Ceramic Glazing Techniques

Glazing is the final touch in creating pottery. There are three techniques to glazing finished pottery. Following the glazing technique can ensure that you have a beautiful product. Decide which method would be the best for your project; you can choose between under-glazing, dipping and brushing; this is a simple method to follow.   

Under-glazing

Under-glazing is a low-fire glaze that is painted underneath the coating of a transparent glaze. An under-glaze adheres to the clay and the transparent coating; this is a more permanent form of glazing. The under-glaze will need to be thinned with water in order to produce a smooth paint consistency. Under-glaze is similar to painting with watercolors or oils on a painting canvas.

Use a pencil to sketch your design and then paint with brushes. If there is an area that has not been glazed, this portion of your pottery item will be the color of the clay when you are done. The good thing about under-glaze is that if you don’t like the way it looks you can wash it offer with water. After painting, apply a coat of transparent glaze using a brush, a sponge or by dipping the dry pottery. Once the pottery has dried it is ready to be fired.

Dipping

Fill a bucket with glaze. Make sure that your pottery is free of any dust. Use tongs to dip the pottery piece into the glaze. Hold the pottery piece in the glaze for three seconds; remove it and allow the extra glaze to dry off. Dip the other side of the pottery into the glaze, following the same method. Once the pottery has dried it is ready to be fired.

Brushing

Brush glazing is good for adding detail to a ceramic piece and also when there isn’t enough glaze for dipping. Using a soft-bristled brush and apply a thin coat of glaze. In order to create areas of color detail you can apply pain in those particular sections or paint on a design. Apply three coats of glaze to ensure a solid color. Once you have finished painting the pottery is ready to fire.