Forget the Glaze! How To Use Oil Pastels On Clay
Non-glaze way to add color to clay
Exposing children to a variety of art styles and techniques, including ceramic techniques is just part of the job of an art teacher. Use this easier way to add bright color to your clay projects without using the kiln. Learn how to use this non-glaze technique using oil pastels and black paint or ink on your clay pieces.
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Can you really use oil pastels on clay?
Yes, it is a different way to add color to clay and creates a unique look to the finished clay projects. Make sure students really grind on the old oil pastels to get rich colors. If doing an ink or acrylic wash, just make sure it is rinsed to the desired effect. Adding a clear coat or sparkly mod podge can also give a fun effect.
This technique is perfect for ceramic tile projects. Since it is hard to load a kiln with glazed slabs, we decided to use this fun oil pastel technique on our flat clay projects. It saves you time and children are always amazed at the outcomes. Each student will get different effects depending on how they use the materials.
Why is an oil pastel resist good for clay?
I fell in love with using an oil pastel resist technique with kids a long time ago. If you have ever had a young child ruin an awesome drawing once they start coloring then you will want to try oil pastel and watercolor painting projects because it is such an easier way to see all the details kids add to their artworks.
We used to always only do this technique on paper, but realized it would be an amazing clay technique as well. While some projects are more suited for glazing, this is a great glaze alternative for your student’s clay projects.
Who doesn’t love saving yourself from loading 100+ projects a second time in the kiln?
What happens if I mess up with the black paint or ink?
If you accidentally take too much paint away under the sink you can repeat the process until you are happy with the outcome. You can also use oil pastels on top of the final project to brighten any spots.
Supplies
- Oil pastels: For young and older students in the art room, we are always a fan of this brand of oil pastel sticks. However, don’t waste new ones with this technique. Use those old bits and smaller pieces.
- Watered down black acrylic or India ink: Different types of paint such as watercolor, liquid watercolor or tempera may work. They are more washable under the sink, therefore we like to work with a more permanent black You can also use different colors instead of black, but we find that this really makes the small details stand out.
- Bisque fired clay project
- Optional: Mod Podge, Gloss Medium or Sealer: We love adding a little sparkle to these projects with this mod podge or gloss medium.
Tools
Paintbrush
Sink
How to do an oil pastel resist on clay
Step 1: Color bisque fired clay by pushing hard. The harder kids push the more they will get vivid colors. Make sure kids are careful on delicate areas.
Step 2: Kids can blend different colors. For best results, really encourage clay to be covered with color. You can create your own blenders or just have them use their finger.
Step 3: Make a ratio of 1:1 water and ink or black acrylic paint.
Step 4: Paint a wash over the whole clay project.
Step 5: Run the project under the sink. You can rinse a lot of the black paint or as little as you want. Each child can get different results based on their own liking and style.
Step 6: Let dry.
Optional: Use a clear coat of your choice to finish the clay project.
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How To Use Oil Pastels On Clay Art Projects
Use this non-glazing clay technique to add color to ceramic art projects. Even young children can do this oil pastel technique.
Materials
- Optional: Regular or Sparkly Mod Podge
- Oil Pastels
- Watered Down Black Acrylic Paint or India Ink
- Bisque fired clay project
Tools
- Paintbrush
- Paper towel or placemat
Instructions
- Mix black paint and water at about a 1:1 ratio (1/2 water and 1/2 paint).
- Color clay by pushing hard with oil pastels. Make sure kids are careful on delicate areas.
- Kids can blend colors. You really want to encourage clay to be covered with color.
- Make a ratio of 1:1 water and ink or black acrylic paint or India ink.
- Paint wash over the whole clay project.
- Run project under the sink. Use fingers to help wash out areas that may have to much black paint left.
- Let dry.
- Optional: Use a clear coat of your choice to finish the clay project.
Notes
If you accidentally take too much paint away under the sink you can repeat the process until you are happy with the outcome. You can also use oil pastels on top of the final project to brighten any spots.
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Looking for other non-glaze ways to add color to clay? Did you know watercolor paint works really well on clay? Acrylic paint on clay is also a great way to add color to all those ceramic pieces.
Will this work well on red fired clay? I dont have white or gray.
Hi Brittany. I would think it would. You just would want to stick with colors that would pop on red clay. You probably just won’t have as much contrast since your base is red. Good luck and let us know how it goes!