How to Spray Glaze on Pottery
Glazing uses a liquid containing finely ground minerals that dries as a hard glossy surface on your pottery. There are several methods of glazing including dipping, brushing and spraying. Spray glazing is generally done in commercial studios but can be utilized by the at-home potter as well.
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Instructions
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Run the glaze you will be spraying through a mesh sieve to filter. This glaze should be more liquid than brush or dipping glaze.
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Place small pieces of pottery on absorbent surfaces like plasterboard or wood to keep any overspray from pooling and gathering on the pottery.
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Load your glaze into a spray unit, such as a small electrically powered unit. You also can try an airbrush, the device often used by graphic artists in their work. Or you can spray with a hand atomizer or garden sprayer.
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Spray the inside of the pottery before the outside. Apply slowly at a distance of approximately 2 feet. Turn the vessel as you spray and note the buildup of the spray along the interior.
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Spray the outside of your pottery once the inside glazing has dried. You will use the same method of spraying slowly at a 2-foot distance while turning the vessel.
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Guard against excessive application of glaze. If you apply too much at a time, the glaze will run. If this happens, scrape off the glaze, allow the pot to dry and reglaze.
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Experiment with spray glazing using decorative techniques. Try spraying through stencils on your pottery to create intricate designs. Also, try spraying at a low angle to develop highlights and shadows in the pottery's glazing.
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Allow your pottery to dry completely before handling. A great spraying job can be ruined by moving pottery before it dries. You can wax the bottom of your pottery to keep it from sticking to the kiln.
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Tips & Warnings
Place masking tape over sections of your pottery when spraying to create interesting gradations in your finish.
Always do your spray glazing in a well-ventilated area as, glaze is toxic and can damage the lungs when inhaled.
You cannot apply brush decoration over a piece of pottery that has been spray glazed.
Always wear a mask while spraying.
