Glazing/Painting

After bisque firing, pottery enters the glazing and painting stage—a creative phase where surface design and color bring the piece to life. At this point, the bisque ware is strong yet porous, making it ideal for absorbing glaze or underglaze decoration.

The process begins with cleaning the bisque surface to remove any dust, oils, or residue that might interfere with glaze adhesion. Once clean, the potter chooses a glazing or painting technique based on the desired finish and function of the piece. Glazes are liquid suspensions of minerals and oxides that will later melt into a glassy coating, while underglazes and ceramic stains are used for detailed painting or illustration before a transparent glaze is applied over them.

Application methods vary widely. Dipping provides an even, uniform coat; brushing allows for expressive strokes and layered designs; and spraying can achieve soft gradients or subtle transitions. For decorative pieces, potters may combine multiple techniques—painting intricate motifs with underglazes, then layering selective glaze coats to add depth and texture. Wax resist or masking techniques can also be used to create patterns and controlled contrasts between glazed and unglazed areas.

Throughout this process, the potter must balance creativity with technical care. The glaze thickness, overlapping layers, and chosen materials will all influence how the colors and textures develop during the next stage—glaze firing.

In essence, glazing and painting transform bisque ware from a neutral clay form into a canvas of expression, setting the stage for the final alchemy of fire that will reveal its true finish.