Colour Decorating Techniques

This table illustrates the results that can be obtained using various decorating techniques.  All results are based on application and firing tests carried out in the Walker Ceramics laboratory.

For Earthenware bodies, use Walker Ceramics Flux Extender (Product Code FE100).

For Stoneware bodies, use Walker Ceramics Colour Extender (Product Code FE110).

Decorating Technique UsedCesco Underglaze & Design Colour ResultsWunder Colour Results 
Earthenware greenware, no glaze, fired oncePastel shades with matt finishPastel shades with matt finish 
Stoneware greenware, no glaze, fired onceSome colours may vitrify and take ona satin finishSome colours may vitrify and take ona satin finish 
Over a gloss glaze, earthenware Some areas of dry colour may appear.For best results mix 2 parts colour to1 part extenderSome areas of dry colour may appear.For best results mix 2 parts colour to 2 parts extender 
Over a satin glaze, earthenware Some areas of dry colour may appear.For best results mix 2 parts colour to1 part extender.Some areas of dry colour may appear.For best results mix 2 parts colour to2 parts extender. 
Over a matt glaze, earthenware Applied thinly, a satin/matt will be obtained.Applied thinly, a matt will be obtained. 
Over gloss glaze on stoneware body and fired normallyVery good soft colours in or on the glaze.Very good soft colours in or on the glaze. Possibly some satin areas 
Over satin glaze on stoneware body and fired normallySatin / gloss finish.Satin finish. 
Over matt glaze on stoneware body and fired normallyA satin finish.A satin matt finish. 
Colour, plus extender, over a gloss glazeGlossy results on earthenware. Use colours full strength on stoneware for glossy results.Satin / gloss results on earthenware. Use colours half strength on stoneware with flux extender for glossy results. 
Colour, plus extender, over a satin glazeGood even satin results on earthenware. Use colours full strength on stoneware for satin resultsSatin / matt results on earthenware. Use colours half strength on stoneware with flux extender for satin results 
Colour, plus extender, applied to greenware with no glaze and fired onceOn earthenware, a matt finish but the colour will have adhered well.On earthenware, a pastel matt finish but the colour will have adhered  well. 
On greenware as an undercoat, with decoration on top and fired normallyA matt finish but the colour will have adhered.On stoneware a satin / gloss finish.A matt finish but the colour will have adhered.On stoneware a satin / gloss finish. 
Applied over a dark body2 to 3 coats should give full coverage.2 to 3 coats should give full coverage. 
Colour with stain addedResults may vary as the balance of stain, flux and clay is alteredResults may vary as the balance of stain, flux and clay is altered 
Layers of colour applied over each otherOn earthenware, colours will not bleed. Test at stoneware.On earthenware, colours will not bleed. Test at stoneware. 
Reduction firing of coloursMost colours fire well except for Pacific Purple which turns blue, Anemone Red which suffers from some colour loss, Dolphin Grey which turns white and Lavender Bay which turns light blue. These effects appear under or over glaze.Test firing recommended. 
Design Colours, Cesco Underglazes & Wunder Colours intermixed with each other.All colours are totally intermixable. Test first.All colours are totally intermixable. Test first.