The Ultimate Cone 6 Engobe: Versatile, Durable, and Customizable

In my studio, I wanted to create an engobe that I could apply on leather-hard, bone-dry, and bisque clay—a versatile solution for decorating my pieces across different stages. If you’ve ever wondered whether this is possible, the answer is a big yes! Below, you’ll find the step-by-step recipe, application tips, and ways to customize it with colorants.

What Is an Engobe and Why Use It?

An engobe is like a cross between a clay slip and a glaze. It offers smooth, even coverage for decoration and can be colored easily. Unlike glazes, engobes can adhere to clay at different drying stages and even bisque-fired surfaces when formulated properly.

The Base Recipe: Cone 6 Electric Firing

Here’s a reliable base engobe that works for all three clay stages:

Ingredients

Material	Percentage	Purpose
Ball Clay (or Kaolin)	50%	Adhesion and smooth application
Silica (325 mesh)	25%	Reduces crazing, ensures fit
Feldspar (Custer)	15%	Adds flux for durability
Whiting (or Wollastonite)	10%	Stabilizes, reduces shrinkage

Mixing Instructions

• Combine Dry Ingredients: Thoroughly mix the materials to ensure even distribution.
• Add Water Gradually: Aim for a yogurt-like consistency—thicker for bone-dry clay, thinner for bisque clay.
• Smooth It Out: Add 2–3% sodium silicate for better flow.
• Sieve the Mix: Pass the engobe through an 80–100 mesh screen.

Coloring Your Engobe

You can create a wide range of colors by adding oxides or Mason stains. Here’s a quick guide:

• Red Iron Oxide: 1–10% for red to brown hues.
• Cobalt Oxide: 0.25–1% for blue.
• Copper Carbonate: 1–5% for green.
• Mason Stains: 5–15% for bright, consistent colors.

Application Techniques

• Leather-Hard Clay: Brush, sponge, or slip-trail the engobe.
• Bone-Dry Clay: Use slightly thicker engobe to avoid cracking.
• Bisque Clay: Thin the engobe for even application.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Pinholing: Replace whiting with wollastonite.
• Cracking/Flaking: Test the engobe’s shrinkage with your clay body.
• Durability: Add up to 10% frit for semi-vitrification.

Final Thoughts

Engobes offer endless creative possibilities. Whether you’re decorating leather-hard pots or bisque-fired surfaces, this recipe is versatile, reliable, and ready to customize. Try it out and let me know how it works in your studio!

Handcrafting Memories That Matter.