How Do You Create The Sgraffito Technique?

Sgraffito is an art technique that involves applying layers of colored plaster or slip to a surface and then scratching away parts of the top layers to reveal the colors underneath. The term “sgraffito” comes from the Italian word “sgraffiare,” meaning “to scratch.”

The origins of sgraffito date back centuries, with examples found in ancient Roman architecture. As an artistic technique, sgraffito became popular during the Renaissance in Italy starting in the late 15th century. Sgraffito provided a relatively simple and affordable way to decorate building facades and interiors with elaborate designs.

Sgraffito can be done on a variety of surfaces but was traditionally used on wet plaster walls. It can also be done on materials like ceramic, glass, or metal that have colored coatings applied. The surface underneath needs to provide contrast to the final revealed colors.

Sources:
https://www.metmuseum.org/blogs/ruminations/2015/production-history-of-sgraffito-ware-from-nishapur
https://15thstreetgalleryboulder.com/blog/faqs/what-is-sgraffito/

Supplies Needed

To create sgraffito artwork, you will need the following supplies:

• Plaster or concrete surface – This provides the base that the sgraffito design will be etched into. The surface should be smooth and primed.

• Base coat paint – A solid color paint that will be the background color when your design is complete. This is applied first in an even coat over the entire surface.

• Top coat contrasting paint – A paint in a contrasting color to the base coat. This will be applied over the base coat, then etched away to reveal the base coat underneath.

• Paint brushes – You’ll need brushes in various sizes to apply the base and top coats.

• Palette knife or sticks – For etching away the top layer of paint to reveal the underlying design.

Be sure to have all of these supplies on hand before beginning your sgraffito project.

Preparing the Surface

The first step in the sgraffito process is preparing the surface area where the design will be created. It’s critical that the surface is clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, or debris. This allows the base layer of plaster to properly adhere. Any existing finishes, paints, or plasters that aren’t well-bonded should be removed down to the bare substrate. The surface can be cleaned with soap and water, then fully dried before starting. According to the Art Club Blog, “It is imperative that the surface is completely dry before you start. Any trapped moisture could damage the work.”

Once the surface is prepped, a base layer of plaster is applied and allowed to fully dry and cure before moving forward. This is often called a “scratch coat” and provides the foundation. As Wondering Planet advises, “Apply the first layer of plaster and wait until it dries perfectly before proceeding with the next layer.” Allow at least 24 hours or up to several days for the base coat to dry based on climate conditions. Proper drying of each layer is essential for the structural integrity of the sgraffito and crisp edges in the final design.

Applying the Top Coat

The next step in creating sgraffito pottery is to apply a contrasting colored top coat over the base coat. This will allow your sgraffito design to really stand out. According to Lakeside Pottery, you’ll want to apply 2-3 coats of underglaze in an alternating direction, letting each coat dry in between.

It’s important that you let the top coat only partially dry before scratching your design. If it dries completely, it will be too difficult to scrape away. The article from FrescoShop recommends letting the top coat dry for at least 24 hours before starting the sgraffito process. But don’t let it dry too long or the clay will be completely hardened.

Be sure to use a contrasting color for the top coat so your design really pops. Common color combinations are black over white, or white over black. But feel free to experiment with any colors you like!

Creating the Design

Once the top coat has dried completely, you can begin creating your sgraffito design. Use a palette knife, sticks, or other tools to scratch into the top coat and reveal the base coat underneath. According to the Reddit comment, “I’m just using a black underglaze right now! Do you suggest I just google something like, “sgraffito design techniques” to learn more? Or is there a good resource you recommend?” there are many tools that can be used to scratch away the top layer of slip and reveal the colors underneath (source: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ceramics/comments/v0or5r/trying_out_pottery_hand_building_and_enjoying_it/).

It’s best to start by outlining the major elements and shapes first before adding finer details. This allows you to plan out the overall composition. Work slowly and carefully as you scratch away the top layer. It can be difficult to undo mistakes in this technique. Consider making some light guidelines in pencil on the top coat to help guide your sgraffito work.

Adding Detail

Once the main outlines and shapes of the design have been carved into the clay, it’s time to add finer details and textures. This is done using smaller, more precise tools. As recommended by Lakeside Pottery, start with larger tools like loop tools and wooden skewers to carve the bigger shapes. Then switch to smaller tools like needle tools, trimmed down clay sculpting tools, or even items like toothpicks to add finer lines, textures, and details.

It’s best to work methodically from large to small when adding details. First do the overall shapes, then progressively smaller details, until you reach the very fine textures and lines. Take care not to overwork one area too much. Keep the details small and precise. Work slowly and carefully. Let the clay leather harden more as you go for better definition. By patiently working from big shapes down to tiny details, you can create intricate, expressive designs.

