BACKGROUNDHistorically, decorations on ceramic and glass ware have often contained lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals. Health and environmental safety regulations limit the use of these metals in many items, especially pieces used for food and disposable packaging. In response to growing concerns and increasingly strict regulations, colors without lead and cadmium were developed.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS Heavy metal-free decals are more difficult to fire than traditional, leaded decals. A slow, gentle ramp in the firing curve is required to allow the organic materials to burn away evenly.

Unleaded decals do not flow like their leaded counterparts during the firing process. Care must be taken to allow them to dry thoroughly and fire hotter than a lead-containing decal.

TECHNOLOGY Heinrich is an established leader in the printing of quality, heavy metal-free decals. We have developed custom ink palettes and can build the best possible decal for you. Heinrich released the first completely lead and cadmium-free line of stock decals, available at www.CeramicTransfer.com

REGULATORY INFORMATION Regulations vary by product and state. Heinrich maintains a web site, www.UnleadedDecal.com, with more detailed information about specific regulations and concerns regarding the use of heavy metal-containing decoration. Click here to visit http://www.unleadeddecal.com.