|
To browse and shop
choose categories to the left!
For more info go
to our tips and info section
Bisque:
A white canvas
for you to create a one of a kind master piece;
Just what
is Bisque?
Steps in the process:
-
Clay elements, from the Earth, which are
mixed with water form a liquid clay, called
slip.
-
This is then poured into a plaster mold. The
plaster absorbs the excess water, depositing
clay onto the walls of the mold.
-
Excess slip is drained from the mold,
leaving a clay shell (or Greenware) that has
formed within.
-
The clay is allowed to set until the casted
piece is hard enough to be remove.
-
The mold is then opened, separating the
halves, revealing a clay shell within.
-
Parts are now attached, pitcher handle,
arms, etc. The piece is then allowed to dry.
-
Seam lines are now removed and any
imperfections are cleaned.
-
Greenware is then fired to remove moisture
and mature the clay into a hard, durable
ceramic object.
-
The FIRING
process:
-
The firing is done in an oven that is called
a "kiln" with temperatures ranging from
1830F to 2350F.
-
A slow firing is needed, about 8 hours for
the piece to properly fire.
-
Then the kiln is shut off and allowed to
cool naturally to room temperature, another
12 hours, before opening.
-
Decorating Techniques:
-
No-Fired
products:
-
Antiquing, Drybrushing, Marbleizing,
Spattering, Sponging, Stenciling, and
Stippling
-
Mainly used for decorative purposes.
-
Utility items can be decorated with no-fired
colors (acrylic paints) Not for food or
water ornamental only.
-
Fired products
-
Pieces can be returned for firing at a local
ceramic shop.
-
We carry a full line of Duncan, Mayco, Gare
Laguna paints.
-
Always read the Label on all jars, and
follow the instruction.
-
Ask for help if needed and do testing before
doing a quantity of items.
-
With ready to paint
ceramic bisque, you can easily create
that special piece in the color and style that is
just not found any where but in your imagination!
Now bring it to life, and create....
- Find
your favorite subject theme in ceramic bisque -
dolls, carousel, chess sets, fish, birds, cats,
fantasy, dragons, dishes, gargoyles, Christmas, and
many others.
-
Discover the exciting hobby of painting and
decorating ceramic bisque.
- Take a
look at all you can create.
- Items
in every category imaginable, ready to paint and
decorate.
- All
items sold on this site come unpainted only.
Always begin by rinsing your unpainted ceramic bisque
piece under cold water. This rinses off dust particles
and allows paint to adhere better on your piece. Do not
rub any towels or anything to dry it. Wait 3 minutes and
start painting even though it feels moist.
A good way to decide what you want to
paint is to use a regular pencil and draw out you
design. All pencil marks will burn off of your ceramic
bisque during firing. Another good tool is to get some
ceramic carbon paper (sold on this web site) and trace
things on. The carbon paper is live on one side only and
leaves a pencil like line. This too will burn off during
firing.
Certain underglazes are made
specifically for unpainted bisque (concepts, stroke &
coat & fun coats). Most of these work the same way. One
coat for translucent, two for semi opaque and three
coats for opaque. Keep in mind that when you do multiple
coats do not make multiple brush passes on the second
and third coats, only one pass. This will only serve to
move the bottom coats around defeating the purpose of
getting an opaque look. But instead you will get
streaking.
Clear glazing your bisque piece requires
caution because dried underglazes are on the powdery
side. Therefore when brushing wet glaze over underglazes
if one is not careful, it will create colors to run. One
good piece of advice is to use a good glazing fan brush
(sold on this web site). When applying the clear glaze
only make one pass over every area. Allow the glaze to
dry and apply the second coat with one pass only. Do not
keep brushing over same area for this will create a
smear on the colors. Most clear glazes like IN-1001 or
GL-612 by Duncan
(sold on this web site) require 2 to 3 coats. Read
label for specifics. Allow glaze on ceramic bisque to
dry thoroughly then fire to cone 06.
As always if you have a specific problem
you are welcome to email us with the symptom and we will
try to come up with the right remedy for you.
Happy painting! And as always, you can
find all the ceramic bisque you need right here in our
store!
More than 1500 colors available on our
web site.
|
