Painting on Ceramic Bowls With Glaze

Create one-of-a-kind ceramic bowls with glazing.

Ceramic glazing is the process of applying a glaze or a mixture of powdered materials — including premelted glass — onto ceramic pieces such as pottery bowls or dinnerware to add a glossy, professional look. Glazing can be applied through spraying, painting or dipping and must be dried before use. Professional artists use a variety of glazing techniques. But for beginners, there are two types of glazing techniques that are commonly applied by painting — overglazing and underglazing. Overglazing is the process of adding a waterproof, clear or dull glaze; underglazing adds a color glaze topped with a clear glaze.

Things You'll Need

• Bisque ceramic bowl
• Ceramic glaze (underglaze or overglaze)
• Small glazing brush (for detailed designs)
• Large glazing brush (for overglazing and single-color underglazing)
• Paper plate

Instructions

Overglazing

1. Squeeze a dime-sized amount of overglaze onto a paper plate. Dip a large paintbrush into the overglaze and cover the inside and outside of the bowl.

2. Continue to squeeze only the amount of overglaze you need onto the paper plate as you work because the overglaze dries quickly. Ensure to apply a generous coat of overglaze to the bowl.

3. Let the bowl sit until it is completely dry to the touch.

Underglazing

1. Paint the inside and the outside of your bowl a single color by squeezing a dime-sized amount of underglaze onto a paper plate. Dip your large paintbrush into the underglaze and apply a coat to the bowl. Alternatively, paint a detailed design onto the bowl, using one or multiple colors of underglaze and a small glazing brush.

2. Add more dime-sized amounts of underglaze to the paper plate each time you run out of underglaze. Use only the amount you need as the underglaze dries quickly.

3. Set the bowl aside until it is dry to the touch. Apply a second coat of underglaze. Allow the bowl to dry and apply a third coat. Allow it to dry completely.

4. Apply one coat of overglaze to the pottery so your work becomes waterproof and durable.

References

• YouTube: AllenStoneware: Pottery Glazing - Dip and Pour Method
• Hobby Helper: Pottery Glazing Techniques
• Merriam-Webster: Ceramic Glaze
• Oerth Tile Works: Ceramic Underglazes: Tips and Ideas