FAQ

ORDERING CAMEO DINNERWARE

Ordering Cameo brand dinnerware is fast and easy. All the products shown on our website are in stock and ready for order immediately.

Contact your local restaurant supply store and inquire if our products are available through their business. We work with a wide network of wholesale partners who are as dedicated as we are to providing the highest level of customer service in the foodservice industry.

If your local supplier is not one of our privileged network, don’t despair. Contact us by phone at 1888.722.2636 or by email at sales@cameo.ca and it will be our pleasure to direct you to one of our trusted partners.

Cameo dinnerware is not available for direct order. Our priority is to connect each and every Cameo customer with an experienced sales representative to assist you with your order and to provide the after-sales service you deserve.

DINNERWARE PERSONALIZATION

Custom decoration projects completed at our factory require numerous logistical considerations as well as several pre-order requirements. In order to streamline all the applicable details Cameo China has developed two website links. The first is a short list of the major factors that could influence a decision to go forward or not with any particular project. If a customer is satisfied that they can respect the initial, basic order criteria then they can consult the ‘detailed’ order criteria and then they can contact you to comply with all the pre-order instructions and obligations.

Please review the following details:

PRE-ORDER FACTORY CONDITIONS AND OBLIGATIONS

Basic conditions:

  • Minimum order quantity is 50 cases
  • Average delivery time is between 4 to 6 months (not guaranteed)
  • Orders will be processed after reception of a 70% deposit
  • Deposit fees are non-refundable in case of cancellation
  • No possibility of cancellation after sales agreement has been signed
  • Approval of a digital proof or physical sample is obligatory
  • Sample cost, excluding international transportation costs, will be credited on final invoice cost

Detailed conditions:

  • Order delivery time of between 4 to 6 months is not guaranteed due to the uncertainty of global order demand, ocean freight delays and associated transportation constraints
  • The minimum order of 50 cases can be divided between up to 5 different items. All items must use the same size logo and use the same colors as well.
  • Logo specifications: the best digital format is (AI) Adobe Illustrator. PDF or JPG are acceptable, but must be at least 300 DPI. All design or logo decorations must be identified by supplying size dimensions and placement position(s)
  • Please specify the Pantone color number(s) when supplying your logo. In order to assure your satisfaction we urge you to order a pre order sample to verify logo color, size and position.
  • The cost of pre-order sample shipping will be charged to the end user customer by credit card
  • The pre-order sample will be shipped with the project code label attached. The final pre-order approval email must include a photo of the item to be ordered with the project code label affixed. The approval email confirmation will not be considered valid unless this condition is met.
  • Cameo China is not responsible for receiving an incorrect image file, which could lead to image distortion
  • Due to the nature of high-temperature decal firing, the resulting logo, or decoration, will not be identical to the digital format
  • The final products will have a minimal percentage of image distortion due to the nature of the surface to which the image has been applied (i.e., the natural curved surface of bowl or cup)
  • Cameo strongly recommends that each customer order a quantity of 2.5 to 3 times the minimum quantity required. This recommendation takes into consideration any uncontrollable future order delays. Cameo China will always maintain an inventory of the plain white version of each item ordered in case a customer requires additional quantities before the decoration order delivery date.

CUSTOM DECORATION: ON-GLAZE VS. IN-GLAZE

– CUSTOM DECORATION: ON-GLAZE VS. IN-GLAZE – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

Understanding Your Decoration Options

When you order custom decorated chinaware from Cameo China—whether it’s your company logo, brand pattern, or decorative borders—we provide two quotes reflecting our two decoration methods and techniques: On-Glaze decoration and In-Glaze decoration. Understanding the differences will help you choose the best option for your needs, based on the cost and finish.

On-Glaze Decoration

What It Is

On-glaze decoration means the color pigment is applied on top of the gloss glaze. This involves applying your design decal on top of the already fired white ware’s gloss glaze surface. The decorated piece is then loaded into the kiln to fire a second time at a moderate temperature (approximately 800-900°C, depending on the pigment color). Some colors require higher firing temperatures so that the pigment can combine with the gloss glaze firmly and achieve a shining finish. This is a stable, straightforward process.

