Applying Underglazes to Ceramics

Gather all the necessary materials including underglazes, brushes, sponges, water, a palette, and bisque-fired ceramic ware.

Clean your ceramic piece of any dust or debris. Prepare your workspace by laying out your materials and protecting surfaces.

Shake or stir the underglaze to ensure that the color is evenly distributed throughout. Pour some underglaze onto a palette for easy access.

Apply the first coat of underglaze using a brush or sponge. Cover the ceramic piece evenly, making sure to get into all the crevices. Allow it to dry before applying further coats.

Once the first coat is dry, apply additional coats as needed to achieve the desired opacity and vibrancy. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Use smaller brushes to apply underglaze for fine details or to create designs. Work carefully to keep your lines crisp and colors separate if desired.

Allow the underglaze to dry completely. This may take longer if you’ve applied multiple coats or if the environment is humid.

Once the piece is dry, use a damp sponge or brush to clean up any mistakes or overlaps in the underglaze.

After the underglaze has dried and you've cleaned up any imperfections, apply a clear glaze over the piece if desired to seal the underglaze and give a glossy finish.

Carefully place the ceramic piece into a kiln and fire according to the underglaze and clear glaze manufacturers' specifications to set the underglaze and glaze.

Always test underglazes on a similar piece of bisque-fired ceramic to ensure color and finish meet your expectations before applying to your final piece.

Wear appropriate safety gear, such as masks or gloves, when mixing or applying underglazes, especially when using a kiln, as fumes may be toxic.