Expert: Sam Kelly - 7/30/2008

Question
I would like to make an underglaze paint using the encapsulated red stains that can be high fired.  So far the recipes I have tried do not flow like the commercial underglazes - ie: Amaco.  Do you know of an ingredient that would help with this problem?

Answer
Hi Ruth. I don't know in which part of the world you reside in but here in Australia I use a product called "CB180 brushing Medium". It's a clear liquid with light honey like consistency and is used for the purpose of making a glaze and underglaze to a consistency for brushing.
For my Majolica onglazes I get a 100mill container and three quarters fill it with underglaze(I make myself) and then add the last third as brushing medium. So far there have been no problems with colors altering because of the "medium" addition. Any pottery supplier should be able to supply a "Brushing Medium". her is a link to my suppliers web page. http://www.walkerceramics.com.au/materials.htm

Some things to consider when you make your own is storage and bacteria, I add 5% of a pottery ant mould to my base underglaze before adding color(100mills in 5 Litres). My supplier, http://www.cgaust.com.au/glaze_modifiers,_clay_repair,_fixatives_&_mediums.htm

Have a read through this as well
http://www.northcotepottery.com.au/Text/1062720371380-0589/uploadedFiles/1174976...