How to Apply Glaze to Undercoated Pottery
While clay does not always need an undercoat to allow glaze to take on its surface, giving the item a base coat will give a more even texture for the glaze. If it is a light or subtle glaze, the undercoat will also help with the final coloring. One method for applying glaze involves adding a brush coat and finishing with a sponge coat. This allows the potter to build up subtle textures and shades by combining the different techniques.
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Things You'll Need
- Thick glaze
- Synthetic sable brush
- Fine textured sponge
- Porous sponge
- Water
- Paper towel
- Kiln
Instructions
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1
Select a glaze which is thicker in consistency then other glazes designed for dipping. These thicker glazes are specifically formulated to eradicate brush strokes from the finished article. Thinner glazes are generally designed for dipping and create an uneven finish if applied with a brush.
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2
Choose a synthetic sable brush to apply the first coat of glaze. These brushes provide the best finish to a glazed pot. To introduce a textured finish to your first coat, vary the thickness of the glaze you are applying. This prevents the glaze from firing in a flat and uniform pattern. If this is the effect you are after, apply the coat at a uniform thickness all over.
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3
Select a sponge to use for the finishing coat. For a basic second coat, select a finely textured sponge and apply in the same way as a brush. The sponge adds a subtle extra layer onto the original coat. A brush can be used for this step but the texture that a sponge allows is difficult to replicate with a brush.
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4
Select a very porous sponge and a contrasting color of glaze. This step adds a subtle final coat of contrasting glaze. If you would prefer a uniform final coat, skip this step. Use the scissors to cut the sponge into your desired shape and dip it in the glaze. Wipe the sponge with a paper towel to remove the excess glaze. Press the sponge onto the surface of the ceramic. Don't rub the sponge on the surface, simply press it, remove and add more glaze. Wipe the excess off the sponge and repeat the step.
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Preheat the kiln to 200 Fahrenheit and insert the finished pottery article. Vapor will be produced as water is evaporated from the clay and glaze. Keep the kiln below 212 Fahrenheit until all the water is evaporated to prevent this water from boiling and damaging the clay. Bring the kiln to about 2000 Fahrenheit and leave for 18 hours before allowing the material to cool.
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