Decorating Slips
Decorating slips are a versatile medium for use by potters of any skill level. Whether you're working with earthenware or stoneware bodies, these liquid-clay slips for dipping and trailing allow you to add expressive detail, striking contrast or subtle tones to your project before glaze is applied. These slips are compounded from earthenware bodies but are capable of firing to stoneware. Explore our range of ready-to-use decorating slips, carefully formulated to give you consistent colour, smooth application and reliable results at a variety of firing temperatures.
What is a Decorating Slip?
A decorating slip is a fine, liquid clay mixture that is enriched with stains or colours and applied to leather hard clay or bisque fired pottery. Slips can be used to provide a decorative base, to enhance the texture of your project or to form part of a layered glaze.
Slips integrate seamlessly with many projects and fire with stability as they're made from similar materials to your clay body. They can be brushed, sponged, carved into using sgraffito techniques or trailed with a tool called a slip trailer to produce a striking visual impact. Once the slip is dry, you can apply a transparent glaze if you so wish.
Slips for a Range of Styles and Surfaces
Ideal for a range of application techniques depending on your creative needs, our slips are suitable for both stoneware and earthenware clays, offering flexibility across firing temperatures. Each slip provides consistent results, giving you confidence no matter what you're working on. Water may be added or removed to alter the consistency, and under certain conditions, dilution may be desirable to avoid flaking.
One of our popular options is the Ivory decorating slip, which is perfect for building a neutral base or pairing with strong tones. This soft white to off-white slip provides excellent coverage on darker clay bodies and is formulated to be easy to brush onto products. It works beautifully with sponge techniques or for detailed line work.
Why Choose Potclays?
At Potclays, we're proud to be a one-stop shop for generations of potters across various skill levels. From hobbyists to professionals, our product range has something available to help your projects reach their next stage. From high-quality clay to glazes and raw materials, we've got something for every need and requirement.
Whether you're experimenting with new techniques or looking for new tools and accessories, you'll find what you need from Potclays.
Need help with decorating your project? Get in touch with us today, we're happy to help with any queries.
