Colored Slip

Colored Slip

Pre-mixed, vibrant colored slips for cone 06-5.

From traditional brushwork to cutting-edge surface design, our colored slips adapt to your technique of choice. Use straight from the bottle for stenciling or slip trailing, thin with water for washes, or thicken with medium for screen printing.

Skip to results list
21 items

Filter

Run a PYOP OR POTTERY STUDIO?

See how we use these tools to streamline try-it classes and how to order customized tools with your logo.

 Shop Studio Kits

FAQs

What's the difference between colored slip and underglaze, and which should I use?

Our colored slip is clay-based and becomes part of your piece, providing superior coverage and color intensity at a more economical price. Underglaze contains less clay and more flux, allowing application at any stage but with lighter coverage. Both are food-safe when properly glazed, but slip provides that professional-grade opacity potters love.
Do I need different slips for different firing temperatures?

No! Our universal formula works beautifully from Cone 04 to Cone 10, eliminating the need for multiple product lines. The same bottle works for earthenware, mid-fire, and high-fire projects.

Colors remain stable and vibrant across all temperatures, though they may deepen slightly at higher cones. This versatility means one inventory for all your work—whether you're making low-fire decorative pieces or Cone 6 functional dinnerware.
Can I mix colors together, and will they fire predictably?

Absolutely! All our colors share the same base formula, ensuring perfect compatibility and predictable mixing.

Combine any colors for custom hues—mix with Natural White for pastels, Midnight for shades, or blend complementary colors for unique tones. The consistent base means no chemical reactions or unexpected shifts.

Pro tip: document your custom mixes with ratios so you can recreate successful colors.
How do I prevent cracking or peeling, especially on bisqueware?

Success comes down to timing and prep. For best adhesion, apply to leather-hard clay when natural bonding is strongest.

For bone-dry or bisque application, lightly mist the surface first and apply thin coats, allowing each to dry completely.

Our formula matches standard clay shrinkage rates, minimizing separation. If you experience issues, you're likely applying too thick—remember, multiple thin coats beat one thick application every time.
Is this food-safe for functional pottery, and do I need to glaze over it?

Our slips are made with non-toxic, lead-free ceramic materials and are food-safe when fired to maturity (Cone 5 minimum) and covered with a food-safe clear glaze.

For functional pieces that will contact food or drink, always apply a food-safe clear glaze over the slip. Decorative pieces can be left unglazed for a beautiful matte finish.

The slip itself is dinnerware-safe once properly fired, but the glaze layer ensures a smooth, cleanable surface for daily use.

Always test.
WHAT CAN I MAKE WITH COLORED SLIP?

SLIP TRAILING (PIPING)

What it looks like: Raised decorative lines and dots creating dimensional patterns, from delicate botanical designs to bold geometric borders—like piping icing on a cake but permanent.

How to do it: Load colored slip into a squeeze bottle or slip trailing bulb with a fine tip. Hold the bottle at 45 degrees just above the leather-hard clay surface, applying steady pressure as you move to create continuous lines. For dots, squeeze and lift straight up quickly. Layer different colors once the first application firms up (about 10 minutes). Works beautifully for Celtic knots, mandala patterns, or freehand florals.

Sgraffito (Scratch-Through)

What it looks like: Crisp carved designs where your tool cuts through colored slip to reveal contrasting clay beneath, creating graphic two-tone illustrations or intricate patterns.

How to do it: Apply 2-3 coats of colored slip to leather-hard clay, allowing each coat to dry to a matte finish. Wait until the slip returns to leather-hard consistency (usually 20-30 minutes). Use a needle tool, trimming tool, or sgraffito tool to carve through the slip layer, revealing the clay color beneath. Clean your tool frequently for sharp lines. This technique is perfect for detailed illustrations, typography, or geometric patterns.

Marbling (Agateware Effect)

What it looks like: Swirled, organic patterns reminiscent of marble stone or agate, with colors blending and flowing into each other creating one-of-a-kind patterns.

How to do it: Pour small puddles of 2-4 different colored slips onto a leather-hard slab or inside a bowl.

Tilt and rotate the piece to let colors flow and merge naturally, or use a tool to gently swirl them together. For more control, brush on stripes of different colors then drag a tool perpendicular through them. Don't overmix or colors will turn muddy. Each piece becomes completely unique with this technique.

Stencil Printing

What it looks like: Crisp, repeatable patterns with clean edges—from geometric shapes to intricate mandalas—appearing as smooth color on your clay surface.

How to do it: Position your stencil on leather-hard clay and hold firmly (or use temporary adhesive spray on the back). Dab colored slip through the stencil openings using a dense sponge with a patting motion—never brush sideways.

Apply 2-3 light coats rather than one heavy coat to prevent bleeding under edges. Carefully lift the stencil straight up while slip is still wet. Layer different stencils and colors once each application dries for complex multi-colored designs.