Sgraffito is a creative scratching technique in which part of a top layer of paint, clay or another material is scratched away to reveal the colour or layer underneath. This creates lines, patterns and images with striking contrast and plenty of texture.

The technique is used on ceramics, paintings and decorative surfaces. You can create very fine details or experiment with playful and abstract patterns. In this blog, you will discover what sgraffito is, which materials you need and how to try the sgraffito technique yourself step by step.

What is sgraffito?

Sgraffito is a decorative technique in which different layers are applied on top of one another. Parts of the upper layer are then scratched away to reveal the colour or material underneath.

The word sgraffito comes from Italian and refers to scratching or scraping away a surface. The technique has long been used to decorate walls and ceramics. Today, the same principle is also used in painting, mixed media and creative projects with materials such as paint and oil pastels.

With sgraffito, you can create anything from simple lines and geometric patterns to flowers, illustrations and detailed designs. A piece of artwork created using this technique can also be referred to as a sgraffito.

How does the sgraffito technique work?

The principle behind sgraffito is simple: you work with at least two contrasting layers. By carefully scratching into the top layer, the layer underneath becomes visible.

Exactly how you do this depends on the material you are using. With sgraffito pottery or ceramics, for example, you scratch through a layer of engobe or coloured slip. For a creative painting project, you can work with contrasting layers of paint or pastel.

It is the contrast between these layers that gives sgraffito its characteristic look. Light lines against a dark background, or the other way around, can create striking patterns and illustrations.

Sgraffito on pottery and ceramics

Sgraffito on pottery is one of the best-known applications of the technique. A ceramic surface is covered with a contrasting layer of engobe or coloured slip. A design is then scratched into this layer, revealing the clay underneath.

You can use this technique to decorate vases, bowls, plates, tiles and other ceramic objects. Try botanical motifs, geometric patterns, abstract lines or your own illustrations.

What makes sgraffito ceramics so interesting is that the design becomes part of the surface itself. The scratched lines create not only colour contrast but also additional texture.

If you are working with ceramics yourself, always follow the instructions for the clay, engobe, glaze and firing process you are using.

Tip! Watch the video below for an example of sgraffito on ceramics.

How to make sgraffito with paint or oil pastels

You do not need to work with ceramics to try the scratching technique. With paint, oil pastels and a suitable surface, you can easily create an accessible version of sgraffito at home.

This is a fun way to become familiar with the technique before trying sgraffito on pottery, for example. By applying different colours in layers and scratching parts of the upper layer away, you can create surprising patterns and illustrations.

Sgraffito also works beautifully when crafting with paint. Experiment with different colour combinations and scratched patterns, or combine sgraffito with other painting techniques.

When painting, you can also use the sgraffito technique to add extra lines and texture to your artwork. For example, scratch branches, hair, patterns or fine details into a top layer of paint.

What materials do you need for sgraffito?

The materials you need depend on the type of sgraffito you want to try. For a simple creative project, you can use:

• A suitable surface, such as canvas, sturdy paper or card
• Paint or oil pastels in contrasting colours
• A scratching tool, wooden skewer, modelling tool or another suitable pointed tool
• A pencil to sketch your design beforehand if desired
• A protective varnish, if suitable for the materials you are using

For traditional sgraffito on ceramics, you will also need suitable clay, engobe or slip and pottery tools.

How to do sgraffito: step-by-step for beginners

Would you like to try the sgraffito technique yourself? Follow these simple steps to create an accessible version using paint or oil pastels.

1. Choose your surface
   Use sturdy paper, card or canvas, for example. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before you begin.
2. Create the bottom colour layer
   Apply one colour or use several colours next to each other. Using multiple colours creates a surprising effect when you later scratch through the top layer.
3. Apply a contrasting top layer
   Cover the coloured base with another colour. A dark top layer, such as black, creates a strong contrast with bright or light colours underneath.
4. Plan your design
   Decide which pattern or image you want to create. You can work freehand or lightly plan your design beforehand.
5. Scratch your design into the top layer
   Use a suitable scratching tool and carefully remove parts of the upper layer. This reveals the colour underneath. Experiment with thin lines, larger areas, dots and patterns.
6. Allow your work to dry thoroughly
   Follow the drying instructions for the materials you have used.
7. Finish your artwork if needed
   Depending on the surface and materials, you can use a suitable varnish to protect the finished result.

Tip! Start with a simple pattern and experiment with lines, dots and geometric shapes before moving on to more detailed designs.

Sgraffito with oil pastels

Oil pastels are a simple way to practise the sgraffito technique. First create a colourful bottom layer and then cover it with a contrasting dark layer. You can then use a scratching tool or wooden skewer to draw lines and shapes into the surface.

As the colours underneath become visible through the dark layer, you get a colourful and eye-catching effect. This technique works particularly well for abstract patterns, flowers, animals, landscapes and fantasy designs.

If you enjoy experimenting with creative techniques, sgraffito is also a great project to combine with other crafting ideas for adults.

Why try sgraffito?

Sgraffito is a versatile technique that combines drawing, painting and working with texture. It also gives you plenty of freedom to experiment with different styles and materials.

• Every creation is unique – Scratched lines and patterns always have a handmade character.
• You create contrast and texture – Removing parts of a layer adds depth to your design.
• You can use different materials – From ceramics to paint, pastels and mixed media.
• It is suitable for beginners – Start with simple patterns and gradually move on to more detailed designs.
• There is plenty of room to experiment – Combine colours, scratched lines, shapes and other creative techniques.

Creative sgraffito ideas

Once you have mastered the basic sgraffito technique, there are many ways to use it:

• Decorate pottery and ceramics – Create patterns, flowers or illustrations on vases, bowls, tiles and other ceramic objects.
• Create sgraffito with paint or oil pastels – Work with contrasting colour layers and scratch lines, figures or patterns into the top layer.
• Make decorative projects – Use sgraffito for small clay pendants, ornaments, paintings and other handmade decorations.

Experiment with colours, materials and scratching patterns to give every sgraffito project its own unique look.

Frequently asked questions about sgraffito

What does sgraffito mean?

Sgraffito is a technique in which parts of a top layer are scratched away to reveal a contrasting layer underneath. This creates drawings, patterns and decorative effects.

What materials can you use for sgraffito?

Sgraffito can be used on ceramics, walls and paintings. For creative craft projects, you can work with materials such as clay, paint, oil pastels, canvas or sturdy paper.

Which paint can you use for sgraffito?

The most suitable paint depends on the surface and technique. Acrylic paint, for example, can be used for creative painting projects. Always check that your chosen paint is suitable for the surface and the effect you want to create.

Can you make sgraffito with oil pastels?

Yes. Oil pastels provide an accessible way to experiment with the sgraffito technique. Apply colours in layers and scratch through the top layer to reveal the colours underneath.

What is sgraffito pottery?

With sgraffito pottery, a layer of engobe or coloured slip is applied to clay. A design is then scratched into this layer, revealing the colour of the clay underneath.

Is sgraffito suitable for beginners?

Yes. Start with oil pastels or a simple painting project and use basic lines and patterns. Once you become more familiar with the technique, you can gradually create more detailed sgraffito designs.

Get started with sgraffito

Sgraffito is a creative technique that allows you to experiment with colour, contrast and texture. From a simple scratched oil pastel design to detailed sgraffito pottery, you can adapt the technique to your own style and experience level.

Choose your materials, create a contrasting base and discover what happens when you reveal different layers of your design. With this simple scratching technique, you can create an artwork that is completely your own.