Abstract: A method of decorating a firable article which includes the step of mixing a metallic salt with a fuel material which can supply oxygen to the salt in a reaction. This mixture causes complex formation of the salt, characterized by raising the pH of the mixture to at least 5. Additives in the mixture promote stability and provide the required viscosity surface tension and conductivity for use in an ink jet printer. When applying a solution of this mixture onto a firable article by ink jet printing, the mixture is such that upon drying, the mixture reacts to form an oxide of the metal to provide a decorative color pigment on the article.