How to Use Airbrushing Underglaze Onto Pottery

Airbrushing underglaze onto pottery is a popular technique for adding intricate designs, patterns, and color to ceramic pieces. This method involves using an airbrush to spray fine layers of underglaze onto the surface of the clay before firing it in a kiln. The result is a smooth and precise application of pigments that can create stunning effects on pottery.

In this guide, we will discuss the step-by-step process of how to use airbrushing underglaze onto pottery, as well as provide tips and tricks to help you achieve professional-looking results. If you’re new to airbrushing or just looking for some guidance, this guide is perfect for you. So let’s get started!

What is Underglaze?

Underglaze is a type of ceramic pigment that is applied to the surface of clay before firing. It typically comes in liquid form and can be found in a wide range of colors. Underglazes are used to decorate pottery by creating intricate designs, patterns, or even solid blocks of color on the surface.

Unlike glazes which create a glossy finish when fired, underglazes retain their matte finish after firing. This makes them ideal for creating detailed designs and patterns on pottery, as well as for layering different colors to achieve unique effects.

11 Best Ways on How to Use Airbrushing Underglaze Onto Pottery

1. Prepare Your Underglaze and Airbrush:

Before you start airbrushing, it’s important to make sure your underglaze is thoroughly mixed and ready to use. Shake the bottle well or stir the liquid if necessary to ensure a smooth consistency. Preparing your airbrush involves cleaning it and making sure it is in good working condition. This includes checking the nozzle, needle, and air pressure to ensure a fine spray. If you’re new to airbrushing, it’s a good idea to practice on a test piece or scrap clay before moving on to your actual pottery.

2. Choose the Right Clay and Bisque:

Not all clays are suitable for airbrushing underglaze. Some may be too porous and absorb the pigments unevenly, while others may have a rough surface that can cause clogs in your airbrush. It’s best to choose a smooth, fine-grained clay with a low absorption rate for the best results.

Also, make sure your pottery is fully bisque-fired before airbrushing. Bisque firing strengthens the clay and prepares it for glazing or underglaze application. If you’re applying underglaze to greenware (unfired clay), make sure to handle it with care to avoid any damage.

3. Prepare Your Workspace:

Before you start airbrushing, make sure your workspace is clean and well-ventilated. Lay down a drop cloth or newspaper to protect your work surface from overspray. It’s also a good idea to have paper towels or rags on hand to clean up any spills or drips. Preparing your workspace will help you stay organized and focused while airbrushing. If possible, set up your airbrush near a window or fan to help with ventilation.

4. Dilute Your Underglaze:

For optimal results, it’s recommended to dilute underglaze before using it in an airbrush. This helps create a smoother spray and prevents clogs in your airbrush. The amount of water you add will depend on the brand and thickness of your underglaze. It’s a good idea to start with a 1:1 ratio (equal parts water and underglaze) and adjust from there if needed. This may require some trial and error to find the right consistency for your specific underglaze and airbrush.

5. Test Your Airbrush:

Before applying underglaze to your pottery, it’s important to test your airbrush on a scrap piece of clay or paper. This will help you determine the speed, pressure, and angle needed for a smooth spray. It’s also a good opportunity to make any necessary adjustments before moving on to your pottery. If you’re using multiple colors, it’s recommended to test each one individually to ensure they are all spraying correctly.

6. Start with Light Layers:

When applying underglaze with an airbrush, it’s best to start with light layers rather than heavy coats. This will help prevent dripping or oversaturation of the clay surface. You can always add more layers for a deeper color, but it can be difficult to fix mistakes caused by too much underglaze. Remember to let each layer dry completely before adding more. This will also help prevent smudging or blending of colors.

7. Play with Different Techniques:

One of the great things about airbrushing underglaze is that it allows for a lot of creative freedom and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to play with different techniques such as masking, stenciling, and layering to create unique designs and patterns on your pottery. You can also try using different airbrush tips and settings to achieve varying effects. The most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity flow.

