Expert: Leisha Hiester - 4/9/2010

Question
QUESTION: I am planning on having fifth grade students glaze over pre glazed tiles we bought from Loew's. Will standard school glazes and glaze pencils work in the students' designs on these pre glazed, 4 by 4 inch standard white tiles? Will the glazes run or meld into the already white or clear glaze that is on them? Thank you!!!!

ANSWER: Dear Christine,
I'm wondering why you chose to purchase the pre glazed tiles versus the unglazed? Nevertheless, you can reglaze them, I'm just not sure how successful it will be. What I would do is put a few through as tests with the products and kiln you have to utilize.

One method to prevent running is to use wax, either wax resist or a plain ole household wax. I use old candles actually in my studio. I use an old electric fry pan I picked up from Goodwill. I heat the wax up to 300 degrees, use an old paint brush and brush it on the areas I want to prevent from moving or running. It works great.

Let me know how your tests turn out and if I can help further.

Leisha

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

QUESTION: Would the painted wax act as an outline within which one applies the glaze?
Does it retain then the color of the glaze over which it is applied?
OR....is the glaze applied right over the wax which, I assume, melts out from under it? I am not quite sure how the wax method works. Thank you!

Answer
Christine,
The wax will keep the glaze in place, prevent running or dripping. You could first paint outlines with it and glaze inside those lines, yes.
The wax does not affect the color of the glaze whatsoever. It burns off and melts away.
Hope this helps. Leisha