Beginning Ceramics B

Masking Techniques

Although all masking materials can be used in all processes and stages of the clay object, some are more suitable than others are.  If the area to be covered is large, then it is best to use papers and tapes.  Masks made of papers, tapes and films can be pre-cut or cut to shape when in position.  The different types of masks listed here are best used on a smooth surface where a clean sharp image is preferred.

Students may select one type of mask for decorating their project.  Students must use three colors and masks must overlap.  A student may choose to do a monochromatic or polychromatic color selection for this decorating technique.

Types of Masks – Paper, adhesive tapes, film (heavy plastic), purchased stickers or paper stencils.

1.                  Paper is an ideal material for masking as it is so versatile in that it can be cut or torn into an unlimited variety of shapes.  An ability to absorb water makes the paper more useful when resisting as the damp paper sticks to surfaces more easily.  In the damp state, the paper will also bend and contour itself better to a curved surface. 

The most versatile paper to use is one that is matt on one side and glossy on the other.  Its versatility is in the fact that the matt side allows the paper to be dampened to stick to the object while the shiny side gives it strength.

Simple, bold designs work best with paper.  Dipping, pouring, brushing, and spraying applications of underglazes can be used with paper.

2.                  Adhesives tapes are used on bisque surfaces as they stick to the dry surface.  It is important that the surface not be damp or dusty.  If a tape leaves some of the adhesive, it will burn out in the firing. 

Because the tapes are adhesive, there is less chance of the layer that they are masking creeping under the edge.  Also they tend to be much stronger than paper, rarely breaking when being removed.  The versatility of tapes lies in the fact that they can be positioned and removed and repositioned so that you can place the mask exactly where you want it.  The tapes can be overlapped to build up large areas, they can be cut on the piece to follow the contours in the piece, and they can give the finest of detail.

3.                  Film – All films can be cut with a sharp xacto knife or scissors for whatever design is required and they will stick well to bisqueware. 

4.                  Stickers – The most useful adhesive paper products are the variety of dots, triangles, stars, and other geometric shapes sold in packets for decorating and office situations.  Children’s stickers in the shape of cartoon characters and animals can also be used (these are usually plastic).

5.         Cardboard re-usable stencils of different shapes and subjects are available in books.  These are very useful to create a repetitive pattern.  You can create your own stencils by cutting out designs using an xacto blade and cardboard.

1.              This photo shows a background color of

underglaze already applied, paper cutouts

are placed on top of the coat of underglaze

after it is dried.  Another coat of a different

color underglaze is being painted

over the top of the cutouts.

2.              Another layer of stencils has been applied on

top of the second layer of underglaze.  Another

coat of underglaze is being applied.

3.              A layer of leaf-shaped stencils is being added

over the previous layer of underglaze.  A coat

of underglaze is splattered with a toothbrush

(a technique called “fake airbrushing”).

4.              The leaf stencils are removed with an xacto

knife, revealing the color below and leaving a

silhouette of the image.