Short answer: low-fire decals are fired at around 820 °C and sit on top of the glaze. They offer the widest colour range, including gold and metallics, and work on porcelain, stoneware, earthenware and terracotta. High-fire decals are fired at up to 1200 °C and sink into the glaze. They are the choice for heavy-use pieces, such as hotel tableware that goes through the dishwasher every day. Not sure? Tell us the piece and how it will be used, and we will recommend the right option.
Low-fire decals (around 820 °C)
- The decal sits on top of the fired glaze (overglaze).
- Widest colour range: solid Pantone colours, four-colour process, gold and metallics.
- For decorative pieces, gifts, home tableware and limited editions.
High-fire decals (up to 1200 °C)
- During firing, the decal sinks into the glaze and is protected by it.
- Better resistance to wear, cutlery and the dishwasher.
- A more limited colour range, as some pigments cannot withstand this temperature.
- For hotels, restaurants and heavy daily use.
Quick comparison
| Low fire | High fire | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | around 820 °C | up to 1200 °C |
| Position | on top of the glaze | inside the glaze |
| Colours | full range, including gold and metallics | more limited range |
| Durability | good | very high, dishwasher resistant |
| Typical use | decoration, gifts, home tableware | hospitality, heavy use |
What about glass?
Glass uses its own decals, fired at 520 °C, for drinking glasses, bottles, jars and windows. See Glass decals. For porcelain, stoneware and earthenware, see Ceramic decals.
Hotel tableware and food contact
For food-use tableware, it is the finished piece that is certified: decal, glaze and firing together. EU law (Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and Directive 84/500/EEC) sets migration limits for lead and cadmium, verified by an accredited laboratory. Whoever places the tableware on the market issues a Declaration of Compliance backed by those tests.
- We hold laboratory migration tests and our colour suppliers’ technical data sheets.
- A lead-free colour range is available for the inside of pieces and for rims.
- Tell us which country the tableware is going to: in the Benelux, limits have been stricter since May 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. It is the most common use, and it gives you the full colour range.
Yes. They sit inside the glaze and are the most durable option for heavy daily use.
High fire, as it withstands washing and wear better.
Yes. Low fire allows gold and metallic colours.
Yes, when the finished piece meets the EU lead and cadmium migration limits. We hold laboratory migration tests, our colour suppliers’ data sheets and a lead-free range for contact areas. Whoever places the tableware on the market issues the Declaration of Compliance, and we send you the documentation you need.
Not sure which to choose? Send us the piece and how it will be used.