PROJECT_Greek Vases + The Golden Ratio

Shellac Resist—H20 Erosion
Great Relief Surfaces
Flowers, abstract geometry, letters, anything -- making complex relief surfaces on your pots, tiles or
sculptures is easy using shellac. This technique is especially suited to fine clays like porcelain or
porcelaineous stoneware, but could be used on just about any clay.
The Technique:
1. You will be using shellac or polyeurathane to stencil your motif.
2. Paint your designs with various brush sizes onto bone dry greenware.
3. If necessary, apply a couple of coats. This will depend on the initial consistency of the shellac.
4. Let the shellac dry thoroughly. If you´re in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer set to ´hot.´
5. Then, carefully wipe away layers of clay in the negative space with a wet sponge. The clay will stay
raised where you have applied the shellac.
6. After drying, the process may be repeated for layers of various depths.
7. Decorate, glaze and fire as usual.
Tips:
1. Be careful not to use too much water at any one time, otherwise cracks may appear, especially on
thin ware.
2. Further effects can be achieved by additional carving.
3. Try experimenting with other nontraditional resist materials, like house paint!