Mocha tea is a mixture of an acid and a dye. The droplets flow out, branch out and form hairline drawings that resemble ferns, trees or stars. The drawing you get depends on the mixture you are using, the composition of the clay slip and the surface of the work you are decorating.
For the acidic component in mocha tea you can use many different things: wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, instant coffee, soy sauce, coffee, whiskey, red wine, tobacco juice and even mouthwash … Every change you make in the composition will lead to a different result, so it’s all about trial and error.
And the colouring agent can also vary. You can use iron or manganese oxide, or you can experiment with pigments. Above all, the layer of clay slip you are applying the mocha tea to should be thick and wet, so the patterns can flow easily.
The recipe for mocha tea that is most commonly shared online is as follows:
- 25 gr minced tobacco
- 0.5 l water
- 30 gr iron or manganese oxide
Add the tobacco to the water and bring to a boil, then let the mixture simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Strain it through a glaze sieve and add iron or manganese oxide. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it, and strain it again before applying.
If you do try this one, be sure to share how it went, and what the result looks like!
