Pottery Painting 101: How to Use Underglaze, Slip, and Glaze to Create Masterpieces
Looking for a new creative hobby in Manchester? Whether you’ve just finished a pottery throwing taster session or you’re a seasoned maker, learning how to decorate your work is where the magic really happens.
At 7 Spot Pottery, we see many beginners asking the same question: "What is the difference between underglaze, slip, and glaze?" If you want your ceramics to stand out, you need to master the three main "paint" types. Here is your essential guide to pottery painting like a pro.
1. Decorating with Colored Slips (The "Wet" Stage)
Slip is essentially liquid clay with added pigment. Because it is made of clay, you apply it while your pot is still leather-hard (damp but firm).
Best for: Sgraffito (scratching designs through the slip to reveal the clay underneath) and slip-trailing.
Pro Tip: If you wait until your pot is bone-dry to apply slip, it will likely flake off. Timing is everything!
2. Underglaze: The "Watercolors" of Pottery
If you love detailed illustrations or bright, "true" colors, underglaze is your best friend. Unlike traditional glazes, underglazes don't move or "run" in the kiln.
When to use: You can apply underglaze to greenware (unfired clay) or bisque-fired pots.
Why we love it: What you paint is exactly what you get. If you paint a heart, it stays a heart—it won’t melt into a blob! It's the most popular choice for those into pottery painting as a hobby.
3. Glazing: The Glass Finish
Glaze is a mixture of minerals that melts into glass at high temperatures. It makes your pottery food-safe and waterproof.
Dipping vs. Brushing: Most Manchester pottery studios offer dipping glazes for a smooth, even coat. If you’re at home, brushing glazes (like Mayco or Amaco) are easier to manage.
The "Run" Factor: Unlike underglaze, glaze moves. This creates beautiful "breaks" over textures, especially on wheel-thrown pieces with throwing rings.
How to Layer for Professional Results
To get that "boutique" look you see on Instagram, try this layering technique:
Throw your piece on the pottery wheel.
Apply underglaze designs while the clay is bisque-fired.
Coat the entire piece in a clear transparent glaze.
Fire it to its final temperature (like the high-fire Cone 6 or Cone 10).
Why Pottery is the Best Manchester Hobby
Manchester is a hub for makers. Moving away from digital screens and getting your hands in the clay is the perfect way to de-stress. Whether you are interested in throwing on the wheel or just want a relaxing afternoon of pottery painting, there is a space for you.
Ready to start your pottery journey? Check out our upcoming pottery classes in Manchester! From beginner wheel-throwing courses to independent drop-in sessions for experienced potters, 7 Spot Pottery is the place to create.