This document provides information about using resists on clay ceramics. It defines resists as materials applied to clay that prevent glaze or underglaze from adhering. Common resists mentioned are liquid wax, masking tape, white glue and crayon. The document explains that resists can be applied to greenware or bisqueware and describes the process. Examples of resist techniques on tiles and pottery are shown. Design options for incorporating resists into a slab box project are discussed. Assessment criteria for evaluating resist designs are outlined.

1. Resists on Clay
Ceramics (applicable to all levels)
C.L. Colby
New Smyrna Beach High School

2. Review: function of a
resist
•
• From our Experience Clay textbook:
“Paint a design with liquid wax (or other
resist) on leather hard clay. When the wax
is dry, paint over the design with an under
glaze. The waxed area will remain clear
while the unwaxed area will hold color.”

3. Review: resist on bisque
ware
• From our Experience Clay textbook:
• “Apply wax directly on bisqueware. When
this is done, the wax application will resist
any glaze that is applied. The wax melts
away during firing, leaving raw fired clay as a
contrast to the glazed area.”

4. Examples of Resists that can be
used on clay
• Masking Tape (mask)
• White Glue
• Latex
• Liquid Wax
• Crayon

5. When can I use a
resist?
• On greenware (before any firings, with
under glaze)
• On bisque ware (with under glaze or glaze)

6. Example on a smooth tile with
some sgraffito and carving
• Tape

7. Stamped Tile with
Resists

8. After Firing
Comparison

9. Artist Example of Pottery with
Resists
• Joseph Pelka, Indiana
• http://www.etsy.com/listing/1681

10. Artist Example of Pottery with
Resists
• Joseph Pelka, Indiana
• http://www.etsy.com/lis
ting/172435538/handm
ade-art-pottery-homedecor-wave?ref=listingshop-header-2

11. Example of the resist
process
• 1. Underglaze area light
green.
• 2. Sketch out bamboo design.
• 3. Apply resist over bamboo
shapes.
• 4. Let dry
• 5. Apply glaze over vessel.

12. Next Steps
• As you continue to construct your slab
box, brainstorm a way to incorporate a
resist technique into your box design.
• After we discuss our design ideas, we will
practice applying resists on scrap clay.

13. Resist Design Options
• Use the resist in the background (or
negative space) around your stamp.
• Use the resist to create a pattern on
smooth slabs on your box.
• Use the resist to help create a focal point
on your box.

14. Assessment
• Adding a resist technique to your sketch
will count as your Formative Assessment.
• The result of your resist design will be part
of your Slab Box Summative Assessment.

15. Example Rubric
Criteria
4
Creativity
Resist design is
original and
matches the slab
box theme.
3
2
1
Resist design is
Resist design
original, but lacks
is unoriginal
unity with the slab
or too simple.
box.
Resist design is
incomplete or
shows a copied
design.
Emphasis
Resist design adds
Resist design
Resist design
to the overall vessel
exists, but
creates a focal
& helps create a
does not help
point, but could be
focal point on the
create a focal
more complex.
slab box.
point.
Resist design is
incomplete or
missing.
Quality of
Application
Resist is applied
Resist design is
consistently &
Resist design
applied
showing control.
as a whole is
inconsistently with
No pooling in areas
sloppy.
some pooling.
of design.
Resist design is
incomplete or
missing.

16. Sources
• Experience Clay (First Edition), Maureen
Mackey
• Etsy.com (search for wax resist pottery)
• This presentation last updated 2/2014