What Do You Put On Clay To Make It Glossy?

Clay is a fine-grained, natural sedimentary rock composed primarily of hardened clay minerals. It has been used for pottery, sculpture, and construction since ancient times. While clay in its natural form often has an earthy, matte texture, there are a variety of products that can be applied to the surface to make it glossy and smooth.

Making clay glossy serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. The sheen draws the eye and enhances the natural colors and patterns of the clay. It also makes the surface shiny, slippery and water-resistant, which is especially desirable for items like vases, bowls and mugs. This glossiness highlights the form and smoothness of sculptural works as well. Applying a glossy coating is one of the finishing steps for clay products of all kinds.

There are a number of options for making clay glossy, each with their own characteristics and benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the most common products used to give clay a shiny, polished finish – glaze, resin, oil, wax, and varnish. We’ll compare the pros and cons of each method and provide tips for proper application and maintenance.

Glaze

Glazes are one of the most common materials used to make clay glossy and shiny. Glazes are a type of coating made from powdered glass that is mixed with water and applied to ceramic wares and pottery.

There are many different types of glazes, but most fall into four main categories:

• High-fire glazes – Fired at high temperatures above 2200°F. Very durable with a glass-like finish.
• Mid-range glazes – Fired between 1900-2200°F. Less durable but often more vibrant colors.
• Low-fire glazes – Fired below 1900°F. Tend to be more matte finishes with earthy tones.
• Specialty glazes – Such as raku, crystalline, and luster glazes achieve unique effects.

Glazes are applied to bisqueware or greenware clay items that have been fired once. The glaze can be applied via dipping, pouring, brushing, or spraying to achieve an even coat. The piece is then fired again at the required temperature to melt the glaze into a glossy surface.

Pros:

• Very durable and permanent glossy finish.
• Wide range of colors and effects possible.
• Enhances beauty of clay work.

Cons:

• Requires two firings which takes more time and energy.
• Specific glazes must match clay body and firing temperature.
• Improper application can lead to imperfections.
• Hazardous materials require safety precautions.

Resin

Resin is a clear synthetic coating that can give ceramic and clay pieces a durable, glass-like shine when applied properly. There are two main types of resin used in arts and crafts – epoxy resin and polyurethane resin.

Epoxy resin comes in two parts that must be precisely mixed together before applying. It self-levels well for a smooth finish and has good UV resistance, but can be tricky to work with. Polyurethane resin is a single-part product that’s a bit easier to use. It dries more slowly so bubbles are less likely, but it tends to yellow over time.

To apply resin, make sure your clay piece is thoroughly clean and dry first. Mix the resin according to package directions if using epoxy. Apply the resin carefully with a foam brush, avoiding drips and bubbles. Let it cure fully, which can take 12-48 hours. A second coat may be needed for full coverage. Sand lightly between coats if needed.

Resin gives clay pieces a durable, lasting shine. It’s waterproof and protects against UV rays. However, resin can be toxic to work with and takes practice to apply smoothly. It’s also expensive compared to other options.

Oil

Oil is a popular choice for making clay glossy. There are a few types of oils that work well for this purpose:

• Linseed oil – Made from flaxseed, linseed oil penetrates deep into clay and leaves a smooth, lustrous finish. It dries slower than other oils.
• Walnut oil – Penetrates clay and dries to a semi-gloss sheen. Provides a smooth, hard finish.
• Mineral oil – A refined petroleum oil that leaves a high-gloss finish. Mineral oil doesn’t penetrate the clay as much as other oils.

To apply oil to clay, first knead a small amount into the clay to seal it. Then, once the piece is shaped, apply oil in thin layers using a brush or soft cloth. Allow each layer to fully soak in and dry before adding another layer. The oil helps bring out the richness of the clay color.

Pros of using oil include its ability to soak in and create a deep, wet look. Oil also brings out vibrant colors in clay. It helps protect finishes from dust and fingerprints. However, oil takes a long time to fully cure. It also requires careful storage, since rags soaked in oil can combust. Over time, oil finishes can darken and yellow.

Wax

Wax is another popular option for giving clay pieces a glossy finish. There are a few different types of wax that can be used:

• Beeswax – Made from beeswax, this all-natural wax has a lovely warm glow. It’s easy to apply and buff out.
• Carnauba wax – Derived from the leaves of a palm tree, carnauba wax is very hard and durable. It leaves a high-gloss finish.
• Paraffin wax – A petroleum-based wax, paraffin wax gives a smooth, plastic-like shine.

To apply wax, rub a small amount directly onto the bisque-fired clay piece using a soft cloth. Apply in a thin, even layer and buff gently with a clean cloth to create a glossy sheen. Allow the wax to fully cure for 24 hours before handling the finished piece.

