Lena Rivera
Underglaze is a method of decorating pottery where paint is applied to the surface of clay before it is covered with a transparent ceramic glaze and fired in a kiln. This process results in a uniform sheen and ensures that the decoration is durable. Underglaze can be applied at any point in the firing process before the glaze, and it can be used on both greenware (unfired pottery) and bisqueware (fired pottery before it is glazed). The paint is typically applied in layers to achieve the desired colour opacity and vibrancy. Historically, underglaze decoration was commonly used in Persian pottery, Delftware, and Ottoman İznik pottery, often featuring blue and white designs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A method of decorating pottery in which painted decoration is applied to the surface before it is covered with a transparent ceramic glaze and fired in a kiln |
| Composition | A mix of clay, colorant and water |
| Application | Painted on bone dry pottery, can be applied at any point in the firing process before glaze |
| Colours | Blue, brown, red, black, white, turquoise, purple, green |
| Techniques | Layering, dipping, brushing, drawing with tools like pencils, pens and crayons |
| Firing | Bisque firing, glost firing |
| Types | Underglaze decals and transfers, overglaze |
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What You'll Learn
- Underglaze is a method of decorating pottery where paint is applied before a glaze
- The paint is made from a mix of clay, colourant and water
- It is applied to bone dry pottery, which is the most fragile state of clay
- The paint is applied in layers to ensure the colours are not transparent after firing
- Underglaze was used in Persian pottery, often in blue using local cobalt
Underglaze is a method of decorating pottery where paint is applied before a glaze
Underglaze is made from a mix of clay, colourant, and water. It can be applied to greenware (unfired pottery) or bisqueware (fired pottery before it is glazed). When applying underglaze to a bisqued piece, it is recommended to hold it with a clean cloth. It can be applied using brushes or by dipping the piece in a bucket of underglaze. Smaller brushes are used for delicate designs, while larger brushes are used for painting backgrounds. It is also possible to draw on the piece with a regular pencil before applying the underglaze, as the pencil marks will burn off during firing.
To achieve a vibrant design, multiple layers of underglaze can be applied, with up to six coats recommended. The layers should be built up from light to dark colours, with the outline painted in black. This process allows for easy layering and corrections, as the underglaze can be wiped or scratched away if mistakes are made. Watering down the underglaze can also help achieve the desired thickness and opacity of the colour.
Once the underglaze decoration is complete, a transparent ceramic glaze is applied over it before the piece is fired in a kiln. This glaze gives the pottery a uniform sheen and ensures the durability of the decoration.
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The paint is made from a mix of clay, colourant and water
Underglaze is a method of decorating pottery in which painted decoration is applied to the surface before it is covered with a transparent ceramic glaze and fired in a kiln. The paint used for underglaze is made from a mix of clay, colourant and water. This mixture is applied in several layers to ensure the colours and patterns are not transparent after firing and that the final product is vivid and detailed.
The process of painting with underglaze begins with a sketch on the pottery using a regular HB or 2HB graphite pencil, which burns away during the bisque firing. Colours are then applied, from light to dark, with lighter layers going on first, followed by darker layers, and the outline in black. Up to six coats of paint can be applied to achieve the desired finish.
The final colour of the underglaze will depend on the clay it is used on and the glaze it is paired with. Certain combinations of glaze and underglaze are incompatible and will cause colours to run or smudge. For instance, most clear glazes containing zinc will not work with reds and browns, and sometimes greens.
Underglaze decoration uses pigments derived from oxides, which fuse with the glaze when the piece is fired in a kiln. This method of decoration is durable and gives the pottery a uniform sheen. It is also cheaper than overglaze decoration, as only a single firing is needed, whereas overglaze decoration requires a second firing at a lower temperature.
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It is applied to bone dry pottery, which is the most fragile state of clay
Underglaze is a decorative technique used on pottery, where a coloured pattern is applied to clay before it is glazed and fired. It is often applied to bone dry pottery, which is the most fragile state of clay. This technique is delicate and requires careful handling.
To apply underglaze to bone dry pottery, it is recommended to start with a sketch on the clay form using a regular pencil, which will burn off during the firing process. This provides guidelines for the design and can be especially helpful for figurative painting or creating patterns. After the sketch is complete, the chosen colours can be applied in layers, similar to painting on a canvas. It is important to start with lighter colours and gradually add darker shades, eventually painting the outline in black.
