Carefree Luster Decal Paper

[Becki]

After I posted my plate some had asked me about the center tree which was punched from luster paper so I thought I'd post some links to some info.  I get the paper from Thompson Enamel Inc http://www.thompsonenamel.com/products/supplements/materials4.htm

I've used the paper off and on for a few years but Pat Diacca Topp uses it on a larger scale and creates some beautiful work.
http://www.diacca.com/wares.htm

This is a link to an old article that Pat wrote in Glass on Metal magazine with a short tutorial on using the paper.
http://www.glass-on-metal.com/pastart/luster_decals-diacca.htm

Hope it inspires you!

[Anne]

Thanks for this Becki.  Very timely for me - but I wish I'd bought the lustre papers instead of Mica powders - they're so messy to work with.  Is lustre powder the same as mica powder?

[Anne]

ok I have another question.  In the article Pat isn't using gloves to apply the decals - no concern about getting finger oils on the glass or do the decals deal with that?

[Becki]

It's a mica based luster powder applied to a paper base so it can be used as a kind of decal material. Not messy at all.  I use mica powder too...just depends on what I'm doing.  It's a bit messy!

I don't use gloves when I use it.  But I'm usually dealing with small pieces, picking them up with tweezers and applying with a little cardboard squeegee.  You will get some streaking on the glass but you can clean it with distilled water and a paper towel...lightly!