Surface is a big part of how I bring my ceramic work to life through color, texture, and layers. This is where I share notes, recipes, techniques, and other information about the surfaces I use, along with discoveries and experiments from the studio.
You’ll find my ceramic surface notes, recipes, and additional information in the linked PDF. I highly recommend testing everything first with your own clay, materials, and firing schedule.
I work at lower temperatures and generally don’t fire above cone 03—approximately 1,987°F (1,086°C), depending on the firing rate. I usually bisque between cones 08 and 06, but sometimes go as high as cone 04 when needed. I often apply slips and underglazes with an HVLP sprayer to keep the texture intact, followed by extensive sanding after the bisque to reveal subtle color shifts within the sprayed layers.
I typically finish my glaze-fired work with colored encaustic wax and an assortment of clear waxes. Many of these surface processes require excellent ventilation, and the wax finishes often involve localized heat.
