Custom Dinnerware for Restaurants, Corporate Dining, and Many Others

*Developing the Vision*	This is the fun part... we'll take your image, or help to develop it... and put it on virtual chinaware. We'll show it to you on the rim... in the well... in most any color combination you wish. We'll put color bands on the ware, 24k gold... you name it. Let your imagination guide you. As we're doing this, we'll provide information about what is and isn't possible in ceramic decoration. We'll make suggestions to improve the quality of the presentation and at the same time, minimize costs. Our art department is available at no cost or obligation... to dream with you... to bring your vision to life.
*Choosing dinnerware*	We'll ask about the intended use of the ware and proposed quantities so that we can make specific recommendations that will maximize the chinaware's functionality for your use. Boardroom use is very different than restaurant use in that most commercial lines lack the coffee/tea accessories that fit well in the executive dining arena. Accordingly, we'll match the items to the use.
Digital Proofing & Pricing	Once we know what the image will look like and which pieces it'll be fired on, we can prepared a detailed quote for the project. Again... there is no obligation to this point. We'll prepare a final digital proof, if necessary to confirm exactly what we propose. We don't want there to be any surprises.. our goal is to meet and exceed your expectations.
Go or No Go	It's decision time. If you wish to proceed... Great! We require 50% down on all custom programs with the balance N30 with approved credit. (We'll provide a credit application) Payment can be made by company check, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover Production time can run from 3-6 weeks depending on the time of year and our resultant work schedule. Fall tends to be busier than Spring... we can give you an up to date lead time at this time.
The Screen Printing Process	Your image will be reproduced in ceramic color via the silkscreen printing process. A mesh screen is covered with a photo sensitive emulsion. Each color of the image is printed on a transparency and exposed against the screen. The exposed screen allows ceramic color to pass thru only where the image is. We then forced color thru the screen onto a special paper. We repeat this process for each color in your image. We then print a coat of lacquer over the entire image. As you can see, the screening process requires many steps, each of which must be performed precisely to ensure a quality image. We pride ourselves on our quality focus.
Hand Decorating	The decorating process is performed by skilled craftsmen. The decorator removes the decal from its special paper and places it on the chinaware. The air and moisture is removed from beneath the ceramic decal using a special squeegee... while maintaining the image's perspective... which is the difficult part. (The decal is designed to stretch a bit to help adhere to the chinaware) The ware is then inspected for quality application. The decorated ware is left to air dry for about 12 hours before firing.
Firing & Inspection	We fire all chinaware at temperatures approaching 1500 degrees. During firing, the glaze of the plate softens and the ceramic decal literally soaks into the glaze for a permanent bond. The image will not chip or fade over time. It will last as long as the plate in service, which, depends on usage and care... can easily be many years! At *Bryan China Company,* we have 3 important distinctions that separate us from the crowd and insure durable, quality product.
Firing & Inspection	First, we fire using electricity vs. gas. In a gas environment, gas jets turn on and off, creating turbulence can result in kiln dirt on the ware. Our firing is clean. Second, we fire at high temperatures. Most advertising specialty companies do not. They fire at lower glass temperatures and their firings will wear quickly. We inspect all components, work in process, and finished ware to high standards thus ensuring excellent quality.
Shipping	Safe, secure delivery... that's our goal. Your custom dinnerware is packaged with care and entrusted to a proven carrier for delivery. If any ware is broken in transit, we'll cheerfully send replacements at no cost to you! We don't care that the rest of the world doesn't do this... we do. It's our pledge to you.