Powdered Overglaze: The Firebird Range
Potclays’ Firebird range is an intermixable, low-lead series of powdered overglaze colours designed for fine onglaze decoration. Known for their smooth application and brilliantly flamboyant tones, these colours offer potters and ceramic decorators a reliable, expressive palette for detailed brushwork, linework, and accents on already-glazed ware. Each colour comes in finely ground powder form, providing maximum control over consistency and working properties. Browse our products below.
A Trusted Choice for Several Environments
Firebird overglaze colours meet low-lead release specifications when used as recommended and fired correctly, making them a trusted choice for studios, educational settings, and production environments.
Available in a broad spectrum of colours, including Buttercup, Lemon Yellow, and Naples Yellow, as well as rich purples, intense reds, natural greens, and deep browns, the range offers excellent flexibility for painters who enjoy creating precise designs, layering colour, or mixing shades to achieve custom tones.
See our Technical Information Sheet "Safe Handling of Powdered Ceramic Materials".
How to Prepare Powdered Overglaze
To prepare Firebird powdered overglaze, thoroughly mix the powder with a suitable medium. The most effective method is to work the colour into the medium on a smooth ceramic or glass slab using a palette knife in a rubbing or lapping action. This ensures a smooth blend and eliminates dry specks that could affect the final finish.
Once mixed, pick up the colour with a brush moistened with turpentine. If you prefer to work with a water-based medium, moisten your brush with water instead and clean tools accordingly.
Firebird colours can be intermixed freely, allowing decorators to create subtle transitions, soft gradients, or bright, saturated highlights. Their finely ground nature makes them suitable for both brush and pen work.
Firing Guidance for The Firebird Range
Firebird powdered overglaze colours and lustres should typically be fired between 730 and 800°C. Firing at a noticeably lower temperature will result in a matt or under-melted finish, which is not recommended for surfaces that may come into contact with food.
To achieve the best clarity and durability, ensure your kiln is well-ventilated during the early part of the firing. Once the firing reaches maturity, switch off the kiln and allow it to cool completely before opening. This will bring out the Firebird range’s characteristic brilliance, with bright reds like Signal Red, vivid purples, greens, and gold-toned browns all developing a clean, intense finish.
Why Choose Potclays?
At Potclays, we've supplied ceramicists with the tools and accessories, clays, and glazes to help their projects come to life for generations. Whether you are creating heritage-style enamel work, contemporary design, or decorative studio ware, Potclays provides the trusted materials and expertise needed to achieve consistent, vibrant results.
Need help finding the right onglaze colours for your work? Get in touch with our expert team, who are happy to provide guidance on any queries you may have.
