Scratching the Surface - Glaze on Glaze Technique
Explore the layered world of sgraffito through glaze-on-glaze surface design techniques. In this lesson, students study the history of sgraffito while creating contrasting imagery by scratching through layers of AMACO Teacher’s Palette glazes to reveal the fired surface beneath. This process encourages experimentation with line, texture, and positive and negative space on ceramic tiles.
Supplies List
- AMACO 6x6 Glazed Tile
- Teacher's Palette Glazes
- AMACO Fan Brush
- Sgraffito Tool or Bamboo Skewer
- Spray Bottle
- Drawing Materials
Applying the Base Glaze Layer
Apply two coats of Teacher's Palette glaze to a glazed and fired tile.
Sketching & Transferring the Design
Sketch your design on a sheet of paper. Once glaze is dry, us a graphite pencil to lightly trace or redraw your design onto the tile.
Preparing the Surface for Sgraffito
Spray tile lightly with water. The moistened glaze will help with improved line quality.
Etching Your Design
Following your penciled design, use a stylus to etch the unfired glaze. Make sure to scratch through to revel the fired glaze surface below.
Exploring Contrast & Negative Space
Create a contrasting design by scratching away at the rest of the glaze. Student can create simple line drawings or play with positive a negative space for interesting results.
Final Glaze Firing
Fire tile to Cone 05.
Video:
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