8. Clean Your Airbrush Regularly:

To maintain the quality of your airbrush and prevent clogs, it’s important to clean it regularly. This includes flushing out any remaining underglaze with water after each use. For a more thorough cleaning, you can disassemble the airbrush and clean each part with a brush and cleaning solution. It’s also recommended to clean your airbrush before switching between different underglaze colors.

9. Add Detail with Brushes:

Even though airbrushing is great for creating smooth and precise layers of underglaze, it can be difficult to achieve intricate details. To add small details or touch-ups to your design, use a fine-tipped brush with your underglaze. This will give you more control and precision for those final touches. Adding details with brushes is also a great way to add texture and depth to your airbrushed design.

10. Consider Firing Options:

After airbrushing underglaze onto your pottery, you have the option of firing it in different ways depending on the look you want to achieve. For a more traditional matte finish, fire at the recommended temperature for your underglaze. For a glossy finish, consider applying a clear glaze over the underglaze and firing it again. You can also try experimenting with different firing temperatures or combining underglazes to create unique effects.

11. Practice and Have Patience:

Like any skill, airbrushing underglaze onto pottery takes practice and patience to master. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out exactly as you hoped. Take the time to practice and experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for you. With patience and persistence, you’ll be able to create beautiful airbrushed pottery that showcases your unique style and creativity.

Following these tips and techniques will help you achieve stunning results when airbrushing underglaze onto your pottery. Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area, choose the right clay and bisque, dilute your underglaze, test your airbrush, play with different techniques, clean regularly, add details with brushes, consider firing options, and most importantly – have patience and practice! With these skills, you’ll be able to add an extra level of creativity and artistry to your pottery projects.

Keep exploring and experimenting with airbrushing underglaze, and have fun creating unique pieces that reflect your style. Happy airbrushing!

Additional Tips and Tricks to Use Airbrushing Underglazes Onto Pottery

1. If you want to create a more opaque and vibrant color, try adding a layer of white underglaze before applying the colored underglaze. This will act as a base and make the color stand out more.
2. Another way to add depth and dimension to your airbrushed designs is by using multiple layers of different colors. Start with lighter colors first, then gradually build up to darker colors for a more realistic effect.
3. Experiment with different types of stencils to create unique patterns and designs. You can also create your stencils using cardboard or acetate sheets.
4. To avoid clogging your airbrush, make sure to clean it thoroughly after each use. Use water or a specialized cleaner designed for airbrushes.
5. Practice on a test tile or scrap piece of pottery before working on your actual piece to get a feel for the airbrush and how it applies underglaze.
6. If you’re having trouble achieving a smooth and even application, try thinning out the underglaze with water or an additive specifically made for that purpose. This will make it easier to work with and create a more even layer.
7. When working on intricate designs or small details, try using a smaller nozzle size on your airbrush for more precision.
8. Don’t be afraid to mix and blend different underglaze colors to create custom shades. Just make sure to test the color first before applying it to your piece.
9. If you’re planning on layering underglazes, make sure to let each layer dry completely before applying the next one. This will prevent colors from mixing and creating muddy tones.

Following these tips and tricks will help you master airbrushing underglazes onto pottery and create beautiful, unique pieces. Remember to always have fun with the process and don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques! With practice, you’ll develop your style and create stunning works of art. Happy airbrushing!  

Things You Should Consider to Use Airbrushing Underglaze Onto Pottery

1. The first thing you should consider before using airbrushing underglaze on pottery is to have a clear understanding of the technique and its process. Airbrushing involves using an airbrush gun to spray a fine mist of underglaze onto the surface of pottery. This technique allows for more control and precision when applying color compared to traditional methods such as brush application.

2. Another important consideration is to have the right equipment. You will need an airbrush gun, air compressor, and underglaze colors specifically designed for airbrushing. It is also essential to have a designated space or studio for airbrushing as it can be messy.

3. Practice makes perfect when it comes to airbrushing underglaze onto pottery. It takes time and patience to master the technique and achieve consistent results. Before working on your actual pieces, it is recommended to practice on scrap clay or test tiles to get a feel for the airbrush gun and how the colors behave.

4. It is crucial to have a good understanding of color theory when using airbrushing underglaze on pottery. The technique allows for the layering of colors, creating depth and dimension in your designs. Knowing how colors interact with each other can help you create beautiful and unique pieces.