The number of coats of underglaze depends on the desired effect and the colours used. Generally, one to three coats are applied, with most colours requiring two coats for optimal results. However, when applying white underglaze over dark clay, three coats may be necessary. Once the underglaze is dry, it can be sealed with a layer of transparent glaze, which enhances the vibrancy of the colours.
Applying underglaze to bone dry pottery offers several advantages. Firstly, it dries quickly, allowing for easy layering and the ability to make adjustments by wiping or scratching away mistakes. Secondly, it provides a smooth surface for painting, ensuring that subsequent layers of underglaze or glaze adhere properly. Additionally, the fragile state of the clay allows for intricate designs and precise decorative elements.
Overall, applying underglaze to bone dry pottery requires skill and precision, but it enables artists to create unique and colourful designs on their ceramic pieces.
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The paint is applied in layers to ensure the colours are not transparent after firing
Underglaze is a method of decorating pottery where paint is applied to the surface of clay before it is covered with a transparent glaze and fired in a kiln. The paint is applied in layers to ensure the colours are not transparent after firing. This is because, in the firing process, the glaze subsequently covers the paint, and such decoration is completely durable.
The number of layers of paint can vary, but it can be up to six coats to get the required finish. The layers are applied from light to dark, with lighter layers applied first and then darker layers until the outline is painted. This is because, with transparent paints, the particles of pigment settle on the paper, allowing light to pass between them and bounce back through the layers of colour. This gives a certain luminosity to the paint while allowing the viewer to see all the colours.
However, with opaque paints, light cannot pass through the top layer, so the underlayers and paper remain hidden. The effect is a flatter, more matte colour. As opaque colours are denser, they also carry a greater risk of turning mixes muddy. Therefore, the choice of transparent versus opaque paints will depend on the technique used and the effect required. If luminosity and clear, bright colours are desired, transparent pigments will perform better.
In addition, the application of layers of paint depends on the type of paint used. For instance, there are technical rules for oil painters, who have to layer fat layers over lean ones to avoid cracking. In contrast, there are no technical rules for acrylic paint, and one can move from light to dark or dark to light.
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Underglaze was used in Persian pottery, often in blue using local cobalt
Underglaze is a method of decorating pottery by painting its surface before covering it with a transparent glaze. This technique was used in Persia (modern-day Iran) as early as the Neolithic Age (7th millennium BCE). Persian pottery is known for its intricate designs and vibrant colours, often featuring Islamic motifs.
The use of underglaze in Persian pottery is particularly notable for its frequent use of blue, achieved using local cobalt. This cobalt was traded with China, where it was used in the creation of highly prized porcelain wares. The cobalt was applied to the biscuit-baked pottery, turning into a beautiful blue when fired. This colour became a signature of Persian ceramics and was often used in combination with other colours and decorative techniques.
The history of Persian pottery is rich and diverse, with various styles and innovations emerging over the centuries. One notable period is the Seljuk period, when Kashan was the main centre of production for fine wares, including lustreware and underglaze painted ware. This era saw the development of a new fritware or "stonepaste" body that could be glazed with a white glaze, allowing for thinner walls and a more translucent appearance.
Persian potters were highly skilled and adaptable, constantly refining their techniques and incorporating influences from other cultures. For example, they imitated Chinese porcelain and adapted their designs to the tastes of their customers, including the Arabic market. This led to the creation of intricate patterns and foliage motifs that adorned their pottery.
The use of underglaze in Persian pottery declined in the 18th century with the development of alternative glazing techniques that did not require such high temperatures. However, the legacy of Persian ceramics and their use of underglaze continues to inspire artists and collectors worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Underglaze is a method of decorating pottery where paint is applied to the surface before it is covered with a transparent ceramic glaze and fired in a kiln.
Underglaze can be applied by dipping the pottery in a bucket of underglaze, or by using brushes, pens, or crayons. Smaller brushes are used for delicate designs, while larger brushes are used for painting backgrounds.
Underglaze can be applied at any point in the firing process before glaze. It is best applied when the clay is bone dry, as this is when it is most fragile.
Underglazes are made from a mix of clay, colourant, and water.
