Expert: Leisha Hiester - 9/13/2008

Question
QUESTION: I'd like to be able to put a permanent message on the bottom of a ceramic piece after the piece has been completed. Is there any ink/other material that I can use to sign a ceramic piece after all the firings are completed?  If not, is there some material that I could use that would require only a brief low firing to permanently secure a message on the bottom of a piece?
thanks, Beth

ANSWER: Beth,
It is easiest to use an underglaze pencil before the firing,however since you're wanting to execute 'after the piece has been completed,' you need an overglaze pen.

Axner makes one, there may be others out there also. Here's a link to Axner's. It will help you learn about overglazing.

http://www.axner.com/axner/glazes/axner-overglaze-pens.php

Leisha

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Leisha, thanks for the information...I read the related page on the website. Given that I want to use the overglaze pen on the bottom of my pieces, will it cause my pots to stick to the kiln shelf upon low firing and/or result in an uneven bottom when the pot is set upon a table?
thanks, Beth

Answer
Beth,
Yes, you should stilt each pot when you refire. If you don't get the glaze too thick it shouldn't make the bottom uneven.

Another (less work) method you could also try is to visit a local hobby/craft store & look at products for glass. I believe they make pens for writing on & decorating glass. When glaze is fired it is like a coating of glass. I'm not certain, but there may be a product for glass that doesn't need refiring.

Best to you. Let me know how things work out. Leisha