What is underglaze?
Underglaze is a ceramic decoration method in which the pattern is applied before a clear glaze, leaving the glaze—not the artwork—as the outermost surface.
Underglaze vs overglaze
| Detail | Underglaze | Overglaze |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the pattern? | Beneath the clear glaze | On top of the fired glaze |
| What faces daily contact? | The glass-like glaze | The decoration itself |
| Everyday implication | The glaze helps protect the artwork | Surface decoration is more directly exposed |
How Terracera’s process works
- Decorate. The botanical pattern is applied to the ceramic before glazing.
- Seal. A full layer of glaze covers the decoration.
- Fire. The piece is fired at 1300°C, creating the finished ceramic surface.
What this claim does—and does not mean. Underglaze helps protect the pattern from direct wear; it does not make ceramic unbreakable or eliminate the need for ordinary care.