What Is Slip Trailing In Ceramics

Multiple layers of slip can be built up to make intricate designs.

What is slip trailing in ceramics.

Slip trailing adds another dimension to pieces through decorative lines or unconventional shapes. Slip trailing is the application of slip which is clay mixed with water to a clay surface using a bottle or other flexible vessel with a pointed tip. Slip trailing is a technique where watered down clay or slip is squirted onto more firm clay in decorative lines or shapes. Slip trailing is a surfacing technique in which lines of slip are applied using a fine pointed dispenser.

This technique can add texture to the surface of a pot. Glaze trailing is kind of similar to slip trailing. In slip trailing slip with a relatively high clay content is applied to a piece of pottery. Like its cousin glaze trailing slip trailing applies material in lines using a slip trailer or other applicator.

A technique of adding a relief pattern to a clay surface by trailing lines of slip clay in thick paste form using a tube or nozzle like. Glaze trailing is the perfect technique for artistic individuals to create gorgeous patterns on pottery. A thicker slip can be trailed onto the object using a condiment bottle or other trailing applicator. Slip trailing is a technique in pottery where a potter applies slip watered down clay with or without colorant onto mainly leather hard clay using a bottle bulb or flexible container that has a pointed tip.

Many potters and handbuilders use slips to add both color and texture to their pots. The big difference is that this ceramic decorating technique not only adds lines and patterns but it also creates a raised surface texture that adds tactility to the decoration. Slip trailing is one of the most widely known and used methods of decorating with slip. There are many ways to use slip to decorate ceramic pieces.

Slips are trailed onto leather hard work and what you see is what you get slips will not run or move during a firing. Neutral and colored slips clay in thick paste form are trailed onto the ware in raised lines and strokes to create tactile designs. Slip trailing delivers a stream of slip to damp or leather hard clay through some type of dispenser. Slip trailing is a very popular surface decorating technique among ceramics artists.

Slip trailing is a great way to use clay slip as a decorative tool. A more liquid slip can be brushed on sprayed on or pieces can be dipped in a container of slip. It can also add contrast to the surface of the clay when different colored slips are used. The slip can either be dribbled or squeezed onto the piece when it is leather hard using the applicator.

This dispenser can be a large bore syringe such as a baster or a bottle with a nozzle such as is used for condiments or glue. It is applied with an applicator to create textured patterns.