[ayjay]

I want to mask some thin (6-8mm) lines on some bisque, wax between the masking (about 6-8mm again) and then remove the mask and glaze where the masking tape was.

Just wondering if there is a best type of masking tape for sticking to bisque which won't leave residue to impede the glaze.

Any other suggestions besides masking tape appreciated, but I'm looking for nice clean lines.

[Marcia Selsor]

I got some removable wax resist from the Ceramics STore in Philadelphia...mail order. They sold out at NCECA. I have not used it yet but plan to soon. It works like a latex resist but is thinner and cheaper.
Chartpak tape used in graphics is good and takes curves on pots. I have several sizes. It is old but still works. Don't know if it is still available.

Marcia

[sawing]

I've used drafting tape for this purpose with good success.

[bciskepottery]

Automobile detailing tape comes in various widths. If using masking tape, use the painters type -- blue colored -- not regular. Regular masking tape can leave sticky residues behind; the blue painter's tape does not.

[John McClure]

ayjay, on 07 August 2012 - 06:04 AM, said:

I want to mask some thin (6-8mm) lines on some bisque, wax between the masking (about 6-8mm again) and then remove the mask and glaze where the masking tape was.

Just wondering if there is a best type of masking tape for sticking to bisque which won't leave residue to impede the glaze.

Any other suggestions besides masking tape appreciated, but I'm looking for nice clean lines.

I find vinyl electrician's tape works well as a mask on bisque ware. I have not used it to apply wax but I have used it as a mask for glazing. It is flexible and allows a curved line too, I use a dental pick to hook into the tape for removal. By hooking with the sharp pick in the tape I have found removing the tape without scratching the edge is possible. Give it a try with wax.

John McClure

[SmartsyArtsy]

The remove able wax resist may be latex. If you do use latex, be sure that you get all of it off if you want to glaze ther.

[ayjay]

Thanks all, I used some car detailing tape eventually, (chart tape was an "order in" and wait) not the greatest stickability on bisque but good enough for this little project. The wax doesn't need to come off, it's a raku piece and the waxed areas will be black after firing.

[scoobydoozie]

I always keep rainbow tape on hand. Its a multipack in multiple widths. For curved lines, I use 3M's Artist Tape for Curves. I've never had a problem with residue from any masking tape, because low fired bisque always seems to have a dusty quality, even after sponging clean. I've also used both of these on top of unfired glaze when layering glazes or majolica. I recommend removing the tape within a week of application, just to be sure.

Here's a link for the Rainbow Tape:

http://www.amazon.co...ds=rainbow+tape

And Here's a link for the 3M's Artist Tape for Curves:

http://www.amazon.co...rds=artist+tape


PS - I've also used children's star stickers for masking and even hole reinforcments with no problems!