Glossary of tiling terms

On-glaze — technique used in ceramics where enamels are applied onto an already fired glaze. This method allows for the creation of intricate and detailed designs using a wide range of colours. Unlike under-glaze decoration, which requires higher firing temperatures, on-glaze enamels can be fired at lower temperatures.

The process involves carefully applying the enamel colours onto the glazed surface of the ceramic object. The enamels, which are composed of finely ground pigments mixed with a flux, adhere to the glaze and create vibrant and vivid designs. The object is then fired again at a lower temperature, causing the enamels to fuse with the glaze and form a durable and glossy surface.

One of the advantages of on-glaze decoration is the availability of a broader palette of colours compared to under-glaze techniques. Since the enamels are applied on top of the glaze, they are not limited by the constraints of the underlying clay body. This allows for a greater variety of hues and shades to be achieved, resulting in more diverse and visually appealing designs.