overglazuurdecoratie

Overglazuurdecoratie, also known as overglaze decoration or on-glaze decoration, is a ceramic decorating technique where designs are applied to a piece of already fired glazed pottery. This decoration is then fired again at a lower temperature to fuse the pigments to the glaze surface. The pigments used in overglaze decoration are typically metallic oxides mixed with a low-melting-point flux. This flux allows the colors to melt and bond to the existing glaze during the second firing.

This technique is distinct from underglaze decoration, where the design is applied to the unfired clay body before glazing, and from in-glaze decoration, where the pigments are incorporated into the glaze itself before firing. Overglaze decoration allows for a wider range of colors and finer detail than underglaze techniques because the pigments are not subjected to the high temperatures of the initial firing. This results in brighter, more vibrant colors, including reds, oranges, and purples, which can be difficult to achieve with underglaze methods.

The application methods for overglaze decoration are varied and include hand-painting, stenciling, transfer printing, and screen printing. Once applied, the piece is fired in an enamel kiln, typically at temperatures between 700 and 900 degrees Celsius, depending on the specific glaze and pigments used. This lower firing temperature ensures the integrity of the base glaze while allowing the overglaze colors to fuse. Overglaze decoration is commonly found on porcelain, bone china, and earthenware, adding aesthetic value and intricate designs to tableware, decorative objects, and tiles.