Part of the Guide to Pottery Making
What is Slip Trailing?
Slip trailing is a technique where watered down clay or “slip” is squirted onto firm clay in decorative lines or shapes. This technique can add texture and contrast to the surface of a pot. Slip can be applied in many different ways.
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What Do I Need to Slip Trail Pottery?
One thing you need, of course, is slip. Slip can be made by crushing up dry clay and then mixing it with water. It is recommended to use the same clay body that your pots are made with. Slip can also be purchased in liquid form.
You will also need a pot to trail the slip on the surface. The clay of the pot should be as moist as possible but firm enough that you won’t distort the shape while you are trailing the slip. If it is too dry, the slip will fall off as it dries because it will shrink more due to having more water content.
Finally, you need a means to apply the slip onto the pot. You can find special slip trailing bottles (Amazon) to create very thin lines of slip. You can also get plastic bottles (Amazon) with much larger openings. You can even try cake decorating tips, syringes, or a plastic bag with a hole cut in the corner.
Slip Trailing Ideas to Try
Adjust the Thickness of Your Slip
To make thinner slip, add more water as you mix the slip. Use less water to make thicker slip. Thicker slip can create stronger or more defined texture or designs. Some potters prefer that their slip be as thick as possible.
Add Color to Your Slip
Mason stains (Amazon) or other colorants can be added to your slip which can open up some amazing options. Add a larger amount of colorant for brighter colored slip.
Master a New Technique
Run a comb or scoring tool (Amazon) through the slip line to feather out smaller lines from the original line. Practice changing the speed of your application. The faster you move, the thinner the line will be. Use dots and solid shapes to add some variety to your designs.
Try Some Additives
There are a number of substances that can be added to your slip to create different effects or make it behave in a certain way. Vinegar, glycerin (Amazon), epsom salt (Amazon), some potters have even added glue!
Practice, Practice, Practice.
Slip trailing takes a lot of practice to master. You can practice on a bisque pot first to get the feel for the shape and refine your skills. The slip can be washed off so you can try again and again.
Check the videos below to see some amazing slip trailing ideas.
Slip Trailing Videos
Charan Sachar
John Bauman
Making and Applying Slip with KaransPotsAndGlass
KaransPotsAndGlass
Alex Matisse
Hannah McAndrew
More Slip Trailing Information
- http://finemessblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/slip-trailing.html
- http://averly.blogspot.com/2013/03/slip-trailing.html
- https://digitalfire.com/4sight/glossary/glossary_slip_trailing.html
- http://ceramicartsdaily.org/pottery-making-techniques/ceramic-decorating-techniques/slip-trailing-for-beginners-a-primer-on-a-great-ceramics-decorating-technique/
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About Brandon “Fuzzy” Schwartz
Brandon is a potter and teacher interested in making websites, videos, and articles about pottery and ceramics. Expert Clay, YouTube, Art by Fuzzy
