The Bottom Line
Pros
- Gives a drawn look that can be reminescent of sketches on paper.
- Can be smeared with fingers or cotton swabs for a charcoal effect.
- Lines can be softened by wet or damp brushes for more washy effect.
- Can be sharpened for fine lines.
- Pieces can be dissolved in water and applied with a brush.
Cons
- White and light colors tend to disappear unless applied heavily.
- Can result in a "coloring book" look if not carefully planned.
Description
- All crayons are lead-free. Crayon sticks are 2-3/4 x 7/16 inches.
- Recommended for use under Amaco's transparent glazes: F-10, LG-10, HF-10 or HF-9. Other glazes can give varying results.
- Sold in sets (some suppliers also carry individual crayons). Sets come in a sturdy hinge-lidded plastic box.
- Set 208: Turquoise, Yellow, Rose, Blue, Green, Brown, Black and White.
- Set 209: Yellow-Green, Medium-Green, Medium Blue, Lilac, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Gray and Blue-Green.
Guide Review - Review of Amaco Underglaze Crayons
Amaco's underglaze crayons are incredibly fun to play with. Their primary function is to allow us to draw on our pottery, but they are extremely versatile and allow for a range of underglazing effects.
They can be drawn with as is, giving a rather broad stroke reminiscent of working with hard charcoal or conté crayons. They can also be sharpened to give fine lines for a more pencil-like effect. Due to the texture of the bisqueware, both cases will usually be pebbled, as if you were drawing on a toothed paper such as watercolor paper.
For a soft charcoal effect, the lines can be smeared and rubbed with your fingers, a drawing stump, or a cotton swab. For this to be effective after firing, though, you need to have a heavy application of the underglaze to begin with.
Watercolor-like effects can be gotten by using a wet brush on the drawn lines. If you want the line to dissolve into the water completely, use a stiff bristled-brush not a watercolor brush. Also begin with a heavy application of the crayons, especially for lighter colors and white.
Small pieces of the crayons can be dissolved in water and then used to paint with. I would suggest you use a very small cup such as a bathroom-sized paper cup if doing this. Although Amaco states the dissolved crayon can be used in spray application, due to the amount of liquid needed I believe it is generally better to go with a product that is already in liquid form.
My one disappointment was at how much of the white disappeared when I used it over terracotta and other darker clay bodies. Even heavy applications of the white underglaze mostly disappeared into the glaze during firing. A more traditional white slip may be more appropriate, depending on your own needs.