Fun Glaze Alternatives For Clay Projects
Clay projects are so much fun to do. Children and adults love creating ceramic projects and while we do love using clay glazes sometimes it just isn’t feasible. Here are different glaze alternatives to try during your next clay lesson.
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Why might you not want to use clay glaze?
Time, money and availability of clay glazes. Seriously if you have ever tried to get 500 clay projects fired twice before the end of the school year, you may be considering other options for adding color to ceramic projects. Use these ideas in your art classroom, studio or home.
What makes a non-glazed clay project look cool?
The type of clear coat that you use can make the world of difference. Some clear coats will help seal the project, but can also have a fun appearance like the clay flower below.
The before image of this pinch pot was painted with acrylic paint and the after was sealed with iridescent gloss medium.
What can you use instead of clay glazes?
- Spray Paint
- Rub and Buff
- Decoupage Tissue Paper
- Painting With Wet Tissue Paper Removed After Drying
- Watercolor Paint
- Tempera Paint
- Acrylic Paint
- Paint Markers (Our Favorite Metallic Ones)
- Crayon (or even DIY recycled cookie cutter crayons)
- Oil Pastel
- Colored Pencil
- Varnish
- Puffy Paint
- Clay Dipped into Shaving Cream and Liquid Watercolor
We have used most of these materials in one way or another. This list will continue to get new images as we experiment with different clay coloring ideas.
Need clay project inspiration?
Check out our 8 easy pinch pot clay lessons to try with elementary students.
Non-Glaze Alternatives To Add Color To Clay
Running a glaze firing in your kiln isn't always an option. Here are different techniques to add color to clay projects easily. You will love not having to glaze every single ceramic piece.
Paint Clay With Watercolor Paint
Watercolor paint is a lot of fun for adding color to clay because you can work in layers with washes. Add darker washes in your textures to really make them stand out. Just like we acrylic paint, we love add a fun clear coat on top of these painted projects as well.
Decoupage Tissue Paper On Clay
Any age child or adult can easily decoupage tissue paper onto their ceramic pieces. Use either a glue water mixture or mod podge to help create the look and style you want.
Paint Clay With Acrylic Paint
A lot can be done with acrylic paint on clay. You can practice all your painting styles without worrying about the paint chipping off. We love adding different clear coats to really make acrylic painted clay pieces shine.
Use Oil Pastels and Paint Resist
This is by far one of the coolest non-glaze ways to add color to clay. Every art teacher loves the classic oil pastel resist and why not try it on clay. This technique is perfect for clay tiles and other sturdy clay builds. See in amazement when you rinse the project under the sink.
Only Do A Single Fire
This pinch pot monster project was done with glaze, but we glazed the greenware (or unfired clay). Get tips for how to glaze non-bisque fired ceramic pieces to save you time. Just beware that this technique can be a little risky.
Use Crayon and Tempera Paint
Just like our oil pastel resist on clay, you can also use a crayon to resist watered-down tempera or acrylic paint. We love these adorable clay snowman ornaments that young kids can easily make.
Maybe you do want to use clay glaze with children then you must check out our 9 tips for how to use clay glaze with kids.
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