Stroke & Coat acts as a glaze, not a traditional underglaze. You can achieve a glossy, vibrant finish without adding a clear coat. Many people believe you must always use a clear coat, but this is not true. Sometimes, adding a clear glaze can change the colors or blur your designs. If you want extra shine or need food safety, you might choose to add a clear coat, but it is not always necessary.
Stroke & Coat makes pottery shiny without a clear coat. This helps you save time and makes pottery easier.
Underglaze needs a clear coat to look shiny, but Stroke & Coat does not. Pick one based on how you want your pottery to look and what you will use it for.
Put on a clear coat if your pottery will hold food. This keeps it safe and strong. Always check if your glaze is safe for dishes.
Clear coats make colors brighter and shinier. But if you use too much, your design can get blurry. Use thin coats for the best look.
Think about your project before using a clear coat. Look at things like protection, shine, and if your piece is for display or for use.
Stroke & Coat vs. Underglaze
Key Differences
You may wonder how Stroke & Coat is different from underglaze. The biggest difference is in how they are made and used. Stroke & Coat works like a glaze. It gives a shiny look without a clear coat. Underglaze looks dull unless you put a clear coat on top.
Here is a table that shows the main features:
Feature | Underglaze | Stroke & Coat |
Color Opacity | Semi-opaque finish, softer look | Thicker, more opaque finish, vivid colors |
Texture and Finish | Matte surface when fired without a topcoat | Glossy sheen, enhances color depth |
Technique Versatility | Various application methods (brushing, sponging, airbrushing) | Emphasizes ease of use, simple brushing or layering |
Firing Steps | Requires two-step firing process | Combines decorative and finishing layers into one step |
Ideal Use Cases | Intricate designs, fine details, multi-layered effects | Bright, solid colors with minimal effort |
Underglaze is best for small details and layers. Stroke & Coat is good for bright colors and shine in one step.
The firing process is also different:
Technique | Firing Process | Application Method |
Underglaze | Requires a two-step firing process: bisque fired, then glazed and fired again. | Applied before glazing, requiring multiple firings. |
Stroke and Coat | Can be fired in a single step, combining decoration and finish. | Directly applied and fired in one session for a finished piece. |
Common Misconceptions
Some people think all clear coats are the same. This is not true. In ceramics, clear glaze makes underglaze shiny and protects it. In cars, clear coat and car varnish keep paint safe and shiny. At Guangde dulux Paint Industry Co.Ltd., we make clear coats for cars. These are strong and shiny, but not for pottery. Car clear coats dry at room temperature and protect cars from weather and scratches. Ceramic clear coats need high heat and make pottery safe for food.
Tip: Never use car clear coat on pottery. The formulas and drying are not the same. You could ruin your pottery or lose your design.
If you want your car to look shiny and last, use a good clear coat or car varnish. For pottery, use clear glaze over underglaze if you want more shine or protection.
No Clear Coat Needed
Glossy Finish Without Clear Coat
You can achieve a shiny finish with Stroke & Coat without using a clear coat. This product acts as a glaze, so you do not need to add another layer for gloss. When you apply Stroke & Coat, you see a bright, smooth finish after firing. You do not have to worry about your design looking dull or flat. The glaze formula creates a vibrant finish that stands out on your pottery.
Many artists choose Stroke & Coat because it saves time. You paint your design, fire your piece, and get a glossy finish in one step. You do not need to add a clear glaze or do a second firing. This makes the process easier and faster for you. If you want a simple way to get a shiny finish, Stroke & Coat gives you that result.
Here is a quick comparison:
Product | Glossy Finish After Firing | Extra Clear Coat Needed |
Stroke & Coat | Yes | No |
Traditional Underglaze | No | Yes |
Tip: If you want a strong, glossy finish without extra work, use Stroke & Coat as your glaze.
When to Skip the Clear Coat
You do not always need a clear coat for your pottery. If you use Stroke & Coat, you get a glossy finish right away. You can skip the clear glaze unless you want extra protection or a different look. Many people think every piece needs a clear coat, but that is not true.
You should skip the clear coat in these cases:
You want your design to stay sharp and clear.
