Underglaze

Chrysanthos Underglazes come in a large range of colours. When applied correctly to greenware or bisqueware they provide full opaque streak free coverage:

• On greenware, the clay is fired to bisque temperatures then covered with a suitable clear glaze and refired to seal the ceramic piece.
• On bisqueware, the Underglaze decoration should be thoroughly dry before being glazed over and then fired to recommended gloss temperatures to seal the ceramic piece.
• Most of the underglazes may be left unglazed to create a matt look similar to engobes. If fired higher on an appropriate clay body, the result may be slightly satin in appearance. If used in this way, they are mainly suitable for use on non functional ware.

If colour is being brushed on, an appropriate size soft-bristled brush should be used. If a larger area is being covered, a generous sized brush will minimise streakiness and allow a most even application.

To obtain optimum results, 2 – 3 coats of Underglaze should be applied using a well-loaded brush. Ensure each coat is dry before applying subsequent coats at right angles to one another (i.e. crosshatching).

Underglaze colours are designed for use directly from the bottle, although they may be sprayed or sponged. Clean water may be added to achieve alternate finishes or to adjust consistency for spraying.

Note: If employing the high bisque/low gloss method of firing as is the practice in the hobby industry, application of Underglazes on to bisque and glazing directly over the unfired decoration, (before firing to the lower glost temperatures) may result in a less vibrant colour, as the Underglazes will not have been exposed to the higher heat development during bisque firing. However, if your practice is to low bisque/high gloss, then colour representation will be the same for both bisque and greenware applications.

Chrysanthos Underglazeas have a broad recommended firing range and most will fire between cone 06 (999°C) and cone 10 (1,305°C).

Full Body opaque underglazes:

• Firing range is:
  A – Cone 06 (999°C) to Cone 5 (1,196°C);
  B – Cone 06 (999°C) to Cone 8 (1,263°C);
  C – cone 06 (999°C) to cone 10 (1,305°C)
• Sizes: 60 mL, 140 ml, 500 ml, 5 lt.
• Application: 1-3 coats greenware / bisque.
• Intermixable: Yes.