7.4: Using Wax Resist and Other Masking Techniques
- Page ID
- 299303
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)The Principles of Wax Resist in Ceramic Decoration
- Definition: Wax resist is a liquid wax applied to specific areas of a ceramic surface to repel glaze or slip. It creates clean, unglazed patterns or designs.
- Applications: Use wax resist to leave foot rings unglazed, protect intricate underglaze designs, or create bold contrasts between glazed and unglazed surfaces.
- Timing: Apply wax resist to bisqueware or leather-hard clay before glazing. Allow it to dry completely before adding any glaze or slip.
- Removal: Wax resist burns off in the kiln during firing, leaving behind the original surface underneath.
Creative Applications of Resist Techniques for Intricate Designs
- Layered Patterns: Use wax resist to block off areas, apply glaze, and repeat with additional layers for multi-dimensional designs.
- Combining with Stenciling: Pair wax resist with stencils to create precise, intricate motifs. For example, use a stencil to apply wax in a floral pattern, then glaze the surrounding area.
- Edge Control: Apply wax along the edges of a piece to create defined lines or borders between different glazes.
- Highlighting Texture: Use wax resist to protect textured areas from glaze, emphasizing the natural surface of the clay.
Exploring Alternative Masking Materials and Methods
- Tape: Masking or painter’s tape can create straight lines or geometric shapes. Use a craft knife to cut custom designs.
- Natural Materials: Leaves, lace, or paper cutouts can serve as temporary masks. Apply glaze over these materials, then remove them to reveal intricate designs.
- Liquid Latex: Latex can be applied like wax resist but is peel-able, allowing for more flexibility in complex designs.
- Overlapping Techniques: Combine multiple masking materials, such as tape and wax resist, for layered, dynamic effects.
Combining Resist with Other Decorative Techniques for Unique Effects
- Slip and Resist: Apply slip to leather-hard clay, then use wax resist to create patterns before glazing. This adds texture and depth to the final piece.
- Layered Glazes: Apply a base glaze, add wax resist designs, and then layer another glaze for a dimensional look. The resist protects the base layer from the second glaze.
- Sgraffito and Resist: Combine resist with sgraffito by carving through slip after applying wax to specific areas. This creates both texture and color contrast.
- Creative Exploration: Experiment with unconventional combinations of resists, glazes, and other techniques to develop a signature style.
Safety and Cleanup Tips for Working with Resists
- Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes from wax resist or latex.
- Cleanup: Clean brushes and tools immediately after applying wax or latex to prevent residue buildup. Use warm water and soap for wax resist or a designated solvent for latex.
- Safety Gear: Wear gloves to protect your hands from wax or chemicals. Ensure you don’t leave resist materials on your skin for prolonged periods.
- Storage: Store resist materials in sealed containers to prevent drying out. Keep them away from heat sources, as wax and latex are flammable.