Beginning Ceramics A

Staining

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The pinch tea bowl will be used to apply engobes or underglazes as a stain on the outside decoration.

Colors that can be applied to Ceramics:

1. Engobes and Underglazes – These are used to decorate bisqueware.  They can be used for detail.  For permanence, a glaze is applied over an underglaze after the color has been fired on the ceramic work.  Engobes and underglazes can also be used for staining.
2. Glazes – Glaze is a glassy coating that fuses to the surface of the clay in the presence of heat.  It is non-porous when fired to maturity, has great strength, imparts color or texture, and can protect engobes and underglazes.

Glazes are classified by appearance (glossy, matt, satin matt, opaque, translucent, or clear), color, and temperature at which they should be fired.

Final appearance of a glaze will depend upon the color and texture of the clay body underneath the glaze and the firing conditions in the kiln.

Steps for Staining:  This is to be done on bisqueware projects only!

1.                  Be sure to get all supplies necessary before you begin staining your pinch tea bowl.

2.                  Cover your table with newspaper.

3.                  Select your underglaze/engobe colors. 

4.                  Before you use the underglaze/engobe, you have to mix it.  The solid particles of the underglaze/engobe tend to settle and are at the bottom of the container.  First shake the container to begin to mix the color.  Then using a large brush to be sure to get all of the dry ingredients from the bottom. 

5.                  After properly mixing each of the colors, pour each color into its own small bowl to work at your table.

6.                  Write down the colors you are using on your project sheet that has the entry for your pinch tea bowl.

7.                  Sponge off or rinse off dust from your project.

8.                  Apply the underglaze/engobe with a brush to the outside decoration on your bowl.

9.                  Dry with a blow dryer.

10.              Using a clean, moist sponge, carefully wipe off the color you have just applied.

11.              After you have completed your staining, put your bowl on the wire shelves (glaze shelves) that are located behind the wall where the kilns are located.

12.              Your bowl should be placed on the shelf according to its height.  Look at the red marks on the support posts for the height of each shelf.

13.              Your bowl will be fired and then you are ready to apply a glaze color to the interior of your bowl and clear glaze to the outside.

Contact Ms. Bennett at (415) 334-0525, voice mail 312
or e-mail:  gbennett@mercyhs.org

This site maintained by
Ms. Gail Bennett
Last Updated 04/12/08