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Powdered Underglaze
Powdered underglazes provide potters with a versatile and highly controllable way to introduce colour to greenware and bisqueware. Their fine particle size, reliable firing behaviour, and broad palette make them an essential material for both studio artists and production potters. We supply an extensive selection of powdered underglazes, including deep blues and greens, bright reds, soft neutrals, and delicate pastels. Browse our product range below.
What is Powdered Underglaze?
Powdered underglaze is a concentrated colouring material designed to be mixed with water or an appropriate underglaze medium to create a smooth, brushable colour for pottery work. Unlike glaze, it contains little or no glass-forming material, meaning the colour remains crisp and matt unless additional flux is added. This makes it ideal for fine detail, intricate linework, and layered colour effects.
The underglaze sits beneath a final transparent glaze, offering excellent control, predictability, and durability once fired. All powdered underglazes in this range are stable up to 1300°C, except Crimson, Purple Damson, Flesh Tint, and Brick Red, which remain stable up to around 1140°C. These chrome-tin colours are best suited to surface decoration rather than use as body stains.
See our Technical Information Sheet "Safe Handling of Powdered Ceramic Materials".
Where Can Powdered Underglazes Be Used?
Powdered underglazes can be used on both greenware and bisqueware, making them suitable for a range of ceramic techniques, including hand-building, throwing, slip-casting, and decorative work on functional or sculptural ceramics. Once mixed into a smooth medium, they can be applied with brushes, sponges, or tools for sgraffito, painting, shading, and surface design.
Powdered underglazes offer exceptional flexibility because they can also function as glaze or body stains. With the addition of flux, they can be made self-glazing, producing matt or satin surfaces.
How to Use Powdered Underglaze
To prepare powdered underglaze, thoroughly mix the powder with water or underglaze medium. The best method is to work the powder into the medium using a palette knife in a rubbing or lapping motion until smooth and lump-free.
Leather-hard clay is ideal for carved or sgraffito effects, while bisque ware is perfect for precise painting. Once dry, the decorated surface can be covered with a clear glaze, or if sufficient flux has been added, fired as a self-glazing decoration.
Why Choose Potclays?
Potclays has been a trusted supplier of clay, glaze and more for several decades, providing reliable products to potters of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to experiment with colour and consistency, or a professional looking to refine your pottery supplies, you'll find something to meet your needs.
Need guidance on selecting the right underglaze powder? Our expert team is here to help with any questions you may have. Get in touch today.
