Glaze-on-Glaze Sgraffito Ceramic Tile Lesson with Teacher’s Palette

Clays
Low Fire
Advanced
Advanced Techniques
Ages 14–18

Explore the layered world of sgraffito through glaze-on-glaze surface design techniques.

In this lesson, students study the history of sgraffito while creating contrasting imagery by scratching through layers of AMACO Teacher’s Palette glazes to reveal the fired surface beneath.

This process encourages experimentation with line, texture, and positive and negative space on ceramic tiles.

Goals & Objectives

Draw a design that transfers well to the sgraffito technique.
Study the history of sgraffito and the various mediums used.
Study contemporary artists using the sgraffito technique today.
Learn how to use glazes in the sgraffito technique.

Step 1

Apply two coats of Teacher's Palette glaze to a glazed and fired tile.

Step 2

Sketch your design on a sheet of paper. Once glaze is dry, us a graphite pencil to lightly trace or redraw your design onto the tile.

Step 3

Spray tile lightly with water. The moistened glaze will help with improved line quality.

Step 4

Following your penciled design, use a stylus to etch the unfired glaze. Make sure to scratch through to revel the fired glaze surface below.

Step 5

Create a contrasting design by scratching away at the rest of the glaze. Student can create simple line drawings or play with positive a negative space for interesting results.