Glazing 101

{ Intro to Ceramics
2 types of of color application
Underglaze
Glaze

We use low fire glazes.

This means that we can fire our kiln at
a lower temperature (compared to
that needed for other types of glazes)
in order to see correct results.
Underglaze is
A colored slip formulated to have
low drying shrinkage, allowing
application to a bone-dry or bisque-
fired surface.
Glaze is
A liquid suspension of finely ground
materials which is applied on the
surface of bisque fired clay.

The glaze ingredients will melt together

when fired to form a glossy glass-like
surface.
Glaze components
Silica melts down to create a glass-like
surface
Alumina a stabilizer that promotes

viscosity and hardness/durability

Flux promotes melting. A necessary

ingredient since silica and alumina have

very high melting points.
Oxides/Stains provide the color

component. Color depends on the firing

atmosphere and other glaze materials
 Iron: brown, tomato red,
Final colors generated
orange, yellow
from these minerals
Copper: green, red and depend on the
Cobalt: blue (strongest color) firing atmosphere and
Rutile: yellow, tan

Manganese: brown, black,

{ other glaze materials.

bronze, pink/purple Glaze ingredients are

like cooking recipes
Chrome: green, brown, pink
the materials chosen to
Umber: walnut brown create the glaze
flavor the end
results.
Opacifiers make a glaze less
transparent (Tin, zinc, zircopax)

Oxides and Stains

 The purpose of a glaze is to
Decorate or add color to a ceramic

piece.
Waterproof a ceramic object. A clay
Glaze

body should be glazed in order to seal

pores and make it water-tight.

Glazing is generally done by brushing,

pouring, dipping or spraying.
We will be applying all of our glazes by

brushing.
 Many different colors are possible using
minerals and elements as a basis for
colorant.
Glaze

The color of the liquid glaze is NOT

necessarily the color it will be when fired.
(Check the glaze chart or color tiles for an
idea of glaze color.)

When firing, the objects should be placed

about inch apart and from th sides of
the kiln to prevent the two surfaces from
bonding together.
 Clay for
decorating
The color and texture of the clay will have a
great impact on the appearance of the glaze.
A light colored clay will have a better color

response.
The texture of the clay surface can make a nice
contrast in the over-all effect of glazing.
Glaze in a way to enhance the design of your
work, not to detract from what should be a well-
planned project.
Glazing Rules

{ There IS a way to glaze!

 Glaze is expensive so please use it
Rules for Glazing properly and make sure youre choosing
colors correctly.

Step 1: Remove rough spots before glazing

(Do your best to not sand inside. If you
must, stand away from your table and
sand over a garbage can.)
Step 2: Rinse off your bisque pieces if

necessary to remove any dust or clay

particles (glaze will not adhere to loose
matter.)
 Step 3: Choose your color* and check with
Rules for Glazing a test tile to ensure it is the color you want.
Always shake a jar of glaze before using it.
This stirs up the ingredients allowing for
even coverage of color and material.

Step 4: Be especially careful not to

contaminate one glaze with another. Clean
your paintbrushes BEFORE AND AFTER
using each glaze.

*Check the labels on your glaze. Some glazes still contain

a small amount of lead which can not be used on any
piece that will hold food or drink.
 Step 5: Do not use lids as a glaze holder.
Rules for Glazing Use the small plastic cups near the sink to
pour glaze into if you are sharing with a
classmate. Lids should always be placed
back on jars when not in use. Ensure you
put the correct lid on the correct container!

Step 6: Clean off any glaze that made its

way to the bottom/under side of the clay
piece with a damp sponge. The bottom
should be free of glaze unless otherwise
stated in the project.
 Step 7: After glazing your pieces, clean up
Rules for Glazing after yourself clean brushes, table and
floor.

Be strategic when approaching your

projects. Think about how your glaze will
affect your work and how you can alter
your work to enhance the glaze that will be
applied.

A ceramic piece can also be decorated with

acrylic paints. There are many more color
choices when using paints.
Types of glazes
 V indicates velvet underglaze.

This is an underglaze.
Always goes on first.

Applied in 2-3 separate coats. (Number of coats

depends on the project).

Opaque acts as the base color.

Does not change color when put through the

kiln.
Matte finish does not shift during firing.
 F indicates low fire glaze.

This is a (gloss) glaze.

Always goes on following an underglaze.

Applied in 3 separate coats.

Can be transparent, translucent or opaque

depending on the glaze. (O, TP, TL on jar)

Will change color when put through the kiln.

Glossy finish melts down during firing. May

reveal some of the color underneath.

 A indicates artist glaze.

This is a (gloss) glaze.

Always goes on following an underglaze.

Applied in 3 separate coats.

These glazes are mostly opaque. (O on jar)

Will change color when put through the kiln.

Glossy finish melts down during firing. May

reveal some of the color underneath.

Will leave a subtle textured finish imitates
similar finishes of high fire glazes.
 O indicates opalescent glaze.

This is a (gloss) glaze.

Always goes on following an underglaze.

Applied in 3 separate coats.

These glazes are mostly opaque. (O on jar)

Will change color when put through the kiln.

Glossy finish melts down during firing. May

reveal some of the color underneath

Will leave a subtle textured finish leaves an

opalescent or mother-of-pearl-like finish.

 CTL indicates Crystaltex.

This is a (gloss) glaze.

Always goes on following an underglaze.

Applied in 3 separate coats.

Glaze contains sprinkles or crystals of color in

them that burst and melt when fired.
Will change color when put through the kiln.

Glossy finish melts down during firing. May

reveal some of the color underneath
Many are not food-safe.
 Glazing takes time,
patience and ATTENTION
Make sure you are applying the correct amount of coats
to avoid problems when firing.
Keep a sheet in your folder to write notes on to help
you remember how many coats youve applied if you
do not finish before the end of the period.
It is important to make sure you let each coat dry
completely before applying the next. If not, your results
will be streaky and lack depth and intensity in color.
Each coat should be painted on in a different direction
to ensure proper spreading of glaze.
Rushing through glazing
or incorrect application
may lead to a number of
different problems
 Blisters or pinholes
Caused by applying glaze too thick or applying
Things CAN go
wrong! too many coats.
 Crawling or scaly surfaces
Caused by dust or oil on the clay surface
Things CAN go
wrong! before glaze is applied.
 Running glaze
Caused by glaze being applied too
Things CAN go
wrong! heavily and/or too thick.
 Cracks in the glaze - crazing
Caused by glaze being applied too heavily
Things CAN go
or by cooling the glaze on the surfaces too
quickly. A kiln should not be opened after a
glaze firing until it is under 200 F.
wrong!
 Poor surface or dull sheen
Caused by the glaze being applied too thin,
not enough coats.
Things CAN go
wrong!