Advantages
  • Cost-Effective: Lower production costs due to higher yield rates and a simpler firing process at lower firing cost
  • Vibrant Colors: Ideal for achieving bright, precise brand colors, including reds, pinks, and purples. Most colors are available to produce
  • Metallic Accents: Golds and platinum accents are only available with on-glaze firing decoration
  • Sharp Detail: Excellent for intricate logos and fine text details
Limitations
  • Surface Durability: The pigment of the design sits on top of the glaze and is susceptible to wear over heavy use
  • Color Fading Risk: With repeated washing, handling, and utensil contact, the color may gradually fade or peel away
  • Limited Lifespan: Best suited for design surfaces on dinnerware that do not experience heavy use or frequent contact with utensils
Best Used For

On-glaze decoration is ideal for surfaces that will not come into contact with food or utensils:

  • The exterior of plates (bottom or outer rim)
  • The outside of cups and mugs (cup body)
  • Decorative borders on the outer edge of plates
  • Any area where mouths will not touch and cutlery will not be used

In these protected areas, on-glaze decoration maintains its appearance while providing an economical branding solution.

Summary: On-glaze decoration gives you a color-free option with any color choice and low input cost. However, the color is not lifetime durable.

In-Glaze Decoration

What It Is

In-glaze decoration is the professional standard for hospitality. The design decal is hand-applied to the glaze and then fired together with the plate in the kiln, subjected to extremely high temperatures (approximately 1200°C or higher). During this process, the design decal pigment sinks into the molten glaze. After the high-temperature firing period lasting several hours, the kiln cools down slowly and the pigment joins with the glaze, becoming an integral and protected part of the dinnerware, functioning as a color glaze.

Advantages
  • Lifetime Durability: The design is permanently sealed within the glaze, making it completely scratch-proof and fade-proof, shining forever
  • Withstands Heavy Use: Will endure thousands of industrial dishwasher cycles and constant utensil contact without degradation
  • Perfectly Smooth Finish: The surface is completely smooth with no raised texture
  • Food Safety: Sealed design prevents any risk of color or material leaching into food
  • Professional Grade: The preferred choice for luxury hotels, high-volume restaurants, and premium establishments
Limitations
  • Higher Cost: The technical difficulty, high-temperature firing cost, and lower production yields (due to the complex high-temperature firing process) result in a premium price
  • Limited Color Palette: The extreme heat restricts the range of available colors. Some bright hues may shift in tone or are not achievable at high-temperature firing
Best Used For

In-glaze decoration is essential for areas that will come into contact with food or utensils:

  • The interior of plates (the surface where food is placed)
  • The rim of plates (where forks and knives will be used)
  • The interior of bowls and cups (where lips will touch and food will be served)
  • Any area exposed to regular washing, cutlery contact, or food contact

In these high-contact areas, only in-glaze decoration ensures your brand remains pristine and professional throughout the life of the piece.

Summary: In-glaze decoration provides durability of color for a lifetime, but with higher cost input and limited color options.

Quick Comparison

Feature On-Glaze In-Glaze
Firing Temperature 800-900°C (Low) 1200°C (High)
Production Yield High (Stable Process) Lower (Complex Process)
Cost More Economical Premium Price
Color Range Wide and Vibrant More Limited
Durability Good (Surface Layer) Excellent (Permanent)
Surface Feel Slightly Raised Completely Smooth
Food Contact Safe Good but Not Recommended Yes, Fully Safe
Best Placement Exterior/Non-Food Contact Areas Interior/Food Contact Areas
Long-Term Appearance May Fade or Peel Remains Pristine Indefinitely

Our Recommendation

The placement of your design determines which method is most appropriate:

For Exterior or Non-Contact Surfaces: On-glaze is a cost-effective and attractive choice that will serve you well on protected surfaces. It is good for simple logos on the wares.

