Pad printing on to glass ........?
 

Hello all,

I am a glass engraver (sand carving) looking to print on glass to cover
longer, 'cheaper' runs of decorating.

I have seen pad printers which would appear to fit the bill i.e. can
accommodate small items, are reasonably cheap to buy, can print on curved
surfaces and are fairly quick.

I am concerned about the ink and its durability.

I imagine I will be printing mostly paperweights (not likely to go in the
dishwasher) and a range of tankards & tumblers (might go in the dishwasher).

I know there are specialised glass inks on the market and I have got
technical info on some of them. Hardeners seem to be essential and heat
curing required for a more permanent print.

Has anyone on r.c.g. experience of pad printing on to glass that they would
like to share? Pros / cons of pad printing? Ink durability? To cure or not
to cure? Is the time saved in quicker printing (as opposed to engraving)
lost in set up & clean up?

Any thoughts would be most welcome.

TIA

David
--

"David K" wrote in message
...

I am a glass engraver (sand carving) looking to print on glass to cover
longer, 'cheaper' runs of decorating.

I have seen pad printers which would appear to fit the bill i.e. can
accommodate small items, are reasonably cheap to buy, can print on curved
surfaces and are fairly quick.

I am concerned about the ink and its durability.

I imagine I will be printing mostly paperweights (not likely to go in the
dishwasher) and a range of tankards & tumblers (might go in the
dishwasher).

You might like to look at silk screening and transfer printing (that's decal
printing in American)..

Most decorated glass is fired to cure the paints and bond them to the glass.
--
Terry Harper
http://www.terry.harper.btinternet.co.uk/

Terry Harper wrote:
"David K" wrote in message
...

I am a glass engraver (sand carving) looking to print on glass to
cover longer, 'cheaper' runs of decorating.

I have seen pad printers which would appear to fit the bill i.e. can
accommodate small items, are reasonably cheap to buy, can print on
curved surfaces and are fairly quick.

I am concerned about the ink and its durability.

I imagine I will be printing mostly paperweights (not likely to go
in the dishwasher) and a range of tankards & tumblers (might go in
the dishwasher).

You might like to look at silk screening and transfer printing
(that's decal printing in American)..

Most decorated glass is fired to cure the paints and bond them to the
glass.

I really wanted to try and avoid the 'firing' end of things and all the
expense that is associated with it.

Silk screening is a possibility I know however the simplicity of pad
printing is what really appeals to me.

David
--