Ceramic Pigments

These Pigments are manufactured specifically for ceramic use and are stable at high temperatures.

Pigments transform plain ceramic materials into captivating works of art!!

The use of ceramic pigments dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were used to create colorful pottery and decorative items.

Now with the industrial making of pigment, color are more vibrant than ever to create your tiles or pottery project !!

Here are some ways to use ceramic pigment for ceramic making !!

For coloring the ceramic body, incorporate 2-15% of pigment into the clay before shaping. To color the surface, dilute ceramic pigment with water and a binder like frit or clay to create underglazes or colored slips for brushing onto greenware or bisqueware.

The pigment's stability depends on its chemical composition, for best results at your chosen firing temperature and atmosphere please test pigment in small batch for accurate color and result in your chosen material.

Our Terrachrom's CERAMIC PIGMENTS are divided into two categories:

Ceramic "inclusion" pigments: These are commercially prepared, stable pigments formulated for high-temperature use. Zr-Si treatment (zirconium-silicon) is used, so that the pigment resists up to 1300 degrees C, without altering the colour (Red, Orange & Violet Ceramic pigments).

Ceramic Spinel pigments (Yellow, Green, Blue & Turquoise Ceramic pigments):Metallic oxides are essential in ceramic making as pigments for coloring glazes .These 4 color pigments can resist up to 1000 degrees C without altering the color.

Other pigment like cobalt for blue, iron for brown/red), opacifiers to create opaque glazes (titanium dioxide), and structural components for advanced ceramics could be used but these pigment might differ in color if fired. Common oxides include iron, cobalt, copper, chrome, manganese, titanium, nickel, and zirconium, which are added to glazes to achieve desired colors and effects, or they form the basis of durable, engineered ceramic materials.

How to use the ceramic pigment collection !!!

For Body Stains:

Combine the pigment with dry clay and mix thoroughly before forming. This is achieved by mixing pigments directly with the raw ceramic material, such as clay or porcelain, before shaping and firing.

For Surface Decoration:

With Water and Binder: Mix the pigment with water and a binder, such as a frit or a small amount of clay, to prevent the color from crawling.

For Colored Slips:

Dissolve clay in water to create slip, then add and mix the pigment until fully incorporated.

For Firing

The firing process causes the pigments to bond with the ceramic material, locking in the color and ensuring it remains stable and vibrant.

As glazes and enamels can vary in composition, always test small batches before final use.

The pigment's color will change during firing due to chemical reactions with the glaze, the clay body, and the kiln atmosphere.

Note: Pigments in the Collections of Ochres, Natural Earths & Oxides are suitable for ceramics, but changes in tint may occur after firing. For bright colors, it is preferable to use pigments manufactured specially for ceramic use as these are very stable at high temperatures.

Made in France.

50 ML | 1.70 OZ (Packets)

Our small packets of pigments are sold by volume. The values indicated on the labels are volume, not weight.