You do not need extra shine or protection.
You want to save time and materials.
You use your pottery for decoration, not for food.
If you use underglaze, you need a clear glaze for a glossy finish. If you use Stroke & Coat, you get a finished look without extra steps. You decide what finish works best for your project.
Note: Skipping the clear coat helps you keep your colors bold and your outlines crisp. You also avoid problems like blurring or changing your design.
You have the power to choose the finish that fits your needs. Stroke & Coat gives you a glossy finish with less effort. You do not need to add a clear glaze unless you want something extra. Your pottery can look great and have a strong finish without more layers.
When to Use a Clear Coat
Food Safety and Durability
You want your pottery to last and stay safe for everyday use. Sometimes, you need to use a clear coat to meet food safety standards. If you plan to use your ceramic piece for serving food, you should check if the glaze is dinnerware safe. Some glazes only become safe after you add a clear glaze or other dinnerware safe glaze and fire the piece. This step seals the surface and prevents food or liquids from soaking into the pottery.
Here is a table that shows when a clear coat is needed for food safety:
Evidence Description | Notes on Clear Coat Requirement |
Glazes identified with the Dinnerware Safe icon indicate the fired surface is safe for use on dinnerware after a clear glaze or other dinnerware safe glaze is applied and fired. | This suggests that a clear coat is necessary for certain glazes to meet food safety standards. |
You should use clear coats if you want your pottery to be strong and last longer. The extra layer protects your design from scratches and stains. It also helps prevent chips and cracks. If you use your pottery often, clear coats give you more durability.
Tip: Always check the label on your glaze. If it does not say dinnerware safe, you need to add a clear glaze and fire it to make your piece safe for food.
Enhancing Gloss and Color
You may want your pottery to look extra shiny or have deeper colors. Adding a clear coat can help you reach this goal. Clear coats boost the gloss and make colors pop. If you want your piece to stand out, you can apply clear coats over your design.
Some artists use clear coats to create a smooth, glass-like finish. This makes the pottery look professional and polished. You can use clear coats to protect bright colors and keep them from fading over time.
You should know that applying a clear coat over Stroke & Coat may blur the outlines of your design. If you want to keep sharp details, you need to use thin coats and apply them carefully. You should always add a clear glaze after bisque firing for the best results. This step helps you avoid smudging or losing your design.
Here are some reasons to use clear coats:
You want extra shine and gloss.
You need to protect your design from wear.
You want to seal the surface for food safety.
You want to make colors look brighter and deeper.
Note: Thin coats work best when you want to keep your design crisp. Thick coats may cause blurring or cloudiness.
You have many choices when you finish your pottery. Clear coats give you more options for shine, safety, and durability. You can decide what works best for your project and your needs.
Pros and Cons of Clear Coat
Benefits
Ceramic Clear Coat
Using a clear coat in ceramic decorating has many good points. It gives your pottery a shiny look and makes colors brighter. The surface is easier to clean because water and dirt do not stick. Your pottery gets protection from UV rays and chemical stains. This helps your ceramic pieces last longer and look nice.
Here is a table showing the main benefits:
Benefit | Description |
Enhanced aesthetics | Gives a glossy finish and makes colors more vibrant. |
Protection against UV rays | Shields the surface from fading and oxidation. |
Protection from chemical stains | Prevents damage from acidic contaminants. |
Ease of maintenance | Hydrophobic surface makes cleaning simple. |
You get a strong, shiny finish when you use a ceramic clear coat.
Other Industries Clear Coat
Clear coats are also used in cars and wood projects. They give a shiny look and protect the surface. These coatings keep water, UV rays, and damage away. They also help stop mold, mildew, and bugs. At Guangde dulux Paint Industry Co.Ltd., we make clear coats that help cars last longer and stay shiny.
Clear coats make things last longer.
They protect from weather and damage.
You keep the natural look but add shine.
Drawbacks
Ceramic Clear Coat
There are some problems with using clear coat on ceramics. Thick layers can make your design look blurry or soft. You need to do extra steps, which takes more time. If you do not follow directions, you might get streaks or an oily look. Cold or wet weather can also cause trouble. Skipping steps can make your results worse.
