Bisque: A white canvas for you to create a one of a kind master piece;

Just what is Bisque? Steps in the process:

1. • • Clay elements, from the Earth, which are mixed with water form a liquid clay, called slip.
     • This is then poured into a plaster mold. The plaster absorbs the excess water, depositing clay onto the walls of the mold.
     • Excess slip is drained from the mold, leaving a clay shell (or Greenware) that has formed within.
     • The clay is allowed to set until the casted piece is hard enough to be remove.
     • The mold is then opened, separating the halves, revealing a clay shell within.
     • Parts are now attached, pitcher handle, arms, etc. The piece is then allowed to dry.
     • Seam lines are now removed and any imperfections are cleaned.
     • Greenware is then fired to remove moisture and mature the clay into a hard, durable ceramic object.
   • The FIRING process:
     • The firing is done in an oven that is called a "kiln" with temperatures ranging from 1830F to 2350F.
     • A slow firing is needed, about 8 hours for the piece to properly fire.
     • Then the kiln is shut off and allowed to cool naturally to room temperature, another 12 hours, before opening.
     • Decorating Techniques:
   • No-Fired products:
     • Antiquing, Drybrushing, Marbleizing, Spattering, Sponging, Stenciling, and Stippling
     • Mainly used for decorative purposes.
     • Utility items can be decorated with no-fired colors (acrylic paints) Not for food or water ornamental only.
   • Fired products
     • Pieces can be returned for firing at a local ceramic shop.
     • We carry a full line of Duncan, Mayco, Gare Laguna paints.
     • Always read the Label on all jars, and follow the instruction.
     • Ask for help if needed and do testing before doing a quantity of items.

• With ready to paint ceramic bisque, you can easily create that special piece in the color and style that is just not found any where but in your imagination! Now bring it to life, and create....
• Find your favorite subject theme in ceramic bisque - dolls, carousel, chess sets, fish, birds, cats, fantasy, dragons, dishes, gargoyles, Christmas, and many others.
• Discover the exciting hobby of painting and decorating ceramic bisque.
• Take a look at all you can create.
• Items in every category imaginable, ready to paint and decorate.
• All items sold on this site come unpainted only.

Now you're ready to paint on bisque!

Always begin by rinsing your unpainted ceramic bisque piece under cold water. This rinses off dust particles and allows paint to adhere better on your piece. Do not rub any towels or anything to dry it. Wait 3 minutes and start painting even though it feels moist.

A good way to decide what you want to paint is to use a regular pencil and draw out you design. All pencil marks will burn off of your ceramic bisque during firing. Another good tool is to get some ceramic carbon paper (sold on this web site) and trace things on. The carbon paper is live on one side only and leaves a pencil like line. This too will burn off during firing.

Certain underglazes are made specifically for unpainted bisque (concepts, stroke & coat & fun coats). Most of these work the same way. One coat for translucent, two for semi opaque and three coats for opaque. Keep in mind that when you do multiple coats do not make multiple brush passes on the second and third coats, only one pass. This will only serve to move the bottom coats around defeating the  purpose of getting an opaque look. But instead you will get streaking.

Clear glazing your bisque piece requires caution because dried underglazes are on the powdery side. Therefore when brushing wet glaze over underglazes if one is not careful, it will create colors to run. One good piece of advice is to use a good glazing fan brush (sold on this web site). When applying the clear glaze only make one pass over every area. Allow the glaze to dry and apply the second coat with one pass only. Do not keep brushing over same area for this will create a smear on the colors. Most clear glazes like IN-1001 or GL-612 by Duncan (sold on this web site) require 2 to 3 coats. Read label for specifics. Allow glaze on ceramic bisque to dry thoroughly then fire to cone 06.

As always if you have a specific problem you are welcome to email us with the symptom and we will try to come up with the right remedy for you. 

Happy painting!  And as always, you can find all the ceramic bisque you need right here in our store!

Links related to Unpainted Ceramic Bisque:

Duncan Glazes

Glazing Fan Brush

Unpainted Ceramic Bisque