For Interior or Food Contact Surfaces: In-glaze is the professional standard and the best choice that ensures your brand or design maintains its integrity through years of daily use. This is the best option for protecting the image of your brand and design, and protecting your investment.

Can Customers Choose Both Methods on the Same Piece? This is not workable. Using on-glaze for the exterior branding and in-glaze for any interior or contact areas will only increase the firing cost, as we would need to fire with both on-glaze and in-glaze in two separate firing processes. It is better to choose one method to fire the design—either on-glaze or in-glaze decoration.

Why the Cost Difference?

You may notice that in-glaze quotes are higher than on-glaze. This reflects the technical reality and production cost of the production process:

  • On-Glaze uses a lower, stable firing temperature (800-900°C), resulting in fewer defects on both decal, glaze, and shape, and higher production yields
  • In-Glaze requires extremely high firing temperatures (1200°C) where the glaze melts and the design must integrate perfectly with the glaze. This complex process is difficult to control, leading to a lower yield rate (more possibility of rejected pieces) and higher production costs

The higher cost of in-glaze reflects not just the materials, but the technical expertise and precision required to achieve permanent, professional-grade decoration.

Questions?

If you’re unsure which decoration method is right for your project, our team is here to help. We can review your design placement and recommend the best approach to balance your budget with your durability needs.

Contact Cameo China today to discuss your custom decoration project.

Cameo China – Fully Vitrified Fine Porcelain and Alumina Body – Quality You Can Trust

RAINBOW SPECIAL ORDER

RAINBOW

Create a unique collection of hand-painted under glazed colored dinnerware that will exceed your customers’ expectations!

SPECIAL ORDER CONDITIONS

  1. The minimum order quantity is fifty (50) dozen
  2. The order may include up to maximum of three (3) different items. The three chosen items must be regular stock items. Please contact your local Cameo team member to confirm your selection.
  3. Choose a color from our selection on Page 19 of our catalog or provide your choice of a specific Pantone number
  4. Send your selection of items and color to your choice of any of Cameo’s authorized distributors, or email to sales@cameo.ca
  5. We will contact you to confirm details on pricing, color and approximate delivery date (normally 60 to 90 days)
  6. Once an agreement has been confirmed concerning pricing, if you so choose, Cameo will proceed to produce a sample of each product to be ordered. The production of sample(s) will allow you to understand and visualize how each hand-painted item is unique as well as how the high-temperature ink can vary very slightly from a specific Pantone numbered color. Please be advised that production and transportation fees will apply for every sample piece ordered. Please contact your local Cameo team member to discuss all the details. If preferred, an electronic proof can be provided for approval. This method can accelerate the approval and production schedule.
  7. Upon reception of a duly completed “Order confirmation” email from our factory will prepare to complete your order. Production of your order will commence upon receipt of payment of 70% of the order cost.
  8. IMPORTANT: Upon receipt of your deposit payment there will be no possibility of cancellation, return or refund.
  9. After confirmation of your deposit payment, Cameo will discuss with you an approximate delivery date. The delivery delay may vary according to Cameo’s production schedule and the volume of orders received at particular times of the year
  10. Your RAINBOW dinnerware will be hand painted by one of Cameo’s expert craftsmen. Every Rainbow pattern order is completely unique. The uniqueness comes from the production technique of applying your chosen color by hand. In any artistic endeavour the artist’s brush technique and the related pressure applied during the application process, seasonal climate variances and other factors will produce a product that will not be identical from one individual piece to another. Also, you can expect that the finished products may vary slightly from the approved test samples. Cameo’s Rainbow collection of unique hand-painted dinnerware will be an instant success. Your customers will be amazed at the experience that you have provided for them and they are sure to reward you with their compliments and their loyalty.

ONYX SPECIAL ORDER

Onyx Special Order

Cameo China is proud to announce our newest collection of award-winning dinnerware. The Onyx is comprised of Cameo’s high-quality, traditional, existing commercial-grade dinnerware enveloped with a texturized special black varnish. Cameo has commenced production of a limited number of regular stock items, but we are proud to offer our customers the opportunity to distinguish themselves by making a special order of Onyx dinnerware. Please review the conditions below, which will permit you to transform any regular stock, classic white Cameo dinnerware into the Onyx colour. Bring your passion to life.

