Slip Trailing

When many potters or ceramic artists think of slip, they think of it as the "glue" that is used to attach one piece of clay to another. Slip is simply diluted clay used to help adhere two pieces of clay together. However, the slip can also be applied to the surface of clay as a decorative element.

Slip trailing is one of the most widely known and frequently used methods of decorating with slip. In other words, slip trailing is the process of decorating the clay with a raised design. The slip can be colored for contrast or left the same color as the clay body that it is applied to. This simple clay and water mixture is a wonderful decorating tool because it allows for tremendous personal expression.

Slip trailing is best accomplished by applying the slip to a clay surface with a fine-pointed dispenser. The thickness and width of the line depends on the device used to trail the slip onto the surface. Although slip can be applied by using all of the same techniques as a glaze, commercial slip trailer applicators offer a lot of great opportunities. For example, a precision slip trailer with interchangeable tips will allow you to switch back and forth from clay to glaze and adjust your line thickness.

To make slip, use some of the same clay you are using for the pottery item that you plan to decorate. Add some water to the clay and mix it well until it becomes liquid. Add more water for a thinner slip and less water for a thicker slip. Your slip should be thick enough not to run when placed on the pottery surface, but just thin enough to squeeze from a bottle. Test your slip and adjust the consistency as needed and then add a colorant if desired.

Now apply your the slip to the pottery item you want to decorate. The pottery should be unfired and wet. Prior to getting started, we would suggest drawing your design on paper. You can overlay the drawing onto the ceramic piece and carefully create a slight indentation along the design for a guide for slip trailing.

Slip trailing is a very interesting and diverse pottery decorating technique. You will find that slip trailing is both challenging and rewarding. It takes allot of practice, but is a great way to add a pattern decoration or personalization!

If you would like to take a pottery class, please see our class schedules at www.AnkenyArtCenter.com or visit our gallery at 1520 SW Ordnance Road, Ankeny. Our gallery hours are: Tu-Fr: 9a-1p, Th: 4p-7p, Sa: 9a-noon and you can reach us by phone at 515-965-0940 or email at: ankenyarts@ankenyartcenter.com. Like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AnkenyArtCenter