts, because it's time to add a powerful new tool to your bag of creative tricks! Materials: Linseed oil, mason stain, gum arabic, 2 containers of water, a piece of glass (I used a small glass shelf), a sponge, gloves and some leather hard pottery.

Gathering Materials and Embracing Gloved Adventures:

Let the enchantment begin! Grab your trusty laser printer or Xerox copy machine (or head on over to Kinkos or the library if you need to borrow some magic) and print out your desired images in reverse. Remember, toner-based ink is the key to this spell—sorry, inkjet prints won't do the trick. Now, assemble your materials and fill those buckets with water, ensuring you're sporting those fetching gloves for this inky adventure!

Mixing Ink and Channeling the Alchemist Within:

Prepare to unleash your inner alchemist! Combine two parts Mason Stain with three parts Linseed Oil, creating a magical concoction of ink. If the mixture seems a tad thick, add more Linseed Oil and stir until it reaches the perfect consistency. Now, let the mixture rest for four days—yes, you read that right—four days of anticipation for this alchemical brew.

Gum Arabic and Glass—A Sticky Affair:

Get ready for a sticky affair! Place a dollop of Gum Arabic on your clean glass surface. Carefully lay down your image on top face-up, and with a flair of artistry, apply another coat of Gum Arabic on the image itself. Spread it about and wipe away any excess with a sponge.

Inky Rollers and Water Drizzles: A Dance of Repellence:

Let the dance of repellence commence! Pour a dollop of ink onto your glass canvas, and with a gentle roll of the brayer, coat it in the captivating ink. Now, here comes the thrilling part—add a splash of gum arabic to one of the containers of water, dip your sponge into those watery depths, and let it drizzle over the image. Watch as the ink magically repels from the white parts, creating an illusion of wonder. Gently dab away any excess ink and water with your sponge, marveling at the transformation before you. If you want a more targeted cleanup, grab a spray bottle and spritz with artistic precision.

Building Layers of Ink and a Fragile Paper Dance:

Layer upon layer, the enchantment grows! Repeat the mesmerizing steps of rolling ink and drizzling water at least twice, watching as the ink builds up. But remember, handle the wet paper with the utmost care—it holds the essence of your magic, and any mishap could break the spell.

One Chance:

Now, prepare for the grand moment—the placement of your image onto the leather-hard clay surface. Choose your corner wisely, for you have only one shot at this magical feat. With a touch of finesse, gently lay the image face-down, taking care not to disrupt the delicate dance of ink. With a damp sponge as your trusty guide, pat down the image, expelling any pesky air bubbles that dare to intrude upon your masterpiece.

Burnishing and the Quest for Perfect Timing:

Ah, the quest for perfect timing—a delicate dance in itself. Allow your image to dry ever so slightly, reaching that sweet spot where the burnishing journey begins. With a gentle touch, explore the art of burnishing, finding the balance where magic and mastery intertwine. Ten minutes is a good starting point, but trust your instincts and let the art guide your hand. Burnishing too soon will smear your image. Too late and it will not transfer. Ain’t that some bullshit?

Unveiling the Transferred Image and the Promise of Fired Beauty:

The moment has arrived—the unveiling of your transferred image! Gently lift a corner, inspecting if any areas require additional burnishing. Once satisfied, peel away the remnants of paper, revealing the magic that lies beneath. Resist the temptation to touch the surface until after it's fired and fixed upon, for the ink holds its secrets until the kiln works its transformative magic. The ink can withstand the fiery embrace of Cone 10, but please note that it remains unstable even after bisque firing. To ensure the image's safety, apply a clear coat and glaze fire—think of it as a protection spell.

Now, dear artists, embrace the wonder of photo lithography on clay—a technique that weaves images into ceramics with the utmost charm. Let your creativity soar as you embark on this whimsical journey, infusing your clay creations with captivating prints and a touch of enchantment. Unleash your inner print transfer wizard, and may your clay masterpieces be forever imbued with the magic of this unique process.

For a visual demonstration of this spellbinding technique, be sure to check out our mesmerizing one-minute video (because, let's face it, attention spans can be equally challenging) on our social media realm: TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube……because sometimes watching is way easier.