Polishing and Refining

Once the initial sgraffito design has been carved out, it’s important to polish and refine the artwork to make the details pop. Here are some tips for smoothing out rough edges and refining the image:

Use sandpaper or sanding sponges to gently smooth any ragged edges around the sgraffito cuts. Start with a coarse grit sandpaper and work up to finer grit for the smoothest finish. According to Fresco Shop, 220-400 grit sandpaper is ideal for sgraffito.

Go back over the design with carving tools to refine lines and shapes. Carefully carve away any uneven edges or accidental marks. Re-cut lines and details that may have gotten filled in with plaster dust during sanding. Use a range of tools from larger chisels to fine dental tools to refine details.

Consider applying an additional thin topcoat of plaster if needed to fill any remaining small gaps and create an ultra smooth surface. Let dry fully before sanding and polishing again.

Clean the surface thoroughly to remove all dust and debris. Wipe gently with a damp cloth, avoiding excessive moisture that could damage the plaster.

Apply a sealant if desired for protection and enhanced color vibrancy. Multiple thin coats of acrylic sealer work well. Avoid sealants containing silicone, which can create adhesion issues if painting over the sgraffito later.

Stand back periodically to check for areas that may need additional refinement. The goal is a polished sgraffito artwork with clean, crisp edges and details.

Sealing and Protecting

Once the sgraffito piece is complete, it is important to allow it to fully dry before sealing or applying any finish. Depending on the thickness and type of materials used, drying times can take several days or even weeks.¹ Rushing the drying process risks trapping moisture underneath the sealant, which can cause issues down the road.

For ceramic sgraffito pieces, a clear glaze is often applied to seal and protect the finished design. Ensure the entire piece is coated evenly with glaze and allowed to fully dry again before using or displaying. With other materials like plaster or concrete, a sealant like polyurethane or acrylic varnish can be brushed on once fully cured to help protect the sgraffito and make it more durable.² As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application and drying times.

Sealing a sgraffito piece will help prevent damage, fading, and deterioration over time. It also enhances the contrast between the exposed and unexposed areas by providing an additional layer of sheen and protection. With proper sealing, sgraffito artworks can last for many years if cared for properly.

Troubleshooting Issues

When working with the sgraffito technique, you may encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Cracking or Crumbling Plaster

If the top layer of plaster is cracking or crumbling as you scratch your design, the plaster may have been applied too thickly or dried too quickly. Try applying thinner, even layers of plaster and allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before adding the next. The plaster should feel leather-hard, not wet, before scratching. You can also add a small amount of acrylic gesso or glue to the plaster mix to strengthen it.

Paint Not Adhering

Make sure to use paint specifically formulated for ceramics and pottery. Acrylic craft paints may not bond properly to the clay surface. If the paint is beading up or wiping away easily, the clay also may not be bone dry before painting. Allow it to dry fully before applying paint. Scratching through paint works best on leather-hard clay. Additionally, wipe a thin layer of undiluted paint over the surface before applying thicker painted layers to help with adhesion.

Bleeding Colors

When scratching through layers of different colored paints, you may get some bleeding between layers. To prevent this, make sure each layer of paint is completely dry before adding the next color. Scratching through very thin paint layers can also cause bleeding. Try building up the paint with a few thin coats instead of one thick application. If bleeding still occurs, wiping the surface with a damp sponge between paint layers can help seal the color.

Inspiration and Examples

Sgraffito has a rich history in art and design, with many stunning examples to draw inspiration from. According to Widewalls, some of the most prominent sgraffito facades emerged during the Art Nouveau period from 1890 to 1915, like St Mary’s Church in Freiburg designed by August Strobel (Widewalls). Sgraffito continues to be used by contemporary artists like Leo Osborne, who utilizes the technique in his wood sculptures (Leprince.com).

There are countless ways artists employ sgraffito for beautiful effects. It can create textures on pottery, delicate patterns on walls, stylized portraits, and graphic prints. The layered colors underneath give dimension, and the scratching reveals new hues in a striking way. Italian Renaissance painters like Donatello and Mantegna used sgraffito in their frescoes. More modern designs apply the technique to glass, metal, and canvas.

Sgraffito allows both abstract and representational imagery. Artists scratch through paint to outline figures, objects, landscapes, symbols, patterns and more. The result is often high contrast and captivating. Smooth blending is possible as well for softer, atmospheric designs. There are many inspiring examples to study when learning the sgraffito technique.