How to Use Underglaze Transfers
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| Begin by cutting the transfer into the desired size you wish to apply. | Place the transfer on the surface of your green ware. Use a damp sponge, run across the surface of the transfer to add little moisture to the clay. | Burnish the surface of the transfer with a rubber rib. |
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| Before the sheet is dry, carefully remove decal by slowly peeling from the corner to reveal the entire print. | Bisque fire your pottery. After bisque firing, apply any zinc free celadon glaze. | Once dry, fire to the recommended temperature based on your glaze. The underglaze transfer can be fire from cone 04 - cone 11 |
Underglaze transfers are one of the easiest ways to add detailed, professional designs to your pottery—without hand painting every line.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced ceramic artist, learning how to use underglaze transfers can completely transform your work.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to apply them, what glaze to use, and the most common mistakes to avoid.
What Is an Underglaze Transfer?
An underglaze transfer is a pre-printed design made with ceramic pigments that can be applied to clay or bisque before glazing.
Once fired, the design becomes permanently fused into the surface, creating a clean and durable finish.
Underglaze transfers are perfect for:
- Mugs, plates, and bowls
- Repeating patterns
- Detailed illustrations
- Production pottery
When Should You Apply Underglaze Transfers?
You can apply underglaze transfers at two stages:
1. Leather-Hard Clay (Best for Seamless Results)
- The clay is still slightly damp
- Transfers bond more naturally into the surface
2. Bisque-Fired Pottery (Most Common)
- Easier to handle and less fragile
- Works well with most transfer designs
👉 Both methods work—just test to see what fits your workflow best.
What Glaze Works Best?
For best results, use:
✅ Clear Gloss Glaze
- Brightens colors
- Gives a vibrant finish
Final Thoughts
If you want to elevate your pottery with minimal effort, underglaze transfers are one of the most powerful tools you can use.
Once you get the process down, you’ll be able to create clean, repeatable, and visually striking pieces every time.
8 Responses
Larry Simonds
January 12, 2026
After applying the stencil to greenware, do you bisque fire and then apply the clear glaze? I’ve had trouble with the underglaze running when firing to cone 9. Any suggestions?