Val Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 I am looking for rich color but not shine for my figurative sculptures. I saw exactly the finish I want done with matt China paints on porcelain where the high lights were achieved by rubbing off some of the color before it set up. I am a little reluctant to jump into a whole new inventory of expensive supplies, especially since my sculptures would use significant amount of expensive China paint........Wondering if I can achieve the look with oil paint ? In the piece in the photo I used Amaco Velvet underglaze and the bowl portion was glazed. Sometime I use oxides and underglaze......and my results are almost what I want. I'm also wondering about clear wax over underglaze to give just a bit more depth to the finish.....but which wax ? I know I just need to keep experimenting, but wondered if anyone else had already tried alternate finishes ? Back 20 years ago in school we used actual bronze powder mixed with who knows what medium? I'm not usually wanting that finish now, as I prefer multi colors, but It would be nice to re-learn how to do it for some pieces. Any of you more experienced artists out there have ideas ? Thanks Val Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bciskepottery Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 The current issue of Pottery Making Illustrated has an article by Brice Dyer that includes a recipe for a Satin Wash, cones 5-6 (page 18): 1 cup Gerstley Borate, 1 cup Lithium Carbonate, and 2 gallons water. Mix to a skim milk consistency and do either a quick dip of the piece or use a spray bottle to mist a coat onto the piece. He uses it on exteriors. (I've not tried the recipe so can't speak to its results) I use a mix of 1/4 cup soda ash (can be less than that amount) dissolved in 1 cup of hot water. I brush or sponge the solution on the exteriors of wares and fire to cone 6 (oxidation). Gives a sheen to the raw clay/slip exterior, but no gloss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Val Posted January 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 thanks ! Do you think the soda ash would work over underglazed earthenware? cone 06 ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bciskepottery Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 I apply the soda ash wash over underglaze (Amaco Velvets) and oxide washes. Check Chris Campbell's website -- she applies it over colored porcelain. The vase below is Highwater's Little Loafers clay, with black underglaze and rutile wash highlights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Campbell Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 What soda ash does ... As per my understanding ... Is simply cause the surface to flux a bit more than it naturally would. I have used it on porcelain, over Amaco velvet underglazes, with no color change. That wash also sounds good. I might try it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Val Posted January 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 Love your work Chris Campbell ! I will experiment to see if the soda ash mix also works on earthenware. Thanks everyone for your advice ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denice Posted January 2, 2016 Report Share Posted January 2, 2016 Val I use to finish portraiture sculpture with that finish your are referring to, the medium that you mix the powdered metals in is shellac that is thinned. It took at least 3 coats probably closer to 5. Since I was working with life size work I primed them with a cheap flat black enamel spray paint. I think the powdered metals can be found on the internet. After the shellac was totally cure I would use paste wax on them. Denice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Val Posted January 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2016 Yea Denice ! It's so nice to reclaim lost knowledge ! thanks for sharing ! I would love to see photos of your life size work......what the heck do you fire the works in ? I Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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