778 NEW TOEK STATE MUSEUM 



Slip decoration. A slip of coloring material is sometimes applied 

 to tlie tile either in its bnrned or unbnrned condition. The latter 

 can be done in all cases but the former only in certain ones; its use 

 on dry pressed green tiles being among the impossibilities. Before 

 slipping the surface of the tile, it is cleaned with a brush or blower; 

 then it is dipped into the slip. The water of the latter is absorbed, 

 while the insoluble constituents remain as a thin coating on the 

 surface of the tile. If the glaze is to^ be extremely thin, it is some- 

 times sprayed on, as is done in the case of terra cotta. The slip is 

 best applied with a brush in the case of raised surfaces or where each 

 color occupies only a portion of the surface of the tile. 



The usual method of decorating encaustic tile has already been 

 mentioned in connection with the molding process. A second 

 method is to pour the powdered clay for the different colors into 

 depressions stamped in the face of the tile; while a third consists 

 in painting the design by hand on the surface, or printing it on. 

 The painting can be done on either the glazed or unglazed tile, 

 while the printing can be impressed only on the burned material, 

 either under or over the glaze. 



Painting can be done either on the green tile or on the burned 

 ware either before or after glazing. 



Painting the green tile. The color is applied by means of a 

 brush, the portion to be colored being outlined by means of a lead 

 pencil if the tile is flat, but with a relief surface this is not neces- 

 sary. The design may also sometimes be painted by means of a 

 stencil. 



If several colors are to be applied, great care should be taken that 

 the different ones shall not overlap. The color, instead of being 

 applied with a brush, is soinetimes poured on. The painting on the 

 unbumed glazed tile is done in a similar way. 



If the design which is being painted on the tiles is very large, 

 it is essential that the tiles shall be placed together in order that 

 the lines of color on adjoining tiles may fit together. 



Painting on the burned tile. This can be either over or under 

 glaze. In the latter case of course the glaze must be transparent;. 



