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Water Etching on Ceramics

Creating a Fun Design with Underglazes

Water etching on ceramics is a technique that creates a slightly raised surface resulting in a tactile texture that often gives a piece of pottery additional interest. Adding underglazes as part of that process with a design can give the final result even more depth and appeal – not only in the tactile feel, but visually, as well.

In this video I take you through the steps to create a fun design using underglazes and the water etching technique.

Supplies you’ll need:

  • a bone dry piece of pottery
  • a palette of underglaze colors 
  • 2-3 underglaze brushes, both flat and round tipped
  • 1-2 brushes for wax resist
  • number 2 pencil
  • wax resist (some folks prefer shellac)
  • 1-2 small sponges (1 textured, 1 smooth)
  • small dishpan
  • water

The design I created in this video is called Zig Zag. The technique itself can be used to decorate many other kinds of ceramic wares – mugs, bowls, small dishes, vases, flower pots, etc. It’s a great opportunity to just have fun and play with colors and design!