Glaze is what transforms a plain fired pot into a finished, functional, beautiful piece. But glazing confuses many beginners. Here's a clear guide to the basics.
What Is Glaze?
Glaze is a glassy coating applied to bisque-fired pottery. When fired again, it melts into a smooth, hard surface that seals the clay, adds colour, and makes functional ware safe to use.
Types of Glaze Finish
- Glossy — shiny and reflective.
- Matte — soft and non-reflective.
- Satin — somewhere in between.
- Speciality — crackle, reactive, and textured effects.
Food-Safety Matters
For anything that holds food or drink — mugs, bowls, plates — always use a food-safe, lead-free glaze and fire it to the correct temperature. Only describe a piece as food-safe if the glaze is certified and fired correctly.
Match Firing Temperatures
Your glaze must match your clay's firing range. A glaze rated for high-fire stoneware won't work properly on low-fire earthenware. Always check the labels.
How to Apply Glaze
- Clean the bisqueware of dust before glazing.
- Apply evenly by brushing, dipping, or pouring.
- Keep the base clean — wipe glaze off the bottom so it doesn't stick to the kiln shelf.
- Fire to the glaze's recommended temperature.
Beginner Tips
- Test new glazes on a small tile first.
- Don't apply too thickly — it can run or bubble.
- Always wear a mask when handling dry glaze powders.
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