Other Industries Clear Coat
Clear coats for cars and wood have their own issues. Car clear coats do not bend with wood, so they might crack. Some finishes have chemicals that can be bad for your health if you are not careful. Using the wrong product can make it not stick or work right. At Guangde dulux Paint Industry Co.Ltd., we say to use the right clear coat and follow safety rules.
Always pick the right clear coat and follow the steps to avoid problems.
Application Tips
Deciding on Clear Coat
For Ceramics
When you choose if a clear coat is right, think about a few things. The type of clay or glaze matters a lot. Not every clear coat works the same on all surfaces. You should check if the clear coat will stop scratches and stains. Some clear coats also block UV rays. These can help your ceramics stay nice for longer. Cleaning is easier with some clear coats. This keeps your ceramics looking new. If you want to use your ceramics for food, make sure the clear coat makes a safe surface.
Make sure your clear coat works with your surface.
Think about how much protection your ceramics need.
Decide if you want more shine or just a simple look.
Think about if your ceramics will be used a lot or just for display.
For Other Industries
For cars or wood, the clear coat you use depends on the material and where it will be. You want to keep the surface safe from sun, rain, and chemicals. The right way to apply clear coat gives your car or wood a shiny look and strong protection.
Pick a clear coat that matches your surface.
Think about how much sun, rain, or chemicals your project will get.
Choose a way to apply that gives shine and protection.
How to Apply Over Underglaze
For Ceramics
You want your design to stay sharp when you use clear coat over underglaze. Let the underglaze dry all the way before adding clear glaze. Bisque fire your piece first to set your design. This makes the next step easier. Use a soft brush and gentle strokes to put on the clear coat. Work fast but be careful so you do not smear your design. Follow the firing directions for your glaze. Most clear glazes need to be fired between 1100–1200°C. Go slow with the heat at the end and hold at the top temperature. Cool down slowly after firing. This helps stop problems like cloudiness or cracks.
Let underglaze dry before adding clear glaze.
Bisque fire before the next step.
Use soft brush strokes for clear coat.
Follow the firing steps for best results.
For Other Industries
For cars or wood, you must get the surface ready before you start. Clean the area well and take off dust, oil, or old finishes. Use the right primer if you need it. Put on the clear coat in thin, even layers. Let each layer dry before adding another. Use the right method, like mist or wet spray for cars, to get a smooth finish. Always work in a space with good air and wear safety gear.
Clean and get the surface ready before you start.
Put on thin, even layers for best results.
Let each layer dry all the way.
Wear safety gear while you work.
Tip: Try your clear coat on a small spot first. This helps you avoid mistakes and get the best look.
You now know Stroke & Coat gives you a glossy finish without a clear coat. Sometimes, you may want extra shine or food safety, so a clear coat helps. Many people think clear coats solve every problem, but they do not prevent all damage or scratches. You should match your finish to your project. Here is a quick look at common misconceptions:
Misconception | Correction |
Clear coats stop all damage | They add gloss and protection but are not permanent |
Clear coats prevent all scratches and chips | They help with surface hardness, not high-impact damage |
Choose the method that fits your needs for the best results.
FAQ
What is the difference between glazes and underglazes?
Glazes make pottery shiny and protect it. Underglaze adds color before you put on glaze. Glazes seal the pottery and make it glossy. Underglaze is for adding color to your design.
Can you use layering techniques with stroke and coat?
You can layer stroke and coat to get new colors and textures. Try using different colors together to see what happens. Make test tiles to check if the colors stay the same after firing.
How do you achieve color stability when layering stroke and underglaze?
Let each layer dry before you add another one. Paint underglaze first, then put stroke on top. Make test tiles to see if the colors look right after firing.
Is it possible to combine stroke with a semi transparent glaze?
You can use stroke with a semi transparent glaze for cool effects. Layering helps you control how much color shows. This is good for soft blends or gentle color changes in your design.
Should you always use a clear coat when combining glazes and underglazes?
You do not have to use a clear coat every time. Add a clear coat if you want more shine or food safety. Layering stroke and underglaze can look finished without another layer.
