Can I Use Underglaze Pencil On Greenware?

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What is Underglaze Pencil?

Underglaze pencil is a specialized drawing tool used to decorate unfired pottery known as greenware. It is made of underglaze clay pigments suspended in a gum solution that allows the pencil to glide smoothly on the unfired clay surface.

Underglaze is a ceramic coloring compound that is painted on raw clay or ‘greenware’ before firing. The underglaze pencil formulation allows the underglaze clay pigments to be drawn on the surface similar to a pencil. Once fired, underglaze becomes permanent, so the decoration and colors applied with the underglaze pencil will remain on the finished ceramic piece.

Unlike overglazes which are applied on already glazed and fired pieces, underglaze pencils are specifically designed to be used on unfired greenware. The underglaze pencil markings burn away during firing, bonding with the clay body to produce vivid colors. This allows intricate designs to be applied before glazing and firing.

Some key features that define underglaze pencils:

Made from underglaze clay pigments suspended in a gum solution
Designed for direct application on greenware
Produces vibrant colors when fired
Permanent color decoration for finished ceramic pieces

Benefits of Using Underglaze Pencil on Greenware

There are several advantages to using underglaze pencil on greenware as opposed to other color mediums. One of the most notable benefits is that the colors are very bold and bright when applied to greenware. The pigments stand out well against the clay surface. According to an article on The Art of Education website, “Using underglaze pencils is an excellent solution for students who prefer drawing over painting.”¹

Another key benefit is that underglaze pencils are easy to control and allow for great detail work when outlining or adding finer elements to a design. The ceramicartsnetwork.org mentions that underglaze pencils are great for ceramic artists with a painting or drawing background.² The pencils make it simple to sketch out a design before filling it in.

Finally, underglaze pencil does not bleed or run compared to underglaze paints or other coloring options. This allows the artist to achieve clean defined lines and coloring when working on greenware. The colors stay put where they are applied with minimal mess or blending.

Challenges of Using Underglaze Pencil on Greenware

There are some unique challenges when using underglaze pencil directly on greenware that should be considered before starting a project:

The pencil tip can scratch the greenware surface if pressed too hard, according to this Reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ceramics/comments/timpd3/underglaze_pencil/. Using a light touch when applying the pencil is recommended to avoid marring the unfired clay.

Underglaze pencils have a more limited color palette compared to underglaze paints. The pencils come in sets of around 12-24 colors, whereas underglaze paints are available in dozens of hues. If you need access to a wide spectrum of colors for your design, paint may be a better choice.

Underglaze pencils can only create thin, pencil-like lines. They lack the versatility of underglaze paints which can be used for brushwork, detail, filling in large areas, and various artistic effects. The pencils are best for precision line work and detail.

Tips for Using Underglaze Pencil

Underglaze pencils can provide beautiful detailing and design work on ceramic pieces, but there are some tips to follow for best results:

Properly storing underglaze pencils is important to keep them from drying out. Keep the pencils in an airtight container when not in use. Some artists even store them tip down in a glass of water to maintain moisture.

It’s also important to sharpen underglaze pencils frequently for the best effects. A sharp pencil will give you clean, crisp lines. Use a standard pencil sharpener or craft knife to sharpen the tips.

When applying underglaze pencil, use light pressure at first and slowly build up the color. Pressing too hard can damage the bisqueware surface. Layering the color will give you richer, more vibrant results.

Underglaze Pencil vs. Other Color Mediums

Underglaze pencils have some key differences when compared to other popular coloring mediums for ceramics like underglaze paints, colored pencils, and slip trailing:

Underglaze paints provide vibrant colors and smooth coverage, but can be messy and don’t offer the fine details possible with underglaze pencils. Underglaze pencils allow for more control and intricate designs. However, the color payoff may not be as intense as underglaze paints (Source: https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/daily/article/Drawn-to-Surface-How-to-Make-and-Use-Underglaze-Pencils-Crayons-Pens-and-Trailers).

Colored pencils can easily create detailed drawings, but the wax-based leads don’t always adhere well to ceramics and may burn away in firing. Underglaze pencils are formulated specifically for ceramics and create durable designs. However, colored pencils offer a wider range of colors (Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ceramics/comments/timpd3/underglaze_pencil/).

Slip trailing produces flowing, organic designs. But it requires learning specialized trailing techniques. Underglaze pencils simply need to be sharpened and drawn with, allowing both novices and experts to use them. However, slip trailing can cover larger areas faster (Source: https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/daily/article/Drawn-to-Surface-How-to-Make-and-Use-Underglaze-Pencils-Crayons-Pens-and-Trailers).

In summary, underglaze pencils strike a balance between control, ease of use, and ceramic-friendly properties compared to other coloring options.

Recommended Underglaze Pencil Brands

When it comes to high-quality underglaze pencils, there are a few notable brands that are popular among ceramic artists:

AMACO – One of the leading manufacturers of ceramic supplies, AMACO’s underglaze pencils are known for their vibrant colors and smooth application on greenware. They offer a wide range of colors in both classic and neon palettes. The pencils have good coverage and work well for detailed designs. The brand’s underglaze pencils can be purchased individually or in sets (cite: https://www.clay-king.com/glaze/glaze_pencil.html)

Mayco – Another top brand, Mayco’s underglaze pencils produce bright, saturated colors. They are highly pigmented and great for adding fine details and shading effects. The pencils have a creamy texture that makes blending easy. Mayco offers an underglaze pencil set with 24 vibrant colors.

