Choosing the Right Materials for Screen Printing on Glass & Ceramic

Screen printing on glass continues to play a significant role in the production of glass and ceramic products for industrial and consumer applications. Glass decorators utilize screen printing to overcome challenges including printing on objects of unlimited sizes, 3D objects and uneven surfaces while delivering thick, opaque ink deposits that often contain glass frit/precious metals. In order to overcome these hurdles it’s important to choose the right materials. Use this breakdown of the best ink for screen printing on glass and the right emulsion to produce the highest quality outcome for every situaton.

chromaline screen printing application glass

Overcome Challenges with Glass/Ceramic Decoration

 Print on objects of unlimited sizes
 Print on 3D objects
 Print on uneven surfaces

Industrial Glass applications are functional in nature:

 Automotive Glass: black window masks, defrosts, antennas, marking, GPS
 Appliance Glass: oven doors, ceramic cook tops
 Construction/Architectural Glass: decorative, privacy, UV blocking, mirrors

Glass/Ceramic Decoration improves product appearance and adds value:

 Glass containers or bottles: beverages and liquor, cosmetics and perfumes
 Production of Ceramic Tiles: mimicking natural stone, decorative patterns
 Tableware: plates, glassware, mugs


The Right Emulsion for your Application

Glass and ceramic screen printing inks are classified into Organic and Inorganic inks.

Organic inks: Two-part Inks and UV Inks

– UV inks cure rapidly, multiple colors possible (halftones)
– Typically less durable, not preferred for extreme abrasion or chemical resistance

Inorganic/Ceramic inks: Glazes and Thermoplastic Inks

– Contains pigments, glass frit, or metallic particles (for conductive applications)
– Requires high temperature “firing” to fuse them to the glass/ceramic surface
– Very durable, excellent abrasion and chemical resistance

Both organic and inorganic inks can be printed directly on the substrate, or applied to the substrate later using transfer decals. Use the table (right) to select the appropriate Chromaline emulsion for your glass or ceramic application.

Glass & Ceramic Emulsion Selection Chart

Ink Application Type Direct Emulsion Capillary Film
Organic Inks
Two-part For use with indoor decoration of glass and ceramics (glass panes, bottles, tiles) Solvent UDC-2 Dual-Cure
UDC-ACE Dual-cure*
Razor® Fusion Photopolymer*
DTS Z1 Photopolymer*
Pro/Cap Diazo
Pro/Cap TD Diazo
Magna/Cure® Dual-Cure
Razor® Photopolymer*
UV For use with flat glass for indoors, cold-end coated packaging glass (drinking bottles), cosmetic bottles, restaurant glass (drinking glasses, ashtrays, vases) UV UDC-2 Dual-Cure
UDC-ACE Dual-cure*
Razor® Fusion Photopolymer*
DTS Z1 Photopolymer*
Pro/Cap Diazo
Pro/Cap TD Diazo
Magna/Cure® Dual-Cure
Razor® Photopolymer*
Inorganic Inks
Glazes/Ceramic Inks For printing on single/multi-trip bottles, cosmetic/perfume bottles, tumblers/tableware, borosilicate glass (laboratory and cooking glass) Solvent or Thermo-plastic UDC-2 Dual-Cure
MAX-R Dual-Cure
Silver Paste Automotive heated rear windows, antennas, wiper heating, ceramic cook tops Solvent UDC-2 Dual-Cure
UDC-ACE Dual-cure*
MAX-R Dual-Cure
Pro/Cap Diazo
Magna/Cure® Dual-Cure

*Recommended for high-resolution Images
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