Frequently Asked Questions

We think its an amazing product with vibrant colours, but we are also very proud that:

1. We keep overheads low to ensure it remains affordable.

2. We sell in 50ml, 250ml and 1L containers. We also have capacity to make in bulk quantities for Industry.

3. We use quality ingredients.

4. Our underglazes are thick, so you not only get amazing coverage, but also get to add a little water to get the consistency you prefer.

5. We use an organic base for all of our underglazes, so it's very safe.

Yes. Claybright Underglazes are non-toxic and food save when used correctly and covered with a suitable food-safe clear glaze on functional ware. 

Claybright Underglazes are suitable for both earthenware and stoneware clay bodies. 

We have a growing list of local distributors across the world, so the best option is to check our distributor page to see if there is a local supplier. However you can also submit an order via the website, or by phone or e-mail. Remember to include your phone number and address (including country or origin), so we can contact you with any freight costs & details. Local import taxes or duties (if any) will be the responsibility of the purchaser.

Yes, alternatively payments can be made directly into our bank account.

If you would like a glossy finish or are producing functional ware, apply a clear transparent glaze over the fired underglaze and fire according to the firing temperature of the clear glaze.

Underglazes with a clear glaze over the top appear bright and shinny, however if you want a mat or velvet appearance, then leave unglazed.

The short answer is yes. However, underglazes are not like paint. In the firing process they undergo a chemical reaction & change colour (compare dark blue in its raw and fired states!). The best option is to mix two colours together and then do a test firing of that combination, before you commit yourself to applying it to your ware.

That said, our primary colours of red (Poppy), blue (Electric Blue) and yellow (Bright Yellow) create excellent combinations of purples, greens and oranges.

Claybright underglazes can also be mixed with AMACO glazes. When firing high, some of the reds and pinks can fade and the purples can fire to a 'blueish' purple.

It is always a good idea to test fire colours before using them on your pieces.

Just take a wet sponge and wipe the underglaze off. If you have wet the bisque item too much, wait for it to dry and start over again! 

The colours are easy to remove with a wet sponge until after the hardening on firing.

Some underglaze colours when applied too thickly can crawl. Crawling is when the glaze separates into lumps and beads on the surface of the ware after firing. The most common causes of crawling relate to the application and the clay body used.

Dust and/or grease on bisque can repel glaze, resulting in crawling. For this reason always wipe bisque with a damp sponge before glazing. Bisqueware that has been standing for a long period should ideally be re-bisque fired. 

More info on Crawling can be found here.

Underglaze should be fully dry before apply a liquid glaze over the top, or it could smudge!

Some people like to do another low bisque firing (900 – 950°C) once the underglaze has been applied, to 'Harden On' the underglaze. Once it's hardened on, the underglaze is locked onto the ware and won't smudge and fine lines keep their definition after the clear glaze is applied over the top.

Above 980°C underglazes will start to flux and have a velvet or mat appearance, which may be the result you are after. However, the underglaze will no-longer take a clear glaze over the top.

Until the hardened on stage, underglazes can be washed off your bisqueware by gentle sponging, should you have made a mistake.

Yes.

Underglaze can be applied to either leather hard or dried greenware and many potters prefer it because the underglaze bonds well to the unfired clay resulting in different effects. 

Gentle handling is obviously required as the greenware is fragile.

Be sure to anchor your 3D glaze by pushing down on it gently and squeezing at the  same time, a bit like cake icing! 

If you find it lifting while drying, simply wet your finger with water and press gently on the 3D glaze to secure.

Claybright Underglazes are supplied with a thicker consistency, allowing you to adjust them to suit your preferred application method. Simply add small amounts of clean water, mixing well after each addition, until you achieve the desired viscosity. Most potters prefer a consistency similar to normal paint and apply three even coats for the best results.

Claybright is extremely versatile and can be applied using a variety of techniques, including:

• Brushing
• Sponging
• Stippling
• Spraying
• Sgraffito
• Blending and other decorative techniques.

Claybright is made in Cape Town South Africa. 

As a group of companies, we commit to ensuring modern slavery practices do not occur in our supply chain.

Claybright is a trading arm of Clayman Pty Ltd, both of which are proudly part of the 'Fired Up Kilns Group'.

The Fired Up Kilns Group is dedicated to utilizing its networks, purchasing power and manufacturing ability to support local communities by offering affordable and durable products & services.

The group currently includes five entities operating across Oceania (based in Australia) and Africa (based in South Africa).

To discuss becoming an Importer or local distributor of Claybright products, just send us an email and we can send you our competitive wholesale pricing options. 

We can also explain how we can support the marketing and promotions of your Claybright range.

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