Engobes

An Engobe is similar to a clay slip that is applied to the surface of a piece of pottery in order to change its color or add decorative accents. Unlike underglazes, Amaco Engobes can be applied to wet or leather-hard clays by brushing, pouring or trailing thinly on wet or dry greenware. Sometimes they are used to cover an inferior body, but generally are applied as decoration to contrast with the color of the clay piece. Engobes can be mixed and applied in various thicknesses, from a thin paste to a watery stain, depending on the chosen technique. Slip painting, slip trailing, and sgraffito are especially good decorating methods for Engobes. Supplied in dry form to allow for different application techniques, these rich earth tones are beautiful when left unglazed on decorative ware. When glazed, they add color and dimension to the surface. Engobes are lead-free and non-toxic. Caution — Engobes must be covered with a dinnerware-safe glaze such as Amaco F-10, LG-9, LG-10, HF-9 or HF-10. Note — Use this color chart as an approximation of the real color. If exact color matching is necessary, use actual samples of the materials.