[Illustration]
First outline with a lead-pencil the subject to be painted; if tracing
is preferred, use tracing paper, and transfer the design upon the
article, by means of a colored transfer paper. The terra-cotta is now
immersed in water; when thoroughly saturated, take it out, and with a
soft sponge absorb all the superfluous moisture. If, during the process
of painting, some of the parts become too dry, moisten them with a flat
brush dipped into water.
Have on hand a sufficient quantity of white enamel powder, and with a
glass muller grind this upon a ground glass slab until perfectly smooth,
with water, adding a little gum water (dissolved gum arabic), until it
assumes the consistency of cream. Apply this to the surface to be
painted, going over it a second time, so as to cover the tint of the
ware. The enamel should be put on heavy enough so that it appears raised
from the flat surface, being careful to spread it on very evenly, that
none of the parts are coated lighter than others of the design. Enamel
will stand firing several times, and such parts not brought out
sufficiently can be restored by retouching the same, and subjecting the
article to a second firing.
If the design is to be in natural colors, these are painted over the
enamel after having been fired, proceeding in the same manner as in
china painting. Some colors will bear mixing with the enamel before
firing; in such case the dry enamel colors (China) are used, thoroughly
mixed with the white enamel. Steel grey, neutral grey, blues and yellows
are among the colors that bear mixing. The first three are best adapted
for mottled or clouded backgrounds, if such are desired. The glaze
contained in the colors and enamel when vitrified by firing, produce the
effect of Limoges ware.
For ornamental work the relief enamel colors can be used successfully in
the way of bead work, as well as in the entire design, they being
already mixed in a powder state, consisting of about twenty-four
different tints.
In doing larger pieces, where a quantity of color is used, the former
instructions are to be preferred. If vases are decorated, intended for
use, the inside should be washed with a mixture of enamel and color to
give it a glaze, and thus prevent the outer decoration from being
injured by the penetration of liquids.
Before taking the article to be fired, place it where it will become
thoroughly dry, as it cannot be fired in a moist state. The Barbotine
ware, which has lately come into the market, can be effectively
decorated in the above manner.