By Thermo-hardening, water-based pens can be used to permanently decorate heat-tolerant surfaces such as glass, ceramics, crockery, ironstone, porcelain, and metal. With supervision, even young children can get involved.
Purchase Plain White Porcelain
Any item that can safely be heated, can be used with thermo-hardening pens. Plain white porcelain dishes work really well. For group projects, where several people will add their signatures or artwork, a large platter, cake plate, or serving bowl provides lots of room and is also a useful gift. Stores like Williams-Sonoma and Fred Meyers carry a large selection of plain white, oven proof, dinnerware and serving dishes.
Where to Purchase the Pens
Pebeo Porcelaine 150 pens work well and are relatively inexpensive. The pens come in a huge variety of colors with fine points or wide tips. The pens are available in North America from Dick Blick and in the UK from Studio Art Shop. They cost about $4.00 per pen, and can be successfully stored for years in a zip-lock plastic bag.
How the Pens Work
The pens contain a water-based liquid that is pumped down to the nib by pressing the tip firmly on a hard surface. The tip will retract into the pen body and soak up the ink. Once the tip is primed, it is as easy to use as any felt-tipped pen. Before the ink is heat-hardened, mistakes can easily be wiped off with a damp paper towel, however, the ink will air dry in minutes, and though it can still be removed at this stage, it is not easily smudged or damaged, so several people can add their names or artwork without disturbing previous additions.
Baking Makes it Permanent
The art work becomes permanent when it is baked in an ordinary home oven at 300 F, (150 C) for 30 minutes. Because some glass or ceramic items do not tolerate dramatic changes in temperature well, and may break, place the decorated item in a cold oven, then turn the heat on and let the item gradually warm up in the oven. When the oven reaches 300 degrees, begin timing. After thirty minutes, turn the oven off, and leave the item in the oven to gradually cool. Once it is baked, the decoration is permanent and may even be put in the dishwasher. The manufacturer of the pens cautions that the decorated surface maybe scratch or damage if knives are used to cut on the decorated surface.
Ideas for Using Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Pens
Platters, planters, large serving dishes, canisters and more can be decorated with Pebeo Porcelaine Pens. Several people can add their artwork or signatures to make a memorable retirement or going-away gift. Children can decorate items for grandparent, or teachers, and inexpensive, perpetual trophies can be made for events like rowboat races, costume contests, and more.
Inexpensive Porcelaine pens can be used to make a durable, useful gift filled with special memories.
