Rubbing Alcohol Technique

Create unique patterns in your ceramic glaze using rubbing alcohol. From water droplets on flat surfaces to interesting drips on vertical pieces, the rubbing alcohol technique is an easy way to create intricate patterns that appear like magic!

Materials We Used

Bisque: 700 Small Cone Vase, 140 Cereal Bowl

Duncan Colors: CN505-8 Neon Green,
CN302-8 Bright Caribbean, CN253-8 Dark Black,
PB26399 Pure Brilliance Clear Dipping Glaze
Tools: Damp Sponge, R2845-8 Aqualon Ultimate
Fan Brush, Rubbing Alcohol, R2250-4 Aqualon Round
Paint Brush

Instructions

1. Wipe off bisque with a damp sponge to remove any dust.

2. Apply a base coat of color using a fan brush for even coverage over a large area. We chose Neon Green and Bright Caribbean. It is important to choose a base coat color that is lighter than your top coat. Let dry.

3. While your base coat is drying, prepare your top coat by mixing the color of your choice with water to a thin wash consistency. We used a wash of Dark Black for our top coat.

4. Apply color wash in small sections because it is important that the top coat is still wet when you apply the rubbing alcohol.

5. Immediately add a drop of rubbing alcohol to the outside rim of the bisque using a round brush. The rubbing alcohol drop will repel the top layer of color and create a drip pattern.

6. Continue applying the wash and alcohol drips in sections till you are satisfied with the pattern created.

7. Let your artwork dry.

8. Apply a coat of Pure Brilliance clear dipping glaze and fire to cone 06 to finish your ceramic masterpiece.
 
The Rubbing Alcohol Technique is a great idea for summer camps and year-round workshops.  Start by introducing this technique as a kid's summer camp project.  Gather the campers around and watch their faces in amazement as the rubbing alcohol magically forms patterns in wet paint!  Visit http://www.bisqueimports.com/ for a printable worksheet on this technique and to order your bisque and brush supplies for this project.