FAQ – Custom Printed Porcelain Plates | PhotoPlates

Frequently Asked Questions – Custom Printed Porcelain Plates

Welcome to our FAQ on custom printed porcelain plates. Below you’ll find answers to top questions about our full-color, high-resolution, food-safe, dishwasher- and microwave-safe porcelain products.

1. Are custom printed porcelain plates food-safe?

Our plates use lead-free, cadmium-free toners applied via film transfer and kiln-fired at 1280 °C (2100 °F), meeting FDA and EU food-safety standards. Lab-tested by Pillsbury Labs—see Pillsbury Lab Test Results for details.

2. How does glazing protect my printed dishes, mugs, and tiles?

The porcelain or ceramic we use already comes pre-glazed. We then apply your full-color, high-resolution film—secured with a thin layer of Arabic gum—by hand onto the glazed surface. After positioning, we fire the piece in our kiln, bonding the film and infusing the glaze over your design. We offer single glazing as standard and an optional double glazing layer for extra durability and a richer finish. Note: Occasional hand washing is recommended—residential dishwashers can be harsher than commercial units. Many restaurants opt for double glazing; if you only glaze the rim, it still holds strong.

3. Can custom porcelain plates be dishwasher-safe?

Yes. We seal every design under a durable glaze and fire at high temperatures so your prints resist fading, chipping, and scratching—even after hundreds of dishwasher cycles.

4. Are custom printed porcelain plates microwave-safe?

Yes. Our plates use non-metallic, food-grade toners that withstand microwave heat without compromising the design or the plate’s structure. Perfect for reheating and everyday use.

5. How vibrant are the colors on custom printed porcelain?

We deliver high-resolution, full-color prints across a broad palette, though exact color matching isn’t guaranteed due to glaze interaction. We use tools like the X-Rite eXact 2 to get as close as possible, but slight shifts can occur during firing.

6. Can I print my own design on porcelain plates?

Yes—you upload your CMYK artwork (300–1200 DPI) via SendThisFile. We handle setup, layout, printing, and glazing. You can also purchase prototypes as needed. Logos, photos, or patterns: your vision, our precision.

7. What’s the minimum order for custom porcelain printing?

No minimums. Order a single plate or hundreds for your event or restaurant—same food-safe quality and competitive pricing.

8. How durable are custom printed porcelain plates?

Extremely. Our prints fuse into the glaze at 1280 °C, creating a chip- and scratch-resistant surface built for heavy use in restaurants or homes.

9. Can you print on the inside of porcelain ashtrays or mugs?

Yes—whether it’s a hidden message inside a mug or a logo inside an ashtray, our process handles curved and interior surfaces with equal clarity.

10. How much do custom printed porcelain plates cost?

Basic ceramic plates start around $20 USD. Premium materials, like bone china or gold- and platinum-rimmed plates, are available at higher price tiers. Exact pricing depends on material, decoration, quantity, and complexity—contact us for a personalized quote.

11. What’s the turnaround time for custom porcelain orders?

Standard production time typically runs 5–6 weeks from art approval. Rush Orders cut that time by about half, and Super Rush Orders cut it by about half again.

12. Are there eco-friendly and food-safe advantages to your printing?

Our process is designed for both eco-responsibility and absolute food safety. We use lead-free, cadmium-free toners, operate energy-efficient kilns, and minimize waste by reusing materials. Every print meets FDA and EU food safety standards, so your custom porcelain is as safe for people as it is kind to the planet.