Oxide wash is an essential technique for revealing relief, enriching textures, and adding depth to creations. Used in ceramic decoration, it allows you to highlight the details of a piece after bisque firing and create natural and elegant patina effects.
Easy to prepare and apply, oxide wash appeals to both beginner ceramists and professionals looking for expressive and controlled finishes.
What is an oxide juice?
An oxide wash is a mixture of natural oxides or ceramic colorants (iron oxide, copper oxide, cobalt oxide, manganese oxide…) diluted in water.
Unlike enamel or engobe, it does not form an opaque layer. It acts like a patina , penetrating the recesses and highlighting engraved, stamped decorations or textured surfaces.
If we compare the oxide wash technique to painting techniques, it would be closer to the watercolor technique.
Depending on the type of oxide used and the ceramic firing temperature, the effects obtained vary considerably.
Why use an oxide wash in ceramic decoration?
Oxide juice is particularly recommended for:
- Highlight the contours and textures
- Emphasize the engraved or sculpted decorations
- Create an aged or patinated effect
- Adding contrast under a transparent enamel
- Enriching a surface without obscuring the sculpting work
It fits perfectly into biscuit decoration techniques, in earthenware, stoneware or porcelain.
How to apply an oxide juice?
Application on biscuit
The most common method involves applying the oxide wash to a bisque -fired piece:
- Prepare your mixture (water + ceramic oxide).
- Apply generously with a brush or sponge .
- Allow it to penetrate for a few moments.
- Wipe off the excess with a damp sponge.
The pigment remains concentrated in the recesses and immediately reveals the design.
Under transparent enamel
To fix and intensify the effect, it is possible to apply a transparent glaze after the oxide juice has dried, and then proceed with the final firing.
This technique allows:
- to increase the depth of colors
- to protect the surface
- to obtain a glossy or satin finish depending on the enamel chosen
Note: the final result will depend on the temperature and atmosphere of cooking (oxidation or reduction).
Which oxide should you choose for your oxide juice?
The choice of coloring oxide directly influences the final color:
- Iron oxide : brown, ochre, black depending on dosage and firing
- Copper oxide : green to turquoise in an oxidizing atmosphere
- Cobalt oxide : intense blue, very powerful
- Manganese oxide : dark brown with purplish hues
- Chromium oxide : forced green, very powerful
Each type of clay (earthenware, stoneware, porcelain) reacts differently. It is essential to carry out firing tests before any production.
Technical tips for successfully making your oxide juice
- Always mix well: the oxides quickly settle at the bottom of the container.
- Work with protective equipment when handling powders.
- Test different dilutions to adjust the intensity.
- Note down your dosages precisely to reproduce the effects.
- Adjust the concentration according to the porosity of the biscuit.
Oxide juice: a simple technique with professional results
Oxide glaze is an accessible technical solution that transforms a surface, revealing every detail of the modeling. Used alone or in combination with a transparent glaze, it offers a rich decorative potential and adapts to all styles, from the most traditional to the most contemporary.
Exploring colouring oxides and experimenting with different firing techniques opens up an almost infinite creative field.
