Decorating curved ceramic pieces can be challenging, especially when painting directly onto the surface. One Time Underglaze Transfers offer a simple yet effective way to add intricate designs and patterns to your pottery. With this method, you can create multiple designs in advance, cut them out, and layer them onto your pieces as needed. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating and using underglaze transfers, along with helpful tips to make the process easier.
What Are One Time Underglaze Transfers?
One Time Underglaze Transfers are hand-drawn or painted designs that you can apply to your ceramic pieces. These transfers allow for detailed and complex artwork to be added to curved or uneven surfaces without the difficulties of direct painting. The beauty of this method is that you can make the designs in advance, store them for months, and use them whenever you’re ready to decorate your pottery.
Supplies and Materials Needed
Before you start making your One Time Underglaze Transfers, gather the following supplies:
- Underglaze or Underglaze Ink (colors of your choice)
- Scissors
- Slip or Casting Slip
- You can use regular slip, but casting slip works faster.
- Brushes for applying underglaze and slip
- Applicator Bottles (optional) for fine details and outlines
- Black underglaze is great for outlining.
- Pencil or Pen (optional) for sketching designs on the transfer paper
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making One Time Underglaze Transfers
- Plan Your Design
- Before you start, it’s important to remember that whatever you apply first will become the foreground of your design, and what you apply last will be the background. This requires a bit of thinking ahead but gets easier with practice.
- Create the Outline (Optional)
- If you prefer to outline your design first, use an applicator bottle filled with black underglaze to sketch the main shapes. This will form the base of your transfer.
- Fill in with Color
- Once the outline is complete, use different colors of underglaze to block in the sections of your design. Be sure to work from the foreground to the background to maintain the correct layering.
- Let the Design Dry
- After finishing your design, let the underglaze dry completely. You can store the dried transfers for months, so consider making several at once to use later.
How to Apply One Time Underglaze Transfers to Your Pottery
- Cut Out the Design
- When you’re ready to use your transfer, cut out the shape or section of the design you want to apply. Precision isn’t necessary unless you’re aiming for exact edges.
- Apply Slip to the Transfer
- On the same side of the newsprint that you painted on, brush a thin layer of slip over the design. This will help transfer the underglaze onto your clay piece.
- If you’re using regular slip, keep in mind it may have more water content. You can also deflocculate it to reduce water.
- Transfer the Design to the Pot
- Wait until the slip loses its sheen, then place the transfer carefully onto your ceramic piece, ensuring the design side is facing the clay.
- Rib the Transfer
- Use a rib tool to gently press the transfer paper onto the surface of the pot. Be sure to cover the entire design evenly.
- Peel Off the Paper Slowly
- Slowly peel off the paper to reveal the underglaze design on your pottery. If the design doesn’t fully transfer, place the paper back down and rib it again to ensure full contact.
Pro Tip: Using Paper as a Resist
If you want to create more detailed designs, you can leave the paper on the pot and apply additional underglaze around the edges. The paper will resist the underglaze, helping you create sharp, clean lines without worrying about staying inside the lines.
Additional Tips for Success
- Mind the Layering: Keep in mind that whatever you put down first will appear in the foreground of the design, so plan accordingly.
- Store in Advance: Make several transfers in advance and hang them on a clothesline to dry. You can cut and use them anytime, giving you more flexibility in your workflow.
- Experiment with Outlines: Using black underglaze to outline your design before filling in the colors adds extra definition and helps the details pop.
Conclusion
One Time Underglaze Transfers are a versatile and creative way to add detailed designs to your ceramic pieces, especially those with curved or irregular surfaces. With a little practice, you’ll master the layering technique and be able to apply intricate patterns with ease. Plus, since you can make these transfers in advance and store them for future use, it’s a time-saving method for pottery decoration. Give it a try and unlock new design possibilities for your pottery projects!