| hobby COLOROBBIA’s Engobes are a superb line of quality clay based colors designed
for solid coverage of large or small areas, generally used on greenware. The application
to greenware is generally understood, but the wonder of this series is that they perform on
bisque just as well. In hobby ceramic terms, Engobe is described as an opaque underglaze
and the colors perform exactly as this name implies…under-a-glaze. Engobes with their
intense color pigments can easily be used for design work and brushstrokes. Any of the
colors in this series, including black and white, may be intermixed to form additional
Engobe (opaque underglaze) shades. An even application is necessary for good results,
as Engobes do not move or shift in the firing and will appear exactly as applied. When
Engobes are used on greenware they require bisque firing, and at this stage, they are
totally matte by nature, and can be left this way for decorative items, such as lamps,
wall hangings or figurines, otherwise the Engobe would be glazed and re-fired to seal the
porous surface and bring out their true color.
When Engobes are applied one over another (three coat application), the last color
applied will totally block out the color underneath . Remember, Engobes are a clay based
color series, when clay sets, it becomes congealed (semi-jelly-like) and when mixed, it
returns to its liquid state, and so do the Engobes, always thoroughly shake well before
using or adding water to thin.
PREPARATION:Shake bottle well. Check for correct consistency. Engobes should be
the consistency of medium cream. Engobe should drip off the end of the brush freely. When
the brush is fully loaded. If thinning of Engobes is necessary, add a few drops of water
and stir to mix thoroughly.
WARE PREPARATION: Working on cleaned greenware or bisque, lightly wipe piece (s) down
with a damp sponge to remove dust, and to add a bit of moisture so the color will flow on
smoothly. Application method as follows:
BRUSHING: It is usually recommended to thin a small amount of color with water to
create a wash. This mixture is then applied over the surface of the ware prior to applying
the 3 coats, recommended for solid coverage. This mixture should be about 50-50. By mixing
the color to this thin consistency the color actually penetrates the surface of the clay,
especially bisque, and allows a better bond with the surface. Do not rub or polish
greenware, a polished surface will reject the application of color. Use good
quality natural hairbrushes for best results. Load brush in the following manner: Work off
a palette, dip the water-moistened brush into the Engobe color completely, color should
cover the hair to the ferrule of the brush. Do not wipe off the brush since this action
depletes the color from the brush. Hold the brush in a vertical position and work back and
forth to properly saturate the hair in the brush. Do not work with a stared brush or scrub
color into ware. Keep the brush fully loaded, permitting the color to flow onto the
greenware or bisque. Working in this manner, apply 3 coats as smoothly as possible. Apply
each coat in the same direction. Apply sufficient pressure on the bristles so they bend
about halfway. Wait until the water sheen has disappeared from the first coat before
applying the second and third coats.
SPONGING: Squeeze color onto a palette (glazed tile) or into a shallow container. For
solid coverage: dip a slightly dampened sponge into the color and pounce three even coats
onto the surface of the ware using a pouncing method. Allowing the water sheen to
disappear between coats. For veiling: Dip slightly dampened sponge into the color and then
lightly pounce sponge onto a clean section of the palette to remove some of the color,
which will open the pours of the sponge. Then lightly pounce the sponge to the surface of
the ware leaving a veiling of color, one application is used for veiling unless a
two-tone effect is desired.
SGRAFFITOING: Apply Engobe color to greenware as directed using either the sponge or
brush method. While the color is still damp Sketch or trace design onto piece. Use a
clean-up tool or Sgraffito tool to cut (scratch) through color to reveal clay body or
color underneath. Working while color is damp, sgraffito the entire outline and details of
design. Dust particles of color and clay off with a soft dry brush. Keep the surface
dampened to prevent chipping of color. This can be done by lightly misting with water from
a spray bottle. Fire bisque to witness cone 04 and glaze as desired.
POLISHING: This technique produces a decorative smooth surface. Apply Engobe to
greenware or bisque using brush or sponge method. It is recommended to apply a fourth coat
of engobe when using this technique. The piece must be polished as soon as the last coat
of color has lost its sheen, but still damp. Use a soft, lint-free cloth and polish in a
circular motion. Buff lightly until a soft sheen develops, and then bisque fire piece to
witness cone 04. Polished engobes are ideal for backgrounds for spot glazing decorative
pieces. This technique is not recommended for utility items. |
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