Mastering Ceramic Underglaze Techniques for Pottery

Creating beautiful pottery with vibrant, lasting colours requires mastering the art of underglaze application. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced potter, understanding the nuances of underglaze can elevate your work while creating something unique. This guide will walk you through essential underglaze pottery tips and practical advice to help you achieve beautiful results.

Make your pottery playful by adding stripes and dots.

Understanding Underglaze - Pottery Tips for Beginners

Underglaze is a coloured decoration applied to pottery before it is glazed and fired. Unlike overglaze, underglaze colours are applied directly to greenware or bisqueware and then covered with a clear glaze. This method allows for precise designs and vibrant colours that remain stable after firing.

Here are some key underglaze pottery tips for beginners:

• Choose the right clay body for your piece: Porcelain and stoneware are excellent choices because they handle underglaze well and is used for functional wares.

• Apply on greenware or bisque: Underglaze can be applied on either.

• Use quality brushes: Soft, fine brushes help create detailed designs without disturbing the clay surface.

• Thin your underglaze: If it’s too thick, it can crack or peel during firing. Add water to achieve a smooth consistency.

• Test firing temperatures: Different underglazes mature at different temperatures, so test your pieces to avoid colour changes or defects.

  
  

By following these tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a solid foundation for your pottery decoration.

Essential Tools and Materials for Underglaze Pottery Tips

Having the right tools and materials is crucial for mastering underglaze techniques. Here’s a list of essentials to keep on hand:

1. Underglaze colours: Available in liquid, pencil, or powder form. Liquid underglazes are easiest to use for beginners.

2. Brushes: A variety of sizes and shapes, including fine liners for detail and flat brushes for broad strokes.

3. Sponges and carving tools: For blending and creating texture.

4. Palette or mixing tray: To mix and thin colours.

5. Clear glaze: To seal and protect your underglaze designs.

6. Bisque-fired pottery: Ready for decoration.

   
   

Using these materials properly will help you achieve clean lines, vibrant colors, and smooth finishes.

Exploring Different Underglaze Application Techniques

There are several ways to apply underglaze, each offering unique effects. Experimenting with these methods can help you find your style:

• Brush painting: The most common technique, allowing for detailed patterns and layering.

• Sponging: Dab underglaze with a sponge for a textured, mottled effect.

• Stenciling: Use stencils to create sharp, repeatable designs.

• Sgraffito: Apply a layer of underglaze, then scratch through it to reveal the clay beneath.

• Slip trailing: Use a squeeze bottle to apply raised lines of underglaze for a 3D effect.

  
  

Try combining these techniques to add depth and interest to your pottery.

Adding classic dots and gold lustre to transfers will elevate your piece.

Tips for Firing and Glazing Your Underglaze Pottery

Firing is a critical step that affects the final appearance of your underglaze work. Here are some firing tips to ensure success:

• Use the correct firing temperature: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your underglaze and clay body.

• Apply a clear glaze evenly: Avoid thick or uneven glaze layers that can obscure your design.

• Avoid over firing: Excessive heat can cause colours to dull or run.

• Test small pieces first: This helps you understand how your underglaze reacts in the kiln.

• Allow proper cooling: Sudden temperature changes can cause cracking.

  
  

Proper firing preserves the vibrancy and detail of your underglaze decoration.

Enhancing Your Pottery with Advanced Underglaze Techniques

Once you are comfortable with basic methods, you can experiment with advanced techniques to create more complex and artistic pieces like the on the test tiles below:

• Layering colours: Build up multiple layers of underglaze to create depth and shading.

• Mixing colours: Blend different underglaze colours on your palette for custom shades.

• Using resist materials: Apply wax or latex resist to protect areas from underglaze.

• Incorporating textures (tile 1 below): Combine underglaze with carving or stamping for tactile surfaces.

• Combining with other media: Add metallic lustres or overglaze enamels after firing for extra effects.

Test tiles using underglaze transfers, stamps and hand painted underglaze colours.

These techniques require patience and practice but can significantly enhance your pottery’s unique aesthetic.

Final Thoughts on Perfecting Your Underglaze Pottery Skills

Mastering the art of underglaze decoration opens up endless creative possibilities. By understanding the materials, practicing different application methods, and carefully controlling firing conditions, you can produce pottery that is both beautiful and durable.

Remember to experiment using test tiles, keep detailed notes on your processes, and enjoy the journey of discovery.

Watch a tutorial using underglaze paint and an underglaze transfer here on instagram.

Happy experimenting!