How To Transfer Custom Images to Ceramic Plates

Adding a graphic element to is a good way to customize a party and make it your own. For Maxwell and Lulu’s Halloween party, we created these easy cupcake plates using ceramics from the thrift store and some clip art.

• Inkjet Lazertran Image Transfer Paper
• Blank Ceramic Plate
• Clear Acrylic Spray
• Chosen Image
• Alcohol (optional)

• Bowl of Warm Water
• Paper Towel

I love this method because it can be temporary if you want to reclaim your plate after the party. There are other ways to make the image be more permanent if that’s what you prefer. In that case, check out the Artful Crafter’s notes on home curing your ceramics.

1. Wash your plates thoroughly and wipe down with alcohol to remove any remaining dirt or oils.

2. Print your chosen image, as and cut out it out, as close to the image as possible.

3. Spray a series of light coats of the clear acrylic spray over the cut outs, until the image is completely covered. Let them dry completely after each coat.

4. One at a time, drop the images in the bowl of warm water, and wait a few minutes, or until the decal can slide smoothly off the backing paper. The hotter the water, the less time this takes.

5. Slide the decal onto the plate and smooth out all the wrinkles. This stuff is pretty durable so you can be firm in your efforts. You’ll have to do this several times in the time it takes the decal to dry.

Another note: This is not meant to be food safe. After using this method, don’t put edibles directly onto the plate. It does, however, work well for serving trays or platters where actual food doesn’t come in contact with the image.