Sgraffito Tool Ceramics Definition

Sgraffito definition a technique of ornamentation in which a surface layer of paint plaster slip etc is incised to reveal a ground of contrasting color.

Sgraffito tool ceramics definition.

Sgraffito definition is decoration by cutting away parts of a surface layer as of plaster or clay to expose a different colored ground. Thomas born getty images creating sgraffito. Sgraffito in italian to scratch is a decorating pottery technique produced by applying layers of color or colors underglazes or colored slips to leather hard pottery and then scratching off parts of the layer s to create contrasting images patterns and texture and reveal the clay color underneath. As a basic rule fine clays work much better as anything rough or with too much grog in won t create a smooth finish when you re scratching off the topcoat of slip or underglaze you can of course use the sgraffito technique on any shape or size of pot.

Sgraffiti is a technique either of wall decor produced by applying layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colours to a moistened surface or in pottery by applying to an unfired ceramic body two successive layers of contrasting slip or glaze and then in either case scratching so as to reveal parts of the underlying layer. So the first place to start with sgraffito is choosing which clay to make your piece from.