Underglaze Pencils & Pads

Underglaze Pencils for Drawing and Detail

Made with lead-free ceramic colours, these pencils offer a familiar way to introduce graphic detail to pottery. Sketch an illustration, add handwritten lettering or outline a motif to give your decoration a drawn quality. Individual colours and sets offer options for both limited palettes and more colourful designs.

The black pencil also provides a practical way to permanently mark firing trials, with markings that can withstand stoneware temperatures.

Firing and Sharpening

Recommended firing range: 900°C–1000°C.

Some colours remain stable to 1100°C, although fading may occur at higher temperatures. Test your chosen colour before use.

Sharpen with a good-quality metal pencil sharpener or a sharp knife.

Underglaze Pads for Stamped Designs

Minnesota Potter’s Pads contain ceramic underglaze ink and work with ordinary rubber stamps. Use them for repeated motifs, decorative borders or a recognisable maker’s mark.

Choose black ink for pale clay or white ink for darker bodies. Each pad contains approximately 1oz of ink, with refills available by special order.

Firing Ranges

• Black inks: Cone 06-9.
• White inks: Cone 06–8.

The pads carry AP Non-Toxic certification.

Why Choose Potclays?

Drawing and stamping offer different ways to personalise your ceramics. Our selection brings both approaches together, along with tools and accessories to help you develop your designs.

For help choosing between pencils and pads, or understanding which firing guidance applies to your chosen colour, contact our team.