Wax resist tends to be a versatile product for use with pottery and ceramics. It gives pottery artists access to decorative glazing solutions. It is a perfect option to use in areas such as lids, rims, feet, and any place you need to keep the glaze off. Inevitably, you surely need to clean up the wax after the glazing is completed.
Before we help you select the best wax resist for pottery, let us first understand the basics of wax-resist in the pottery world.
What is a Pottery Wax Resist?
If you are a pottery artist that works with glaze, wax resist could be an undeniable asset for you. It is used to coat your pottery’s base and prevent the piece from sticking to your kiln’s shelf as the firing process occurs.
The wax burns off during the firing process, and all you need to do is wipe it off with a clean cloth. Make sure you do this only after the mug has completely cooled down, or you might run the risk of burning your hands.
It can also be used to keep the liquid glaze away from an area that you don’t want to be glazed. They ensure that the glazes don’t seep into the pores of the clay body.
How to Use Wax Resist?
In order to apply the wax resist, you need to dip your brush in the wax and apply it evenly in the desired area. The key is to use a watered-down version of wax resist. This variant is preferred by potters as it tends to dry faster & leads to minimum build-up in the pottery ware. All that is needed is a thin coat to ensure that the glaze doesn’t make its way into the areas that you don’t want glazed.
Mix water and wax in a 1:3 ratio. You can go thinner and test out what works best. When applying the wax, try not to create any puddles or drips where the wax shouldn’t go. In order to remove the wax, you might have to again bisque-fire the piece.
Another way you can remove the wax is by scraping or sanding. You can also pour boiling water to get rid of the wax in the bisque ware. Before you start the glazing process, make sure you allow the wax to completely dry. It might take about 15 to 30 minutes. Remember that wax resist burns off between 200 to 500 degrees.
Now that you know the basics of using wax resist, let us check out the best wax resist for pottery that you can try out!
AMACO Wax Resist: Complete Review
AMACO Wax Resist is a safe and beginner-friendly product for artists as it is Acmi certified to be non-toxic. The product also conforms to the ASTM D-4236 standards. This wax resist can be applied to bisque ware to resist the application of slip, underglaze, and glaze.
This wax resist can be purchased in gallon and pint jar sizes. It is completely water-soluble and can be fired as usual. It also features a high-quality coloring agent that makes it easier for artists to see the wax during the application process.
However, you do not have to worry about these colors getting imprinted onto the ceramic piece as it completely burns off during the firing process. If you are a tableware maker, ensure that the finished ware is tested to establish the dinnerware status. There can be possible variations and changes in the firing temperature, which might also cause contamination issues.
AMACO wax resist doesn’t contain any allergen for people with sensitive skin or breathing issues.
Specifications of AMACO Wax Resist
| Product Dimensions/Size | 3.25 Inches X 3.25 Inches X 5.5 Inches |
| Product Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
| Non-Toxic | ACMI-Certified and Non-Toxic |
| Manufacturer | AMACO |
| Safety Standards | ASTM D-4236 |
Creating Designs & Patters with AMACO Wax Resist
Wax resists primarily help keep off glazes and underglazes from the piece. However, they can also be used in multiple ways to make glazing a fun process. You can be a bit creative and use wax resist to create beautiful patterns and designs on the ceramic piece. Make sure you allow it a chance to dry completely, and then you can apply your glaze. Once the piece has been fired, you can simply wipe off any glaze on top of the wax, and you will be left with a gorgeous-looking pattern.
Additionally, you can opt to apply wax on top of the underglaze layer & next chip away the pattern. Next, you must layer with the help of a different textured and colored glaze to create something unique.
Tips to Work with AMACO Wax Resist
Decorating a piece with a wax resist might get slightly tricky for certain potters. So, here are some things that will help you create some amazing pieces in the process.
- You simply have to apply only one wax coat. Remember that wax tends to resist any other coat that is applied on top of it.
- Do not apply wax on your piece unless you are absolutely sure of it. Once the wax touches your pottery piece, it will start to repel any paint or glaze when you try and apply the same.
- Make sure you apply the resist on underglaze or glaze that has completely dried off. If you do not have a lot of time, make sure you place the pot before a fan for quick drying. Overnight drying is an ideal choice, but the fan process works as well.
- Some glazes tend to be runny as compared to others. So, make sure you apply with caution to ensure the designs pop up perfectly post-firing.
- Liquid wax tends to have buttermilk or cream-like consistency. A thick texture of wax-resist would take longer during the drying process and might also retain some moisture making it useless. Moreover, carving through a thick wax coating might also be difficult.
Conclusion
When using AMACO Wax Resist, you can create wavy, straight, diagonal, horizontal, circular, or even vertical strokes, depending on the designs you plan on creating. Preserve the brush & save it by washing it once you are done. AMACO Wax Resist features a thick consistency like cream, which makes it swift and easy to apply on your pottery piece. Most of all, it comes at a pocket-friendly price which makes it ideal for beginner artists.
