Using the Transfer Method to Create Interesting Glaze Patterns on Pottery

The transfer technique used to glaze this white stoneware bottle, which was fired to cone 6 oxidation.

As detailed in the direct and stencil approaches shown previously, glaze application methods are as infinite as our imagination. Nearly every item around the studio or house has the potential to be a glaze applicator. It just takes a little imagination to see the potential, and experimenting is key to discovering new ideas. – Jennifer Harnetty, editor.

Applying Glazes Using the Transfer Approach

A third method, the transfer approach, involves selecting a textured object, applying glaze to its raised surface and printing the texture onto the ceramic surface. Any object that has a distinct texture can be used.

Step 1

Wipe the bisque surface with a damp sponge, then pour the glaze over the surface while slowly rotating the bottle. Next, shake the bottle downward to remove drops from the base. Wipe the foot clean with a sponge and glaze the recessed base with a brush.

Step 2

Bubble wrap (used for shipping, as shown in image) is used as the transferred texture for this demonstration.

Step 3

Roll the glaze onto the domed pills of the bubble wrap.

Step 4

Roll the form across the glazed bubble wrap, transferring the image to the pot’s surface.

Step 5

The completed glaze texture, with its starlike shapes, wraps around the entire form, creating a unique glaze pattern (figure 5). At this point, dip the bottle top quickly into the second overlapping glaze if you want.