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Slip Trailing For the Absolute Beginner

Part of the Introduction to Pottery Making

slip trailing

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

A post shared by Pucker Gallery (@puckergallery) on Mar 10, 2017 at 1:28pm PST

A post shared by Sharon Galbraith (@eastridgepottery) on May 29, 2017 at 11:18am PDT

A post shared by Daisy (@daisyfawcett00) on Jun 5, 2017 at 1:48pm PDT

A post shared by Daniel Gillberg (@d.gillberg) on Jan 7, 2017 at 12:32pm PST

A post shared by Jenn Gauer and Meghan Radick (@jampdx) on Mar 31, 2017 at 3:52pm PDT

A post shared by Molly (@mollymcguireceramics) on Apr 5, 2017 at 9:24am PDT

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://www.meaganchaneygumpert.com/_blog/unique_mixed_media_sculpture/post/Low_Fire_Friday_-_Slip_trailing_with_white_slip/#.WVD3C2jyu9I
  • http://ceramicartsdaily.org/pottery-making-techniques/ceramic-decorating-techniques/slip-trailing-for-beginners-a-primer-on-a-great-ceramics-decorating-technique/

<<<Back to the Introduction to Pottery Making

This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. This money helps pay the costs of hosting and maintaining this site.

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Brandon "Fuzzy" Schwartz is a full time teacher, dad and husband and a part time potter, designer and photographer.

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