Expert: Leisha Hiester - 1/26/2009

Question
I was wondering if it's possible to paint bisque using a faded color technique? What I mean by that is go from a darker shade to a lighter shade. I have a bisque lamp I want to use this technique on the chimney of it, but I don't know how to do it. I would like to go at the bottom from a dark navy blue to a lighter shade of blue on the top is the idea I have. Any suggestions if this is possible to do w/o it looking like "ringed" colors would be most appreciated. Thanks, Dawn

Answer
Dawn,
I just did this technique this week! I'm not kidding. I used an hvlp sprayer. I used underglazes on greenware, started with the lightest blue on top of my vase, used the next darkest shade around the middle of my vase, then darkst on the bottom. The overspray from each layer overlapped slightly to give a fading effect. I loved it. I need only apply a clear glaze over it now & refire. It would be worth finding someone who owns a sprayer to borrow. I would imagine it could be achieved with an airbrush also, but I haven't tried that. Note: I watered down each underglaze to the resemblance of house paint or even thinner. Good luck, Leisha