Chrysanthos – Chrysanthos underglaze pencils are a high-quality option known for their wide range of colors, from bold primaries to soft pastels. They provide opaque coverage and work well on both bisqueware and greenware. The pencils are smooth and easy to control. Chrysanthos underglaze pencil sets are available in configurations from 12 to 36 colors (cite: https://www.amazon.com/Chrysanthos-Underglaze-pencil-fires-color/dp/B0019MVQCO)

When selecting an underglaze pencil brand, it’s worth considering the color selection, coverage, and ease of application. Testing different brands can help identify which ones work best for your artistic style and ceramic pieces.

Underglaze Pencil Techniques

Underglaze pencils allow for great detail and intricate designs on greenware. Here are some key techniques to use underglaze pencils effectively:

Outlining/Detailing

The precise tip of underglaze pencils makes them ideal for outlining designs and adding fine details like lines, dots, and small shapes. Use a light touch when outlining to keep the lines thin and controlled.

Blending Colors

Underglaze pencil colors can be subtly blended by going over an area with light, overlapping strokes using two or more pencils. Blend in small sections and use a blending stump or tissue to further soften any hard edges if desired.

Shading

Build up multiple layers of underglaze pencil strokes to create shading effects. Use linear strokes, cross-hatching, stippling dots, or circular motions to shade an area. Vary the pencil pressure to make some areas darker than others.

Firing Process with Underglaze Pencil

One of the main concerns when working with underglaze pencil is the firing process – how hot to fire and whether the colors will remain vibrant. When using underglaze pencil, it is generally recommended to fire to cone 06 which is about 1652°F (899°C). Firing to this lower temperature helps preserve the bright colors of the underglaze pencil even after the firing process. As noted on ceramicartsdaily.org, “Cone 06 is an optimal temperature for underglaze pencil. The lines remain raised and the colors stay bright.”

Another advantage of firing to cone 06 is that it leaves the surface porous enough that clear glazes can be applied on top of the underglaze pencil if desired. The clear glaze helps protect the surface and underglaze artwork. When applying a clear glaze, use several thin coats and be sure to leave enough time for drying between coats to prevent running or blotching.

While underglaze pencil can be fired hotter than cone 06, firing too high may cause the colors to become muted or run together. Following the cone 06 recommendation helps ensure the finished results have bright, distinct underglaze pencil colors. Just be sure to test your clay body and underglaze pencil combination to find the ideal firing schedule.

Underglaze Pencil Design Ideas

Underglaze pencils open up many creative design possibilities on greenware. Here are some of the most popular underglaze pencil design ideas to try:

Geometric patterns – Underglaze pencils can be used to hand draw geometric shapes, lines, and patterns onto greenware. The smooth lines of underglaze pencils make them ideal for creating geometric designs. Build up different shapes and patterns to make bold graphic looks.

Nature landscapes – The ability to blend underglaze pencil strokes makes it easy to create natural scenes like landscapes. Sketch rolling hills, trees, clouds and other elements to make custom landscape scenes on mugs, vases, plates and more. Reference nature photos for inspiration.

Adding details to stamped designs – Many pottery pieces are decorated using rubber stamps. Underglaze pencils are great for going back over stamped designs and adding extra details. Outline stamped images, add textures, or draw patterns inside of stamped shapes to take any stamped piece to the next level.

Underglaze pencils open up many options for hand drawn designs. Experiment with different styles from loose impressionistic drawings to detailed intricate patterns. The smooth, colorful effects of underglaze pencils make custom ceramic decoration easy and fun. For more design ideas, see this guide.

FAQs About Using Underglaze Pencil

Underglaze pencils are a popular tool for ceramic artists, but there are some common questions about how to use them effectively. Here are expert answers to some frequently asked questions.

Can I use underglaze pencil directly on greenware?

Yes, underglaze pencils can be used directly on unfired greenware. The pencil lines will show up brightly and adhere well to the surface. Be sure the surface is smooth, clean, and dry before applying the underglaze (Source).

How do I prevent smudging when using underglaze pencil?

To prevent smudging, avoid touching the pencil lines until after the piece has been fired. You can also apply a thin layer of clear glaze over the pencil marks to help seal them in place before firing. Let the glaze dry completely before handling (Source).

What temperature should I fire to when using underglaze pencil?

For the brightest, most vibrant results, fire to at least cone 04 (1945°F). The higher you fire, the more durable the pencil markings will be. Cone 6 (2232°F) is ideal for maximum permanence. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations (Source).

Can I add color on top of underglaze pencil?

Yes, you can add underglaze, glaze, or other colorants on top of underglaze pencil. The pencil will show through transparent glazes nicely. Opaque glazes will cover the pencil completely. Test compatibility before applying other products over the top (Source).