Using Ez Strokes On Unfired Lg11 White Glaze

Underglaze is typically applied first, followed by a clear or semi-transparent glaze. However, it is possible to apply underglaze on top of glaze, and this technique is known as 'majolica' or 'maiolica'. The success of this method depends on the type of underglaze and glaze used, as well as their interaction and behaviour when fired. For instance, an underglaze with a high clay content may cause problems when applied on top of a glaze, whereas a stain mixed with little or no clay is usually not an issue. Furthermore, the temperature of firing plays a crucial role, and it is recommended to conduct a test firing beforehand.

Duncan E-Z Stroke® Underglazes, for example, can be applied over unfired non-moving glazes and then fired. They are ideal for brushwork, airbrushing, and antiquing, and can be used to create watercolour effects or add shading and depth. However, it is important to note that E-Z Strokes are fragile when unfired, and additional coats should not be applied once the colour has dried to avoid popping off, bleeding, or bubbling.

The majolica technique involves painting on top of unfired glaze

The majolica technique involves painting on top of an unfired glaze. This technique has been used since the 8th century and was first developed in the Middle East to imitate Chinese Porcelain. It was brought to Spain by the Moors, and from there, it spread to Italy and France, where it was known as 'maiolica' and 'faience', respectively.

The process typically involves coating terracotta clay or red-ware in an opaque white glaze, which is then painted on with decorative stains and oxides. The white glaze can be applied by dipping, brushing, or pouring, and it needs to be completely dry before painting. The decorations can be sketched out with a pencil first, and then painted with a round, natural-hair quill brush. The paint is typically a mixture of stains, underglaze, and water, and it is applied in thin coats to create a transparent, layered look.

When using the majolica technique, it is important to consider the type of underglaze and glaze being used, as well as the firing temperature, as these factors can affect the final result. For example, underglazes with a high clay content may interact badly with the glaze, causing blistering or peeling. To avoid this, it is recommended to use underglazes with a higher percentage of flux, as they behave more like glazes and are more successful in inglazing. Additionally, it is important to work on a very dry glaze surface and to let each layer dry completely before adding another.

Duncan E-Z Stroke® Translucent Underglazes can be used effectively in the majolica technique by applying them over unfired non-moving glazes and then firing to cone 06. These underglazes are ideal for creating a watercolour effect and can be applied by brushwork, airbrushing, or antiquing. They can be used on almost all clay bodies and are safe for serving food when coated with a food-safe clear glaze.

Underglaze can be applied to greenware or bisqueware

Applying Underglaze to Greenware

Applying underglaze to greenware (unfired pottery) is like working with a blank canvas. The artist can apply a wide range of underglaze colours to greenware. However, bone-dry clay is very fragile, so it's best to apply underglaze when the clay is leather-hard.

Applying Underglaze to Bisqueware

Bisqueware is less fragile than greenware. Artists don't have to worry about the underglaze making the clay body too wet. It's also easier to add small details and blend colours when working with bisqueware.

General Tips for Applying Underglaze

Underglaze can be applied in a variety of ways, including brushing, dipping, spraying, trailing, stamping, masking, drawing with pencils and markers, and transfers and decals. Brushing is the most popular method. Artists can also create interesting effects by mixing different colours of underglaze.

Firing and Glazing

After the underglaze has been applied and dried, a clear topcoat should be brushed on before firing the piece. Commercial underglazes can be fired to different temperatures, so it's important to read the instructions on the product label.

Underglaze can be used to tint clay slip, most glazes, and other E-Z Stroke colours

E-Z Stroke Underglazes are perfect for airbrushing. You can use them to tint clay slip, most glazes, fired snow, and other E-Z Stroke colours. You can achieve high definition and detail by adding water to E-Z Stroke colour and using a very fine brush.

E-Z Stroke Underglazes are also safe for serving food when coated with a food-safe clear glaze. They are non-toxic and dinnerware safe when clear glaze is applied.

However, it is important to note that the success of using underglaze over glaze depends on a few factors, such as the type of underglaze, the combination of the glaze and underglaze, the firing temperature, and how the underglaze and glaze interact with each other. It is recommended to do a test run on tiles before applying underglaze over glaze to avoid spoiling a batch of pottery.

Underglaze can be applied over most underglazes, including Cover-Coat and other E-Z Stroke colours

E-Z Stroke underglazes are very fragile when unfired. When the water dries out of the pigment, there are no binders holding it in place. However, E-Z Stroke underglazes can be fired into the ware at an 04 or hotter cone, and most of the pigments will hold true up to a cone 10. This broad firing range allows artists to use E-Z Stroke underglazes on almost all clay bodies.

E-Z Stroke underglazes are perfect for airbrushing. The concentrated colour strength of E-Z Stroke underglazes is ideal for use in airbrush decoration. Thin the colour with Thin 'n Shade or water, using two parts of Thin 'n Shade to one part colour. Airbrush the thinned colour onto the greenware, passing over the desired area(s) until the intensity of the colour on the ware is the equivalent of the colour in the jar.

E-Z Stroke underglazes can also be used to tint clay slip, most glazes, fired snow, and other E-Z Stroke colours. High definition and detail can be achieved by adding water to the E-Z Stroke colour and using a very fine brush.

Single fire glazing is where you glaze greenware (unfired pottery) and put it through the kiln only once. Potters have single-fired their work for years, and a huge quantity of ceramic items throughout history were produced this way. However, cracking can be commonplace in single firing, and it's imperative that you make sure your greenware is completely dry before you put your glaze on and fire it, or it may explode in the kiln.

Underglaze can be applied to white base glazes, such as Amaco's Opaque White LG-11

Duncan E-Z Stroke® Translucent Underglazes can be applied over unfired glaze. They are ideal for brushwork, airbrushing, and antiquing, and can be used to create a watercolour effect or add shading and depth. E-Z Stroke® Underglazes can be applied directly to greenware or bisque and layered over most underglazes, including Cover-Coat® and other E-Z Stroke® colours. They are also safe for use on food containers when coated with a Duncan food-safe clear glaze.

When applying underglaze over a glaze, the success of the technique depends on the type of underglaze and glaze being used, as well as their behaviour and interaction when fired. It is recommended to do a test run on tiles to avoid spoiling a batch of pottery.

Majolica is a traditional technique that involves painting decorations on top of an unfired glaze. Commercially produced underglazes are available for this technique, such as the Spectrum Majolica 300 Series. Amaco Velvet Underglazes and Mayco Fundamentals Underglazes are also suitable for majolica.

Frequently asked questions