Colorful pottery, the different techniques

Ceramic colors

Let's talk colors, there are several ways to work color on a ceramic piece. It doesn't matter whether you use earthenware, stoneware or porcelain. Enamelling is not a mandatory step. You can tint the earth, or apply slip , it is also possible to play with pigments or apply stickers using a third firing.

I chose to work color through stoneware enamels . For me, applying glazes to ceramics is an important step in my artistic creation process. I find that they allow an infinite combination of colors . In this article we will explore the different methods of applying stoneware glazes, the types of glazes available and the factors to consider to achieve the desired result.

The different types of enamels and “special effects”

There are enamels designed for low temperatures or for high temperatures . Beyond the different firing ranges, enamels are available in a multitude of finishes, ranging from matte to glossy to satin .

These variations depend on their chemical composition as well as the effects sought by the ceramist, such as phase separation or oil stains . The latter are enamels categorized as “ special effects ”. I find them very interesting to work with for their mysterious side and the unique character of the rendering of each piece.

Other categories of enamels are just as interesting, and I haven't had time to explore them yet. We find shinos or even Raku firing, ash enamels, lava enamels... and others. Please note, not all enamels are food safe.

The different methods of applying enamels

The application of enamels can be done in several ways, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Common techniques include dipping , spray application using an enamelling gun, using brushes or even pouring liquid enamel directly onto the piece. Each of these methods influences the final result of the piece.

• Soaking : Immersing the piece in a bath of liquid enamel provides uniform and rapid coverage, ideal for simple shaped pieces. However, it can be difficult to control the thickness of the enamel and there is an increased risk of dripping.
  
  
• The spray : this method offers a fine and regular application, suitable for rooms of all shapes. It allows precise control of enamel thickness, but requires specific equipment and may be less effective for thick application.
  
  
• The Brush : Ideal for details and intricate designs, the brush provides control over the application of the glaze. However, this can be a laborious technique and requires some expertise to achieve a consistent result. Brush marks are often to be expected.
  
  
• Pouring : Pouring the enamel onto the piece allows for rapid coverage, while also offering the possibility of creating interesting effects. However, it can be difficult to control the thickness of the enamel and there is a risk of dripping.

The different factors to take into account for the final result

Beyond the chosen application method, there are several factors that influence the final appearance of the enamel. It is necessary to take into account the firing temperature of the biscuit piece and the humidity level of the pottery before application. For example, the enamel will not apply the same way if a damp sponge has been passed over the piece before application. The quantity of water added in the preparation of the enamel has a primordial role but also the duration of application of the latter. Finally, the temperature and the cooking curve have a major role in the result. All these parameters are variables to take into account because they have a significant impact on the final part.

The application methods I chose and examples of results.

Personally, for my pieces, I opted for a combination of the following application types: dipping and pouring . These approaches allow me to play with the superposition of enamels which, when melted in the kiln, give unique results . Each enamel reacts differently depending on the shape of the piece and the stoneware used. By carefully controlling the application time, I obtain a constant thickness while leaving room for a certain artistic spontaneity.

Here is an example of a mug with a thick layer on the rim and a thin layer on the wall. I like to play with these variations.

Enamel being a layer of glass , transparency is important in the final result. In a thick layer: the enamel is strong and resistant. It also gives intense color renderings. It appears more opaque, although the opacity depends on the composition of the recipe.

In a thin layer, the glass is very transparent and can appear very pronounced on dark stoneware. Light or even white earths give the effect of more vivid colors. Here is an example of the same enamel on two different stoneware:

Find the pitchers here .

Conclusion

The application of glazes to ceramics is both a controlled and random process. Each piece is unique, bearing the imprint of the technique and artistic choices of the ceramist. Despite all our efforts to master every aspect of the process, there remains an element of the unexpected and magic in the transformation of raw material into a work of art.