Today we’re doing some sgraffito work on our tiles using the small scraping tools. My method is lightly draw the tiles with pencil without having too much pressure, then start scraping using the pointy bamboo skewer. After I like how the outline looks, then I start using the scrapping tool.
Our teacher, Susan also taught us about glazing. A glaze is a coating applied to ceramic that have been fired once.The purpose of a glaze is:
1. To protect the surface of the clay from dust, dirt, etc.
2. To make the piece water-proof. Containers that hold water should be glazed inside and outside, if the glaze is not applied properly the container may leak.
3. To make the piece pleasant to the touch.
4. For decoration.
Now I have a clearer idea what is underglaze, glaze and clear glaze. Basically underglaze is used when you want to do details drawing, because it holds the color very well and do not bleed. For me, it’s kinda like acrylic painting. Meanwhile, glaze, is similar to oil painting, where the color could bleed, resulting an interesting mix. But it’s not good for small details. Lastly, clear glaze is used to make the surface shiny and used for protective purposes. Clear glaze must be used when using underglaze, but glaze can be used alone.
Some important note from Susan:
1. Don’t be shy putting on the glaze. Don’t do scrubbing motion, but spread the glaze lightly and thickly. Rather than doing three thin coats, save the time and do two thick juicy coats! Now this is the interesting part: all three coats can be the same glaze OR different glaze.
2. It is unnecessary to glaze the bottom, but if you have to, do one thin layer only.
3. Watercolor or other soft brushes are good for applying glazes and draw, avoid oil painting brushes as it will drag the glazes.
4. Experiment!
Don’t be shy when applying glazes! Two thick coats is what you need.
mspucci 