Engobe is a thin clay slip applied to a ceramic product before firing. The engobe gives roof tiles, bricks, floor tiles and other ceramic building products colour, slight sheen and a smoother surface. It is not a glaze, but a matt to satin finish that forms the base under many coloured roof tiles.
Engobe versus glaze
Engobe and glaze are often confused, but they are clearly different:
| Engobe | Glaze | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Liquid clay with pigment | Glass-like layer |
| Appearance | Matt to satin | High gloss |
| Function | Colour and smoothness | Watertight glossy layer |
| Application | Standard coloured roof tiles | Premium coloured tiles |
Engobe is fired at the same temperature as the substrate. Glaze melts into a glass-like layer.
Applications
Roof tiles
Most coloured roof tiles are engobed:
- Anthracite, slate grey, black — popular modern colours
- Red, wine red, brown — traditional tones
- Natural — natural fired colour without engobe
Bricks and floor tiles
Engobe is also used to give bricks and ceramic floor tiles a desired colour or texture.
Production
Engobe consists of a mixture of fine clay, water, pigments and possibly flux agents. It is applied by:
- Dipping — the raw product is dipped in the engobe
- Spraying — engobe is sprayed onto the surface
- Pouring — engobe flows over the product
The tile or brick is then dried and fired in the kiln at around 1000-1100 °C. The engobe layer fuses with the substrate, providing a durable colour.
Pros and cons
Advantages:
- Durable colour that does not fade or flake
- More stable surface than untreated clay
- Cheaper than glaze
Disadvantages:
- Less glossy appearance than glaze
- Slightly less dirt-repellent
Related terms
- Roof tile
- Glaze
- Brick
- Ceramic
- Floor tile
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