Ceramic Glaze Layering Techniques

Experts share their glazing techniques and tips as well as favorite ceramic glaze recipes from low fire to high fire and everything in between.

Ceramic glaze layering techniques.

A good glaze starts with properly bisque pottery. This example on the right is shino 042 over black 002. Tips tools and recipes in every issue. In addition to the great studio visits techniques new work glaze recipes and the fascinating stories of ceramic artists living the dream your next time and money saving tip could be.

Glazing your ceramics serves several purposes. Layering multiple glazes will build up increasing amounts of glaze on your pot. Most potter s bisque at cone 06 to 04. For basic glaze coat application use a fine textured pottery sponge either synthetic or natural.

Top glaze a artist s choice a 22 aztec turquoise a 24 exotic blue a 28 peacock a 32 iron saturate a 34 sand bar a 40 seafoam green a 43 green float. If the glaze is too thick it will eventually begin to crack and fall off the work. Bisque firing makes your pottery porous to help glazes adhere to your pottery also releases sulfur and carbon gases from the clay. The glazing process has the potential to make or break a good pot and believe me i have broken quite a few with poor glaze application.

If so read on because it s time to try layering some glazes. Coyote has new photos showing layered cone 6 shino glazes. Click the picture to see more combinations. Here you ll find the details on a wide variety of ceramic glazing techniques from dipping pots in glaze you mixed up to using brush on glazes for ceramics that are available at your pottery supply.

Ceramic artists are always coming up with innovative clever ways to solve problems in the studio and ceramics monthly shares the best tips and stories in every issue. I have to admit glazing is not my favorite part of the ceramic process and i am always on the lookout for pottery glazing tips to help improve my outcomes. For applying a decorative second layer of contrasting glaze you may want to use a porous sponge. Amaco also has some photos showing layering of some potter s choice glazes.

Keep in mind you can single fire but is not recommended with many glazes that are made today. The spruce crafts beth e peterson. Use a lower specific gravity on the second and third layers submerge the piece in glaze for a shorter period of time or use brushing or spraying to apply thinner coats.