Pros of using wax include:

• Leaves a bright, glossy finish
• Relatively easy and straightforward to apply
• Low odor
• Affordable

Cons of wax include:

• Not as durable as some other sealants like resin
• Can feel slightly tacky
• Requires occasional reapplication to maintain shine

Varnish

Varnish is a clear, hard-wearing protective finish that can create a beautiful gloss effect on clay surfaces. There are several types of varnish that work well on clay:

Polyurethane: A durable plastic resin varnish that dries to a hard, protective finish. It provides a high-gloss surface and is waterproof once fully cured. Polyurethane varnish should be applied in thin, even coats to prevent drips and requires sanding between coats.

Acrylic: Made from acrylic resin, this water-based varnish dries faster than traditional varnishes. It gives a crystal clear, glossy finish that resists yellowing over time. Multiple thin coats of acrylic varnish are recommended for best results.

Shellac: A natural resin varnish made from lac beetle secretions diluted in alcohol. Shellac has a beautiful warm glow but is not as durable as synthetic varnishes. It requires careful application to avoid brush strokes and imperfections in the finish.

To apply varnish to clay, make sure the surface is completely clean and dry first. Use a soft brush or lint-free cloth to apply thin, even coats and allow each coat to dry fully before adding the next. Sand lightly between coats with fine sandpaper. Allow the final coat to cure completely before use. Too many coats can result in drips, bubbles or an uneven finish.

The advantages of varnish on clay are its tough, protective glossy finish and enhanced visual depth. But varnish can yellow over time, is prone to chipping if applied too thickly, and takes longer to cure than other gloss mediums. Overall, it creates a beautiful, durable gloss effect well-suited to functional clay pieces.

Comparison of Materials for Creating a Glossy Finish

There are several options for creating a glossy finish on clay, each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Here is an overview comparing glaze, resin, oil, wax and varnish:

Glaze – Ceramic glazes provide a hard, glass-like glossy finish that is durable and water-resistant. Glazes come in many colors and effects. However, glazing requires a kiln firing at high temperatures. The finish is permanent and can’t be removed once fired.

Resin – Epoxy and UV-cured resins create a thick, glossy coating. Resin gives a glass-like finish and can be tinted. However, resins give off fumes as they cure and require sealing for long-term durability.

Oil – Oils like linseed provide a soft satin gloss finish. Oils are easy to apply and give a smooth feel. However, oil finishes can attract dirt over time and may require reapplication.

Wax – Wax polish gives a gentle gloss shine. Wax is simple to apply and buff out. But it wears off over time and needs frequent reapplication to maintain the gloss.

Varnish – Varnishes like polyurethane give a clear, hard gloss finish. They are durable and water-resistant. However, varnish can yellow over time. Removing varnish can be difficult.

In summary, glaze and resin provide the highest gloss but require more work. Oils and waxes are the easiest to apply but don’t last as long. Varnishes offer a compromise between durability and ease of application.

Application Tips

When applying glossy coatings to clay, following some best practices can help ensure an even, smooth, and long-lasting finish.

Prep the clay surface by sanding it smooth and cleaning off any dust. This allows the coating to adhere properly. Apply thin coats, building up gradually for better coverage. Thick coats tend to get uneven and drip. Let each coat dry fully before adding the next.

Work in a dust-free space to prevent specks from settling in the wet coating. Apply with soft brushes or foam applicators, using long smooth strokes and avoiding overbrushing. Maintain a wet edge to prevent visible lap marks.

Read the product instructions for specific drying times and cure times before handling or using the finished piece. Some coatings require gently polishing with ultrafine steel wool or sandpaper once fully cured to smooth the surface. Always work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions when using glossy coatings.

Maintaining the Glossy Finish

Once you’ve achieved the perfect glossy finish on your clay art, you’ll want to take steps to preserve and maintain it. Here are some tips:

• Avoid direct sunlight exposure, as UV rays can damage and fade glossy finishes over time. Display clay artworks out of direct sunlight.

• Use a display case or protective glass over the artwork if possible. This prevents dust buildup and potential scratches.

• Clean gently with a soft cloth to remove dust. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing that could scratch the finish.

• Consider applying a fresh topcoat of gloss medium every couple years. This will renew the shine and fill in any minor scratches or defects.

• Handle with care and avoid bumps, drops or other impacts that could chip the glossy coating.

• If small scratches occur, consider gently smoothing them out with extra gloss medium and a soft cloth.

• Store clay art flat and evenly supported to prevent warping that could crack the glossy finish.

Taking steps to protect and care for your clay artwork will help maintain that beautiful, glossy finish for years to come.

Conclusions

In summary, there are several options for making clay pots and sculptures shiny and glossy. Glazes, resins, oils, waxes, and varnishes can all provide a glossy finish, but each has their pros and cons.

Glazes tend to provide the most durable, glossy finishes for items that will be frequently handled or washed. Resins also offer a very high gloss but can be more difficult to apply evenly. Oils and waxes are easy to apply and buff to a shine, but may need frequent reapplication on pieces that are handled a lot. Varnishes fall somewhere in between—more durable than waxes but less than glazes.

When applying any glossy finish, following the manufacturer’s instructions is key. Allow proper drying/curing times, apply thin and even coats, and take care not to contaminate the materials. With proper application and care, any of these options can provide a beautiful glossy finish to enhance clay creations.