Wax resist is a water-based wax emulsion or melted wax brushed onto bisqueware to stop glaze sticking where it is applied. It keeps feet and lids free of glaze and creates decorative patterns, then burns away in the firing.
What Is Wax Resist?
The most common use is waxing the foot and the bottom few millimetres of a pot before dipping it in glaze. Glaze beads up on the waxed area and can be wiped off with a damp sponge, so nothing runs onto the kiln shelf. Lids and their seats are waxed for the same reason, so they don’t fuse together.
As decoration, wax resist lets you brush patterns that stay unglazed, or layer glazes with wax between coats so the second glaze only covers part of the first. It also works over slip and underglaze on greenware.
Water-based wax is easy to use and cleans up with water, while hot wax gives a crisper line but needs care with heat and fumes. Wax burns off early in the firing, so the kiln needs ventilation.
Use a dedicated brush for wax and wash it in soapy water immediately, because dried wax ruins brushes. Let wax dry fully before glazing over it.
This pottery glossary entry from Le Studio Art Space is general educational content. Always follow the clay, glaze and kiln makers’ data for your own materials and equipment.