Description

Australian made Earthenware Brush On Glaze is an earthenware glaze that is ready mixed for decorating bisque fired earthenware or terracotta clay. Each coat of glaze should be applied with a large, soft hake brush. Allow glaze to dry between coats. Once glaze application is complete the piece will need to be fired. Firing range: 1060°C to 1100°C. Prices vary depending on the colour, please see the colour chart. Underglaze and Stoneware Glaze also Available.

How to Use Your Earthenware Brush On Glaze:

Stir your earthenware glaze thoroughly until it reaches a melted milkshake consistency, then apply 2–3 even coats using a soft, flat brush (synthetic or goat hair). Let each coat lose its “wet” look before applying the next, ideally in opposite directions (e.g., horizontal then vertical) to ensure uniform coverage. Avoid over-brushing, which can lift previous layers. Use a banding wheel for smooth application and clean any glaze from the foot or rim as needed.

Detailed Guide to Brush-On Glazing

1. Preparation

• Check Consistency: If the glaze has thickened, add a tiny amount of water and stir until it reaches a “melted milkshake” or “single cream” consistency.
• Stir Well: Glaze materials settle quickly. Stir thoroughly before and periodically during use to ensure the glaze is properly suspended.
• Surface Prep: Ensure your bisque piece is free of dust. Wipe it down with a damp sponge if necessary.

2. Choosing the Right Brush

• Soft is Best: Use a soft, flat-bristled brush (goat hair or high-quality synthetic). Stiff, bristly brushes can streak the glaze or scrape it off instead of laying it on.
• The “Makeup” Hack: Large, soft synthetic makeup brushes (like blusher or bronzer brushes) are excellent alternatives that hold plenty of glaze for even coverage.

3. Application Technique

• Load the Brush: Immerse the bristles fully into the glaze. A properly loaded brush should be “plump” and dripping.
• Apply, Don’t Scrape: Lay the glaze onto the surface rather than scrubbing it in. Imagine you are frosting a cake.
• Layering:
• Apply the first coat and wait for it to lose its wet sheen.
• Apply the second (and third) coat in a different direction than the previous one. This cross-hatching helps fill in gaps and prevents visible brush strokes.
• Troubleshooting: If the glaze starts to feel “draggy” or dry under the brush, you are likely not using enough glaze. Reload your brush and continue from where you left off.

4. Pro-Tips for Success

• Banding Wheel: If possible, use a banding wheel to spin your piece. This helps achieve smooth, consistent strokes without stopping and starting.
• Clean-up: If you get glaze on the foot of your pottery where it shouldn’t be, wipe it off with a damp sponge immediately.
• Thickness Check: A good rule of thumb is that the combined layers should be roughly the thickness of a t-shirt. Too thin may cause bare spots; too thick may cause the glaze to crawl or run in the kiln.