Expert: Sam Kelly - 8/9/2008

Question
hi sam

i've been painting on bisque ware and am not able to make paint flow or cover as well as i would like it to.  someone suggested china painting.  could you tell me what china paint is. can i buy it or do i have to make it myself.

thanks
cecilia

Answer
Hi Cecillia, You can buy what you are looking for from a pottery supplier. Underglaze colors and clear glaze(brushing) are made for using on bisque ware, all you have to do is contact a pottery supplier or one of the businesses that have ceramic classes where you go to paint and have pots fired. If you are having trouble I can get manufactures names for you.
If you have purchased commercial underglaze for a smoother flow you add what is called a 'brushing medium', it's a clear liquid with a very light honey type consistency, here in Australia it cost $9-50 for half a Litre, mixture is two thirds underglaze to one third brushing medium, it will not alter the color.
If you have already fired your pots and there has been no problem all is well, if you have some glaze peel back off the painted on underglaze the problem is fixed by applying the underglaze colors to the greenware prior to bisque.