There’s nothing quite as satisfying as finally putting your pottery piece on display for the world to see. Of course, this comes after a lengthy process of patiently forming the clay before baking it and applying paint or glaze to finish it off.
This is slightly more complex than just applying any old paint to finish it off. Many people choose to make use of ceramic materials when it comes to painting their creations. This can include slips, underglazes, and oxide stains. Some of these materials can air dry, while others require some baking time to adhere to the surface – be sure to read the label beforehand to prevent unnecessary frustration.
At the end of the day, you want to take your creation to the next level, the last thing you want is to do something with good intention only to have it not work out the way you thought it would. For example, some paints may flake off if not properly applied while others simply may not dry.
Another aspect to consider is if the piece will be used for decorative purposes or if it will be used as a wear and tear item. In some cases, decorative pieces open themselves up to a wider range of paints as they do not get handles as often. To help you navigate this tricky world, we’ve compiled a shortlist of the possible paints and related substances to add colour to your piece.
Underglazes and Glazes
For a slight colouration, almost like a watercolour effect, an underglaze works wonders. It’s thin enough to apply easily and strong enough to seal off your work in the process. We recommend using a semi-moist glaze when doing so.
A liquid glaze is more effective when it comes to creating an acrylic paint effect. For this effect to work, you will need to apply a thick coat to the surface. We recommend a three-layered approach, letting the graze dry properly between applications.
Regardless of the glaze, you choose to use, it is important to remember that it is heat sensitive and can become molten in some instances. If this does happen, you may find the colour and patterns changing.
Slips
This is essentially a suspension of liquified clay. This liquid is often white or an oxide rich colour and requires a degree of experimentation to achieve the desired results. Much like when you enjoy the online gambling Nigeria offers.
Slips work best on greenware. They are also a great option as they are easy to clean and can match the colour of the clay that you used should you choose to.
Nail Polish and Acrylic Paint
To add more distinctive designs and patterns to your piece, nail polish and acrylic paints work best. These paints are not as durable as glazes and run the risk of peeling off.
The first thing you need to do is determine what the purpose of your piece is, followed by what it should look like. Once this has been established, you can start painting up a storm.