How to Make Photoceramics for Memorial Portraits

Step-by-step MARKITON guide for porcelain ovals, headstone ceramic photos and memorial plaques.

A detailed MARKITON guide to producing durable memorial ceramic images.

Photoceramics for headstones is a technology in which a printed image is fused into the glazed layer of porcelain or ceramic through high-temperature firing.

The fired image becomes part of the surface, preserving brightness for decades without fading or washing out under sun, rain, or frost.

This guide is created specifically for workshops producing memorial products and helps avoid errors at every stage — from file preparation to final firing.

Ideal for

  • memorial portraits
  • porcelain ovals
  • ceramic plaques
  • ceramic photos for headstones

Step 1 Preparing the Image

  1. Scan or edit the photo in an image editor (Photoshop, Affinity Photo, GIMP).
  2. Use a neutral or light background — this looks best on porcelain ovals.
  3. Set balanced brightness and contrast; avoid overexposure and heavy shadows.
  4. Scale the image precisely to the size of the oval/plate, leaving small margins.
  5. Retouch if necessary:
    • defect removal
    • restoration of old photos
    • skin tone correction

Tip: For professional results, use the MARKITON LX Portrait ICC profile.

Step 2 Printing

  1. Load EDP-F with the glossy side facing up.
  2. In the printer driver enable:
    • Photo / High Resolution mode
    • LX color profile
    • toner density 100–120%
  3. Print the image.
  4. Allow the sheet to rest for 10–15 minutes to stabilize the toner.

Important: Do not touch the surface until fully dry.

Step 3 Applying the Decal to the Oval

  1. Immerse the decal in warm water for 30–60 seconds.
  2. When the film begins to slide, transfer it onto the porcelain oval.
  3. Gently slide the film from the backing onto the glazed surface.
  4. Smooth the image using a soft rubber roller.
  5. Remove all water and trapped air, especially along the edges.
  6. Let the piece dry for 30–60 minutes.

Step 4 Firing Cycle

Firing is the crucial stage where the image fuses with the glaze.

Standard firing profile for porcelain ovals:

Step 1:
up to 150 °C — 1 hour
Step 2:
up to 500 °C — 3 hours
Step 3:
up to 880 °C — 2 hours
Step 4:
hold 880 °C — 20 minutes

Total time: 6–6.5 hours

Recommended temperature for LX: 830–890 °C

After firing completes, let the item cool inside the kiln to avoid thermal shock.

Final Result

You achieve a glossy, weather-resistant photoceramic image that:

does not fade

does not wash away

does not peel

preserves clarity and color for decades

This level of quality is the professional standard for headstones, memorial plaques, and ritual products.

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