Glaze trailing is a decorative pottery technique where you apply designs to ceramic pieces using contrasting glazes dispensed from a tool like a slip trailer or syringe.
Essentially, it's like drawing or writing on your pottery with glaze. Instead of using a brush, you use a specialized applicator to create raised lines and patterns. This method is particularly effective for adding intricate details or bold, graphic elements to your ceramic work.
Here's a breakdown of key aspects of glaze trailing:
- Technique: Involves applying lines of glaze to a ceramic surface using a slip trailer, ear syringe, or similar tool. The glaze is usually a contrasting color to the base glaze, creating a visually interesting effect.
- Tools: Common tools include slip trailers (bulb applicators with nozzles), syringes, and even squeeze bottles. The choice of tool depends on the desired line thickness and level of control.
- Glazes: Glazes used for trailing should be compatible with the base glaze in terms of firing temperature and expansion rates to avoid cracking or other issues. Experimentation is key to achieving desired results.
- Application: Glaze trailing is typically done after the base glaze has been applied and has dried. The trailed glaze is then applied carefully to create the desired pattern.
- Firing: The piece is then fired in a kiln, fusing the glazes together and creating a permanent design.
- Similarities to Slip Trailing: The technique is similar to slip trailing, which uses liquid clay (slip) to create raised designs on greenware. Glaze trailing, however, uses glaze on already glazed pieces.
Why use Glaze Trailing?
- Decorative: Allows for intricate and unique surface decoration.
- Contrast: Creates visual interest through contrasting colors and textures.
- Control: Offers more control over line work compared to brushing alone.
Glaze trailing is a fun and creative way to add unique designs to your pottery!
