3 Tips for Using Mica Pigments in Pottery Glazes
Mica powder is a popular medium when working with polymer clay. The clay's sticky texture and the fine powder in mica help the pigment easily stick to your pottery projects. One way mica pigments work well with clay is in the form of a pottery glaze. If you want to add colorful shine to your pottery creations, follow along to uncover three tips for using mica pigments in pottery glazes.
Start Small
Whenever you try something new, it's best to start with a sample or small piece to ensure you get the desired results. Test your mica glaze on a sample pottery piece before using it with an important project.
Use an Acrylic Medium
You only need to mix a small amount of mica powder with an acrylic glaze medium to create a sparkling, colorful glaze for your pottery project. Here is a list of what you need to make your acrylic glaze using mica pigments:
- Translucent acrylic medium
- Mica pigment powder
- Mini frother
- Small container
The appropriate container size will vary depending on how much glaze you make. Mix the powder completely into the medium using the mini frother (you can find these at home goods stores), scraping the sides to ensure everything mixes thoroughly.
Once your clay is dry, simply paint acrylic glaze onto the piece using a brush or airbrush and allow it to dry for about 30 minutes to an hour. There's no need to fire acrylic glaze, and doing so isn't recommended.
Mix With Terra Sigillata
Mixing mica powder with terra sigillata is another way to create pottery glaze. Use the following instructions if you would like to try this method:
- Mix the mica powder of your choice, using about five grams of terra sigillata.
- Add two coats of plain terra sigillata to your project.
- Add one coat of the mica mix using a brush or sponge.
- Fire the piece at a low heat of less than 1450°F.
- Add more mica pigment as needed after mixing the powder and terra sigillata.
Mica powders are a versatile tool to have in your creative collection. Whether you work with clay or glass or are using mica pigments in pottery glazes, the variety of colors and shimmer that mica pigments add is one of a kind. Eye Candy Pigments offers unique shades of mica powders, such as bronze pigments, that allow you to achieve a sophisticated color or finish on your masterpieces. Browse our fabulous catalog of colors, and contact us with any questions you have.