Pottery - Stage Three

Oxides are powdered metals that can be applied to your pottery for a decorative effect.

Really, metal oxides are metal elements that are combined with oxygen and ground to a powder. One great example of an oxide that can be used for decorating pottery is iron oxide. Iron oxide can be used to create a lovely rustic antique look on bisque-fired pottery.

You can buy iron oxide in its powdered form from a local pottery supplier or here through Amazon. Make the iron oxide powder into a solution by mixing it with some water. ThePotteryWheel.com author suggested that get a cup of iron oxide and put it into a plastic container. Then gradually add water to the oxide until it has the consistency that I want to use.

Iron oxide is best applied to bisque pottery that has a textured design on it. The bisque is very absorbent and will take the iron coloring really well. You can apply the solution by either dipping the bisque into the liquid, or painting it on with a brush.

If you are going to dip your bisque into the solution, it’s best to make the liquid the consistency of whole milk.Wear rubber gloves to avoid staining your hands.

Then holding the bisque in a gloved hand, dip the bisque into the iron oxide solution. Hold it in the solution for around 5 seconds. As you hold the bisque in the solution, move it around a little in your hands. This will ensure that all bisque is covered by the oxide.

Remove the bisque from the solution and allow the oxide mix to settle and absorb into pottery.

This should only take a moment as the bisque is very porous. Then use a damp sponge to wipe off the solution from the high points on the pottery. It’s best to have a clean bucket of water nearby to rinse your sponge regularly.

The iron oxide will stain the sponge quickly and you will need to rinse it to keep wiping. As you wipe the oxide will be removed from the high parts of the design on your bisque. By contrast, the recesses of the design will stay dark with the oxide. This lovely way of decorating pottery will give your piece an aged, antique look.

Another way to apply the oxide is to brush it on. It’s best when brushing the oxide, to make the solution a bit thicker. Something more of the consistency of single cream works well.

Oxides

“Green Tea 1“, by Elizabeth, (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Apply the solution to the piece with a brush, and allow it to absorb into the bisque. Then as with the above technique, use a damp sponge to wipe away the oxide on the raised areas of your piece.

Once you are happy with the look of your decorated ware, allow it to dry thoroughly. You can then apply a clear glaze to the decorated piece.

If you want the oxide surface to have a matte or satin finish, you can put a liner glaze on the inside of the pot. This will seal the porous bisque and make it functional. Or you can apply a clear glaze to the entire piece to give the whole pot a shine.