Watercolor effects using Semi-Moist Underglazes

Amaco’s Semi-Moist Underglazes, also known as Watercolor Underglazes or SMUGs, have a small but very dedicated following.

Advantages:

SMUGs are packaged in pans like watercolor paints and are used much like watercolors.

More pigmented than Velvets, SMUGs can be used in transparent washes or more concentrated deep hues.

SMUGs are fully mixable, so you can create colors just as you would using watercolors, either blending on a palette or on the clay.

There are 5 different pan sets of SMUGs. The first four sets all have different colors. The fifth set is our most popular pan colors in one "favorites” set.

Because they are “semi-moist” and in a pan, you can let your SMUGs dry out between each use and reuse indefinitely. They never “go bad” or become unusable.

SMUG White is more opaque than most underglazes colors, so you can apply it on top of darker colors as an accent.

All SMUGs are formulated to work best at cone 05, but most colors can be fired up to cone 6 with little to no change. Pan set 112 consists of entirely colors that can be fired to cone 6, and some that retain their color up to cone 10. Only Maroon and Rose burn out completely at cone 10. Some other colors may fade with a thin wash but still show up with a more concentrated application.

Tips to get the most from your SMUGs:

Use a water dropper and put a few drops of water on the color you want to use, and let the water sit on the pan for 5 or more minutes to soften up the color. Use a little more water and leave it longer to make a more concentrated color.

To use as an underglaze, apply SMUGs on bisque. To prevent smearing, apply the clear glaze over the SMUGs by dipping or by gently sponging on a brushing glaze for the first coat (the second coat of glaze can be applied with a brush).

SMUGs can be used on top of a glaze for brightly colored results. Because SMUGs are lower in clay content than underglazes, they won’t blister or turn dry when applied on top of a glaze. SMUGs are not tested for food-safety for this method, so we recommend using this on non-food or mouth contact surfaces. Apply 3 coats of a white satin glaze (LM-11 White for cone 05, or SM-11 White for cone 5-6) to bisque, and once the glaze is dry apply SMUGs on the raw glaze. Fire to the appropriate temperature for the base glaze.

SMUGs are all “What You See Is What You Get” with the exception of Dark Blue. Dark Blue appears lavender or purple before firing, but fires to a deep vibrant blue. If you’re ever concerned that you have the pans mixed up, pull the pan out and check the label on the bottom of the pan.

Try out the SMUGs and explore the most direct painting experience in ceramics. Share your experiences using Amaco Semi-Moist Underglazes with us on social media by using #HowIAmaco

Happy Glazing!