Reaserch: Ceramics Glazes Techniques

Brushing

Brush Marks 

Brushing technique 

The brushing technique is suitable for both base and decorative layers. The choice of brush size plays an important role in this technique. The next thing worth remembering is the fact that when painting, when we paint the first layer with horizontal movements, we should paint the next layer with vertical movements. Another important piece of information when using the glazing technique is the amount of glaze on the brush - if we apply too much of it, a streaky effect may occur (diamondcoretools.com, 2023).  To avoid the streaking effect, you can use a Chinese brush. They are constructed using bamboo stems, which make the brush soft. Using a soft brush when glazing makes application and spreading easier, which can minimize streaking effects. Japanese brushes with the original name Hake also work well with this technique. If we want to achieve a smoother hanging, it is worth considering using a painting roller. It will leave a texture on the dish, but the effect will be closer to smooth.

Technically, it is best to use unfired or green vessels for this method, due to the sucking of wet glaze from the brush. Most often, this technique is used on already fired vessels, where stains are not a problem or a specific quality of the brush is required (Hopper, 2018). This technique is for people who know the types of brushes and their properties well. People, who are familiar with painting techniques and who feel free to paint would feel equally good.

Dipping

Dipping Technique

This technique is most often used to obtain a thin layer on the cover of a ceramic product. This technique gives the option to dip the object in the glaze once to obtain a more delicate layer that can later be decorated. Or could dip the item in the glaze twice to get a stronger colour and a thicker covering layer (diamondcoretools.com, 2023). I think this could be a useful technique in my project since I'm thinking about combining two glazes together. In my project, I include a colour option in which the ceramic decoration has a cracking glaze that turns into an opalescent glaze. I need to do some technical research to see if such a connection is possible.

References:

DiamondCore Tools. (n.d.). Fire It Up Series: Glazing Techniques. [online] Available at: https://diamondcoretools.com/blogs/resources/pottery-glazing-techniques [Accessed 1 Feb. 2024].

Hopper, R. (2018). 8 Ways to Apply Glaze. [online] https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/. Available at: https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/pottery-making-illustrated/pottery-making-illustrated-article/8-Ways-to-Apply-Glaze# [Accessed 1 Feb. 2024].

Health Ceramics (n.d.). Cathy & Robin on Instagram: ‘Dipping the glaze on a piece for our summer seasonal collection.’ | Heath ceramics, Ceramic glaze recipes, Ceramics. [online] Pinterest. Available at: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/cathy-robin-on-instagram-dipping-the-glaze-on-a-piece-for-our-summer-seasonal-collection--15199717465292122/ [Accessed 15 Feb. 2024].