A few weeks ago, I was desperately looking for solutions to get some color onto my students’ clay projects without using glaze. Don’t get me wrong, glaze is pretty cool. However, it can be expensive, and it comes coupled with the workload of running the kiln a few more times. I knew there had to be other solutions out there. Through research and experimentation, I’ve gathered some alternative solutions that not only save money but look cool, too.
Check out some of the samples and solutions below to get your bisqueware looking fabulous!
1. Tempera Paint
You really can’t go wrong by simply using the most affordable paint around to get that touch of color on clay. Give it a gloss by putting a coat of Mod Podge on top.
2. Watercolors
The simple 8-color palette will do the trick, and your students will love how it dries instantly.
3. Tempera Cakes
If you haven’t jumped on the tempera cake bandwagon, now would be the time. Tempera cakes come in an abundance of vibrant colors.
4. Oil Pastels and Watered-Down Tempera
Nothing says “art teacher” like a good ol’ watercolor resist. So, let your kids color with oil pastels on their clay pieces and then give their masterpieces a wash of watered down, black tempera. If the tempera covers the oil pastel completely, you can give the pieces a quick rinse under the faucet.
5. Wet Tissue Paper
Try letting students layer colored tissue paper on top of their projects and then soak the tissue with a spray bottle. This creates a tie-dye effect! Try using coffee filters colored with markers in place of the colored tissue for a similar effect.
6. Chalk Markers
Did you see the sign created using Chalkola Markers in last month’s article on rules and consequences? Turns out, they work extremely well on clay too. Best of all, they are vibrant and provide a lot of control.
7. Metallic Paint
Bring a little richness to your clay by painting with metallics. Metallic paint looks especially great on textured clay pieces.
8. Liquid Watercolors
The fully concentrated colors look wonderful on clay, and they dry quickly!
9. Watered-Down Liquid Watercolors
Don’t want to give up your fully concentrated liquid watercolor so fast? No problem. Water them down for a pastel look.
