Color Management & ICC Profiles for Ceramic and Glass Printing

Achieving precise and predictable color in ceramic and glass printing is not simply a matter of matching the shade seen on the screen.
In ceramic printing, color is the result of a chemical reaction during firing.
To ensure that the final fired image looks as vivid and natural as the digital file, the entire color workflow must be configured correctly — from ICC profiles to print settings.

Core Principles of Ceramic Color Management

1. Always work in CMYK

All MARKITON ceramic toners (LX, FX, GX) are true CMYK pigment systems.

Use the CMYK color space with the corresponding MARKITON Ceramic ICC profile, which compensates for pigment behavior during transfer and firing.

2. Avoid printing directly from RGB

Converting RGB → CMYK without the correct profile causes:

  • loss of saturation
  • inaccurate neutrals
  • distorted skin tones
  • incorrect grays after firing

3. Screen color ≠ fired color

At 800–900 °C, ceramic pigments change optical density.

Shades become slightly warmer, and contrast can shift.

MARKITON ICC profiles are calibrated with firing compensation in mind.

MARKITON ICC Profiles for Different Technologies

Series
Application
ICC Profile
Features
MARKITON FX
Souvenir ceramics, tiles, interior decor
MARKITON_FX_Ceramic.icc
Neutral balance, clean logos, accurate skin tones
MARKITON LX
Photoceramics (memorials, ovals, plaques)
MARKITON_LX_Photoceramic.icc
Grey balance correction, enhanced shadow detail
MARKITON GX
Glass printing & mirrors
MARKITON_GX_Glass.icc
Higher contrast, compensation for transparent substrates

Each MARKITON profile accounts for pigment spectral behavior and corrects firing-related color shifts.

Calibration: Monitor, Printer & Materials

1. Monitor Calibration

  • Use a calibrated monitor (sRGB or AdobeRGB).
  • Brightness: 100–120 cd/m²
  • White point: 6500K
  • Avoid excessive brightness — fired ceramics should visually match the monitor.

2. MARKITON Printer Setup

  • Install the correct ICC profile (LX / FX / GX).
  • Select Photo / High Resolution mode.
  • Disable all driver auto-corrections:
    • Auto Tone
    • Vivid Mode
    • Brightness/Contrast Enhancements

3. Paper & Lacquer Compatibility

  • For FX and LX, use EDP-F / EDP-N — all ICC profiles are tuned for these papers.
  • For glass, use EDP-G with MKV-G lacquer, which guarantees a neutral transparent base.

Test Printing & Verification

Before printing a production batch:

Print the MARKITON Color Chart (included with all printers).
Let the print stabilize and fire it at the standard temperature.
Compare the outcome with the included reference sample.
If needed, adjust toner density by ±3–5% using the ICC profile interface.

Helpful Professional Tips

  • Use only original MARKITON toners — they have calibrated thermal behavior.
  • Never mix toner series (e.g., FX + LX) — this breaks color balance.
  • Store toners and decal paper in dry environments (humidity < 60%).
  • Each substrate (porcelain, glossy tile, glass) requires its own ICC profile.
  • Keep a print log (ICC, temp, paper) for perfect repeatability.

MARKITON Color System = Predictable Results

MARKITON develops ICC profiles in its own color-testing laboratory.

Each profile undergoes thermo-optical calibration, ensuring:

stable gray balance

accurate skin tones

predictable color temperature after firing

repeatable professional output

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