Glazing and decorating

Space and equipment

• A shared table
• Glazes, underglaze colours (engobes), crayons and ceramic watercolours
• Aprons
• Brushes and all the necessary tools
• A kiln operated by staff only

Glazes and engobes

• We have plenty of glaze types from the WELTE brand (powdered).
• The glazes are tested for our firing curve and temperature.
• You'll find glazes in earthy as well as colourful tones.
• Other glazes don't belong in the studio – they haven't been tested for our firing curve.

Engobes:

• Basic colours, applied in 3 layers under the glaze.
• They can be combined to create your own colours. Don't dilute them with water.
• The studio has palettes for pouring engobes, meant for decorating (not for full coverage – that's what glazes are for).
• In the studio you'll find needle-tip bottles with poured engobe – they're only for decorating a piece.

Before glazing

Powdered glazes:

1. Find your pieces in the studio on the shelf under your customer number.
2. Remember which clay your piece is made of. Check the sample board if unsure.
3. Choose whether you'll work with glazes or decorate with engobes, crayons or watercolours. A sample board is available in the studio.
4. Follow the rules for using glazes, engobes, crayons and watercolours.

Glazing

• The lidded containers are marked with the glaze code, which you'll find on the sample in the studio. The glaze in the containers needs to be mixed thoroughly so there are no lumps or sediment. Use the whisks and ladles for mixing, and check by mixing with your hand – the glazes are harmless.
• Apply by dipping, immersing or pouring for full coverage (not with a brush).
• Don't add water or other glazes – everything is precisely mixed according to our technological procedures.
• You can combine glazes: always dip into one, let it dry and apply another to create an effect during firing. You can also brush one glaze over another for effect.

Engobe, crayon and watercolour

• Applied with a brush onto the bisque-fired piece (first firing), always under the glaze, never on top of it.
• Engobe: at least 3 layers for a rich colour effect.
• Crayons: draw with light pressure so the colour shows.
• Watercolours: apply at least 3 layers; a palette of basic colours is available in the studio.
• All pieces get a transparent glaze that adds shine and functionality. It's applied powdered, mixed in containers, by dipping the piece into the container for 3 seconds.

After glazing

1. Wipe the bottom of the piece with a wet sponge (0.5–1 cm from the bottom edge).
2. Glaze must never be on the bottom of the piece, otherwise it will stick in the kiln – so wipe it with a wet sponge.
3. Check that your signature is visible on the bottom of the piece – on the piece itself, not on paper tape.
4. Place the glazed piece on the marked firing spot in the studio.

Ending your reservation

• Clean up your workspace.
• Wash the tools and return them to their place. Tools in the studio have their places, so don't leave them by the sink, in the sink or anywhere else.
• Close all glazes and engobes and return them to their place.
• Check your personal belongings, turn off the music, turn off the lights and make sure no water is running.
• Close the door behind you. Make sure it's really closed.

Firing and pickup

• We fire your glazed pieces within 1–2 weeks.
• After firing you'll find your pieces on the shelf marked with your customer number.
• We'll let you know about pickup by e-mail: "ALL DONE".
• Pickup is self-service within 4 days, daily 8:00–22:00 in the studio.
• You'll receive an access code for pickup by e-mail. This code is valid for pickup only – once you enter it and the door opens, you won't get back into the studio, so double-check you've taken everything with you.

Enjoy the rest of your day and inspiration for your next creation!