Glazing is where the magic truly happens in pottery, transforming a simple clay form into a vibrant, durable piece of art. There’s a whole world of techniques beyond the standard dip, pour, or spray. Whether you’re after a smooth, glossy finish or a textured, rustic look, the possibilities are endless. However, it’s important to keep in mind that safety always comes first, so it is important to take health and safety precautions when working with glazes. Wearing gloves and a respirator is a must, along with making sure your workspace is well-ventilated, especially when spraying glazes. Also, it is important not to throw glaze waste into regular trash, and to recycle when possible, because the metal oxides are dangerous for the environment.
One fascinating method is airbrushing. With an airbrush, you can achieve incredibly smooth, even coatings, perfect for gradients or detailed designs. You’ll need an airbrush, an air compressor, and a spray booth to contain the overspray. The glaze needs to be thinned to the consistency of milk and strained through a fine sieve to prevent clogs. Apply thin, even layers, letting each dry before the next. It is best to hold the airbrush about 6-8 inches away from the pottery. But beyond the application, the real enchantment lies in understanding how firing temperature affects the final result. The temperature can dramatically change the glaze’s color and texture, and colorants react differently at different temperatures. For example, iron oxide can produce delicate blue-green hues in a high-fire reduction environment, while it yields warm browns in oxidation. You can also check out this article on vibrant pottery with overglaze enamels.
Here’s a great tutorial on making your own glaze chips from Far Forest Ceramics:
Colorants react differently at different temperatures. For example, iron oxide can produce delicate blue-green hues in a high-fire reduction environment, while it yields warm browns in oxidation.
Of course, like any craft, glazing comes with its share of potential problems. Pinholes, crazing, shivering, crawling, blistering, and pitting are common issues, but each has a solution. Pinholes, those tiny holes in the glaze, can be prevented by thorough wedging to remove air from the clay and applying thinner glaze layers. Crazing, the fine cracks in the glaze, often happens when the glaze contracts more than the clay; adjusting the glaze composition can solve this. Understanding these defects and how to prevent them is key to creating flawless pieces. You can discover more with this guide to glaze chemistry.
For those seeking more unique finishes, alternative methods like salt glazing, soda firing, and raku offer exciting possibilities. Salt and soda firing involve introducing these materials into the kiln at high temperatures, creating distinctive, textured surfaces. Raku, with its dramatic firing and cooling process, results in crackled glazes and unpredictable, stunning effects. Experimenting with these techniques can open up a whole new world of artistic expression, so don’t be afraid to step outside the box and try something new.
