How to Paint a Wheel Thrown Clay Pot

Frequently people refer to glazing pottery as painting pottery. The terms may be used synonymously but it isn't really painting the pottery. The decorations that you create with the colored glaze still have to be fired after you're done with the glazing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glazes
• Dipping container
• Applicator

1. Choose the type and color of glaze that works for your piece. Different glazes need to be fired at different temperatures, so think about the temperature that you'll fire your pot at.

2. Pick a type of finish. Some glazes have a matte finish, like the underglaze. Other glazes, such as the invasion glaze, are shiny when they're fired.

3. Mix the glazes carefully. Mixing types of glazes can create some really neat effects. However, some glazes don't go well together and you can have a disaster on your hands.

4. Experiment with layering glazes.Do an underglaze first and allow it to dry. Then dip a second different glaze on top of that, allowing a bit of the first color to show. Once it's dry, dip again, allowing a bit of the second color to show at the top. Once you fire your pot, some interesting results occur.

5. Butt two different kinds of glazes up against each other for different designs, or mix them to get new and different colors.

6. Throw in some crystals. You can buy crystal glazes that only require that you shake and use. The effects of the different crystal's reactions to the heat can create stunning finished pieces.

7. Create some texture with the snowfall glazes. These give a textural quality to the piece.

[zakkatt]

on 10/7/2009 IS IT OK TO BRUSH ON 2 COATS AND THEN DIP A COAT ON A BISQUED PIECE??