Ceramic Glaze Layering Techniques

Glazing your ceramics serves several purposes.

Ceramic glaze layering techniques.

A good glaze starts with properly bisque pottery. Tips tools and recipes in every issue. For applying a decorative second layer of contrasting glaze you may want to use a porous sponge. If so read on because it s time to try layering some glazes.

Sponges can be used at nearly every step of pottery creation including glaze application. Click the picture to see more combinations. Keep in mind you can single fire but is not recommended with many glazes that are made today. 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.

This example on the right is shino 042 over black 002. The spruce crafts beth e peterson. For basic glaze coat application use a fine textured pottery sponge either synthetic or natural. 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.

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. 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. Experts share their glazing techniques and tips as well as favorite ceramic glaze recipes from low fire to high fire and everything in between. Bisque firing makes your pottery porous to help glazes adhere to your pottery also releases sulfur and carbon gases from the clay.

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. Not only does it add a safe sealed coating to your bisque fired wares making it waterproof and food safe it also brings your work to life with any color you wish to create. If the glaze is too thick it will eventually begin to crack and fall off the work. Most potter s bisque at cone 06 to 04.

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. The possibilities of glazing are endless and the techniques and patterns you can create with them have no limit. Layering multiple glazes will build up increasing amounts of glaze on your pot.