Artists employ underglazes and overglazes to achieve distinct visual and textural effects in ceramic works, each offering unique creative possibilities. Underglazes, applied before the final glaze firing, are ideal for bold, matte designs. These pigments bond with the clay body during the bisque firing, allowing for intricate detailing and layering. Common underglaze techniques include sgraffito (scratching through layers) and mishima (inlaying designs).

Overglazes, applied after the glaze firing, create luminous, glass-like finishes. Often used for metallic lusters or delicate hand-painted details, overglazes require a lower-temperature refiring to fuse with the glazed surface. This technique enables artists to add shimmering gold accents or translucent color washes that float above the base glaze.

The key difference lies in their firing positions: underglazes become part of the ceramic body, while overglazes sit atop the finished surface. Many artists combine both methods, using underglazes for base designs and overglazes for final embellishments. Mastery of these materials allows ceramicists to control opacity, texture, and depth, from earthy matte finishes to brilliant glossy effects.