Thermal transfer system for fired ceramic decals

A process for preparing a ceramic decal, comprising the steps of sequentially:

• (a) preparing a first printed image substrate, by a process comprising the steps of applying to a backing sheet a digitally printed ceramic colorant image comprised of a colorant composition, wherein:
• 1. said colorant composition is comprised of metal oxide pigment with a refractive index greater than about 1.4,
• 2. said colorant composition is comprised of a multiplicity of metal oxide pigment particles, at least about 90 weight percent of which are within the range of about 0.2 to about 20 microns, and
• 3. said colorant composition is comprised of a first solid carbonaceous binder, and
• 4. said digitally printed ceramic colorant image comprises a first surface,
• (b) digitally printing to said first surface of said first printed ceramic colorant image a flux covercoat comprised of a first mixture comprised of a first frit and a second solid carbonaceous binder, wherein:
• 1. said first frit has a melting temperature of at least about 550 degrees Centigrade,
• 2. said flux covercoat is printed over at least all of said first surface of said digitally printed ceramic colorant image, and
• 3. the total amount of frit applied to said backing sheet is at least 2 times as great as the total amount of colorant applied to said backing sheet.