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

  1. To avoid delivery delays, choose a classic white item from our extensive list of regular stock dinnerware. Once you have made your selection, please contact any of our Cameo China sales team for more detailed information.
  2. The initial minimum order quantity is 20 cases
  3. Replacement minimum order quantity is 10 cases
  4. The production time will take from 3 to 4 months
  5. Your distributor will request a 70% non-refundable deposit before placing an official order with Cameo.
  6. Once your order has been confirmed and your deposit has been received, Cameo will proceed to produce a sample of each product to be ordered. The production of sample(s) will allow you to understand and visualize the Onyx finish. Please be advised that production and transportation fees will apply for every sample piece ordered. Please contact your local Cameo team member to discuss all the details. If preferred, an electronic proof can be provided for approval. This method can accelerate the approval and production schedule.
  7. Upon reception of a duly completed “Order confirmation” email from our factory, production of your order will commence. Your Onyx dinnerware will be hand painted by one of Cameo’s expert craftsmen. Every Onyx order is completely unique. The uniqueness comes from the production technique of applying the special black varnish by hand. In any artistic endeavour the artist’s brush technique and the related pressure applied during the application process, seasonal climate variances and other factors will produce a product that will not be identical from one individual piece to another. Also, you can expect that the finished products may vary slightly from the approved test samples.
  8. IMPORTANT: Upon receipt of your deposit payment there will be no possibility of cancellation, return or refund.
  9. After confirmation of your deposit payment, Cameo will discuss with you an approximate delivery date. The delivery delay may vary according to Cameo’s production schedule and the volume of orders received at particular times of the year.
  10. The Onyx collection of unique hand-painted dinnerware will be an instant success. Your customers will be amazed at the experience that you have provided for them and they are sure to reward you with their compliments and their loyalty. Cameo’s Onyx collection is a unique opportunity for you to distinguish your restaurant, hotel or catering business.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Product dimensions, sizing and capacity are as precise as possible, but if you need more detailed information do not hesitate to contact us or your distributor for assistance.

The entire Cameo team is at your disposal to help with all of your needs. Check the “Contact us” link for all the ways to get in touch with us.

www.cameochina.com is the most complete source for all things Cameo. However if you cannot find the information you need to complete your order or you need further information about our product lines please do not hesitate to contact us!

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you notice any discrepancy with the order you receive please contact your distributor. We are also available, but your local sales representative will have the up-to-date information about your particular order.

If you receive damaged goods please report the problem directly to the transport company that delivered your order. Take pictures and document all problems. Your sales representative will work with us to resolve any issues in as brief a period as possible.

If you have trouble finding a distributor for your region please contact us directly and we will ensure you are referred to an experienced and competent wholesale partner.

DONATION REQUEST

Donation Requests

Product Donation Requests:

Cameo believes it is important to give back to the communities in which we operate, and each year we are proud to support many charitable events and organizations through our promotional mug donation initiative. We especially love helping kids and aspiring new chefs!

Requests are considered on a rolling basis and fulfilled based on adherence to our requirements.

Donation Eligibility Requirements:

Cameo is proud to support charitable events and organizations through product donations. Organizations with approved requests will receive 12 promotional mugs or an equivalent selection of our overstock items.

The following types of requests will not be considered:

  • Individual requests
  • Political causes, candidates, organizations, or campaigns
  • Advertising, marketing, or promotional materials

Please Note:

We are unable to fulfill requests placed less than eight (8) weeks in advance of the event deadline. If your request is submitted properly, you will receive a confirmation email. To speed up the process, please submit only one request. You will receive a reply within 6-8 weeks.

Donation Process:

Fill out the ONLINE APPLICATION to apply.

Other Information:

  • Cameo reserves the right to deny any donation request.
  • All donations are at the discretion of Cameo.