5. It is important to prepare your pottery before airbrushing underglaze onto it. The surface should be smooth and free of any dust or debris that may affect the application of color. Bisque firing your pieces before airbrushing can also help the colors adhere better to the surface.

6. When using airbrushing underglaze on pottery, it is essential to work in thin layers. Building up the color gradually allows for more control and avoids any unwanted drips or splatters. It is also recommended to let each layer dry before adding another one.

7. Experimenting with different techniques and effects can help you create interesting and unique pieces. You can use stencils, mand sks, or even create your patterns by layering colors in different ways. The possibilities are endless with airbrushing underglaze onto pottery.

8. It is also important to clean your equipment properly after each use to maintain its longevity. Make sure to thoroughly clean the airbrush gun and compressor according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Proper maintenance will ensure that your equipment functions properly and produces consistent results.

Following these considerations and practicing regularly will help you master the art of airbrushing underglaze onto pottery. It is a versatile technique that allows for endless possibilities in creating beautiful, colorful pieces. So gather your equipment, prepare your space, and let your creativity take flight with airbrushing underglaze onto pottery. Happy creating! 

Precautions Need to Be Followed for Using Airbrushing Underglaze Onto Pottery

1. Always wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask when handling airbrushing materials. These can include glazes, underglazes, and cleaning solutions.
2. Ensure proper ventilation in your workspace to avoid inhaling harmful fumes or dust. This is especially important when working with aerosol sprays.
3. Familiarize yourself with the specific safety instructions and recommended usage of the airbrushing materials you are using. Different brands and types may have different precautions and guidelines.
4. Before using, make sure all airbrushing equipment is in good working condition. This includes checking for any leaks or blockages and ensuring proper cleaning and maintenance.
5. Always use airbrushing materials as directed, including diluting with water or other recommended mediums if necessary.
6. Store all airbrushing materials in their original containers and away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
7. When spraying, always point the airbrush away from yourself and others. Avoid spraying near your face or directly onto your skin.
8. If you experience any adverse reactions such as eye irritation, difficulty breathing, or skin irritation, immediately stop using the airbrushing materials and seek medical attention if necessary.
9. Properly dispose of any leftover or unused airbrushing materials according to local regulations and guidelines.

Following these precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable airbrushing experience. It is important to prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you when using any type of art material, including airbrushing underglaze onto pottery. Remember to always read and follow instructions carefully, and do not hesitate to seek professional help or guidance if needed.

With the right precautions in place, you can create beautiful and unique pottery pieces using airbrushing techniques with peace of mind.  Happy creating!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Airbrushing?

Airbrushing is a painting technique where the artist uses an airbrush tool to spray paint onto a surface. This allows for more control and precision in the application of paint compared to traditional brush techniques. Airbrushing is commonly used in a variety of art forms, including pottery.

Why Use Airbrushing for Underglaze?

Using an airbrush tool for underglaze application allows for precise and controlled layering of colors. This technique also allows for a smoother and more even distribution of color compared to traditional brush techniques. Additionally, airbrushing can create unique effects such as fading and blending, which can add depth and dimension to the surface of pottery.

What Supplies Do I Need for Airbrushing Underglaze?

To airbrush underglaze onto pottery, you will need an airbrush tool, underglaze in your desired colors, a compressor or can of compressed air, a spray booth or well-ventilated area, and protective gear such as a mask and gloves. It is also essential to have a clean and smooth surface to work on, so make sure your pottery is free of any dust or debris.

How Do I Prepare Underglaze for Airbrushing?

To prepare underglaze for airbrushing, you will first need to mix the underglaze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, strain the underglaze through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or impurities that could clog your airbrush nozzle. Finally, thin the underglaze with water until it reaches a consistency similar to milk.

Conclusion

Knowing how to use airbrushing underglaze onto pottery can greatly enhance your ceramic artwork. With the right supplies and techniques, you can achieve beautiful, professional-looking results. Experiment with different colors, layering techniques, and effects to create unique and stunning pieces that showcase your creativity and skill. Happy airbrushing!