Resist
Resist is a technique to protect specific areas of a piece to prevent glaze, engobes or other coatings from adhering to them during firing. To achieve this, materials such as wax, latex, paper, vinyl or special tapes are used to act as temporary masks over the areas to be preserved. These materials are precisely applied to create patterns, designs or solid areas that will maintain the natural color of the clay or allow other colors and decorations to be applied to those areas after firing. In addition, the reserve facilitates the superimposition of different layers of glaze or engobe, allowing complex and multifaceted visual effects that enrich the aesthetics of the final piece.
During the process, the ceramic piece is kept in an adequate state of humidity so that the reserve material adheres correctly without damaging or detaching prematurely. Once the resist is applied, the coating (engobe, glaze, etc.) is applied to the rest of the surface, allowing the coatings to be evenly distributed on the unprotected areas. Before or after firing, the reserve material is removed, revealing the original areas of the clay or allowing the application of new colors and decorations in those specific locations. The ability to properly apply and remove reserve materials is critical to ensure quality and consistency of design, requiring advanced technical skill.Interesting Fact
In traditional African ceramics, especially in regions such as West Africa, palm leaves and other natural fibers were used as resist agents. These materials not only protected specific areas during firing, but also provided unique textures and patterns as they detached and left organic marks on the surface of the pieces.Helpful Tip
When working with wax resist, heat the wax gently in a water bath or with a controlled heat source until it is completely melted. This facilitates even and precise application, reducing the risk of drips or buildup that could distort the design. In addition, it uses fine, high-precision tooling to outline the stock patterns, allowing for greater accuracy and detail in the final results.
