August 16, 2002, Newsletter Issue #103: How to Do Easy Relief Surfaces

Tip of the Week

Here´s How:
1. Dissolve shellac flakes to a thin, creamy consistency in Methylated Spirits (Alcohol).
2. Paint your designs with various brush sizes on to bone dry greenware.
3. If necessary, apply a couple of coats. This will depend on the initial consistency of the shellac.
4. Let the shellac dry thoroughly. If you´re in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer set to ´hot´.
5. Carefully wipe back layers of clay with a wet sponge. The clay will stay raised where you have applied the shellac.
6. After drying, the process may be repeated for layers of various depths.
7. Decorate, glaze and fire as usual.

Tips:
1. Be careful not to use too much water at any one time, otherwise cracks may appear, especially on thin ware.
2. Further effects can be achieved by additional carving.
3. Try experimenting with other nontraditional resist materials, like house paint!

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