Eco Forma can be colored in several distinct layers. The clearest way to choose a method is to begin with the effect you want and then put the color in the correct part of the system.
Five ways to color Eco Forma
- Color in the form: use ready-mixed Eco Forma color clay.
- Opaque ceramic-style color: tint Eco Forma Opaque Ceramic Glaze with Mason Stains® or compatible ceramic oxides, then dip, pour, or brush it onto the dry, prepared form.
- Painted decoration: paint or draw over the fully dry, gesso-like ground with traditional artist media.
- Specialty effects: test compatible effect pigments for shimmer, glow, speckle, veiling, or other non-opaque effects.
- Transparent or translucent color: build it in a clear or lightly tinted gloss or matte acrylic coating layer.
Why the layer matters
Acrylic artist media may be used normally on the fully dry glaze surface, but should not be mixed into the wet Eco Forma clay body. Mason Stains® and compatible ceramic oxides belong in Opaque Ceramic Glaze when opacity is the goal. Transparent color belongs in the coating stage.
Keeping these roles separate protects the handling and strength of the clay body and makes surface tests easier to repeat. Eco Forma Opaque Ceramic Glaze is a no-fire, air-cure opaque color layer. For ceramicists, it creates the continuous surface associated with a dipped glaze without kiln firing. For painters, it is opaque—not a transparent glazing medium.
Test the whole surface system
Make a small sample using the same clay, preparation, color layer, decoration, coating, and cure planned for the finished work. Record weights and application details, then evaluate adhesion, opacity or transparency, color shift, and handling performance after the entire sample has dried or cured.
Continue to the Eco Forma Color page for the current color system. The complete Ways to Color Eco Forma guide and Opaque Ceramic Glaze Guide will be linked here when they are published.
