Question:
How do I decorate my ware?
Cloth/slip textures
Any type of cotton or cloth will burn out during the firing process. For a different effect, you can try soaking cloth or cotton in slip and adding it to your piece for decoration. During the firing process it will fire out leaving just the thin layer of clay that it originally absorbed. Most people think that this only applies to porcelain, but it can be used with ceramic slips as well.
Interesting finish
You can create an interesting finish by mixing a cup of slip with a teaspoon of vinegar and painting it onto greenware.
Over-wetting
If you leave your decal in water too long, too much glue will be removed and it will not fire properly
Slip trailing
There are lots of plastic squeeze bottles on the market today and they can be used in many ways for decorating ceramics. Slip trailing is just one idea.
firing
In firing a lustre/overglaze, the glaze is softened to the point where the overglaze settles onto the softened surface and becomes a part of that surface.
Overfiring an overglaze will cause colours to sink too deeply into the glaze resulting in distortion, fade-out or burn-out.
A different texture
You know those rolls of rubbery stuff you can buy to cover your shelves to cushion glasses and plates? They make great texture when rolled into slabs.
Thickening china paints
It is possible to thicken china paints with castor oil
Airbrushed: Protect a piece
You can protect an airbrushed piece that smears easily by spraying on a light coating of glue before firing. You can then handle piece for placement in kiln without worry.
Christmas decorations
You can make an unusual background for Christmas decorations by dipping a pine or spruce bow in slip, fire it on a tile and spray-glaze it.
Designs
If you want to create an unusual design on a piece, use one of those plastic doilies as a stencil. Simply lay one on a piece and sponge colour through the holes.
Brushes
Most brush-on sealers are water soluable and brushes may be cleaned effectively with water. Be sure to check label.
Sealing gold leaf
You can use clear spray fixative for sealing those pieces you have decorated with gold leaf.
Wetting
Be sure not to wet decals too much as they must maintain enough adhesive for a solid bond with your piece after being soaked and transferred to your piece
description
Technically, ceramic decals employ the use of china paints which are printed in decorative designs on special paper
Design sectioning
If you need to divide a plate or pot into three equal parts, you can use the top part of a lamp shade frame. The ring in the center can be used as a guide.
Wax resist
What can I use if I have no wax or shallac for resist?
In a pinch, use white glue (like Elmer's glue) for resist. It doesn't repel glaze as well as wax, but isn't bad.
Add-ons
To make an add-on, all you have to do is select a flat mold or plaster bat and pour the slip on the flat surface. To make an add –on, work the wet clay in your hands like bread dough, folding from time to time to eliminate air bubbles. A few drops of glycerine or warm water will slow the drying time of a piece of clay you are working with your hands to form an add-on. To attach an add-on to a piece of greenware, use liquid clay or slip. It is best to dampen the greenware surface before applying the add-on. Be sure to apply your add-on solidly to the greenware. Any air pockets left under your add-on will make for and explosion in the kiln later.
Percection
Many highbrow ceramists look down on decals as the easy way out for decorating ceramic pieces but don't pay any attention to them
Removing air
When applying decals, it is important that all the air bubbles are removed from under the decal before it is allowed to dry. If not, a hole will result in that area during firing.
Quality
Decals we use in hobby ceramics are specially formulated for that special purpose. You cannot use five and dime decals to achieve the same results.
Cut a hole
Do you need to cut a hole in a piece of greenware? While it is still wet, use a washer or even the metal lid from any can as a pattern. The cutout will be perfectly round.
Burn-spots
To avoid burn spots on your designs, you must be sure that your decal is completely dry before firing.
Let your decals dry at least 24 hours before firing.
Texture tools
Use your imagination! Almost every household item or kitchen gadget you have will create a different texture when used on greenware. You may try dipping the various tools in slip as well to create designs.
Did you know
Of all the overglaze products, decals are the only one that employ water in your method of application.
Attractive edges on plates
Attractive edges on plates or special designs on vases are possible by sponging colour through plastic or other doilies.
Marbleizing liquid
Marbleizing liquid is a water-based product and the brush should be cleaned in soap and water.
Cutting your Decal
When using decals, you may find that only parts of a decal design are required. You can easily cut them apart with a pair of scissors.
Air-brush(Emergency)
If you need and emergency airbrush, try using a spray bottle, insect sprayer or even your vacuum cleaner.
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| Jolyn Wells-Moran |
