How to Paint Pottery with Glaze: A Comprehensive Guide

Painting pottery with glaze is a transformative process that brings color, durability, and a unique artistic expression to ceramic pieces. Whether you’re a beginner just discovering the joys of pottery or an intermediate hobbyist looking to refine your techniques, understanding the nuances of glaze application is key to achieving stunning results. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from preparing your workspace and selecting the right materials to applying the glaze and troubleshooting common issues.

Gathering Tools and Materials

The journey begins with gathering the necessary tools and materials. Glazes come in a variety of types, each with its own characteristics and ideal uses. Underglazes are applied to bisque-fired or even unfired clay, before the final glaze coat. When covered with a transparent or translucent glaze, the colors appear beneath a glassy layer, which gives them their name. They’re designed to stay put during firing, offering a tightly-controlled, painterly effect. Overglazes, also known as enamels, are applied on top of a previously fired and glazed surface and then fired again at a lower temperature. This allows for a broader range of vibrant colors and metallic effects, including gold or luster treatments, as these decorations fuse at lower temperatures. Specialty glazes, like crackle glazes that create a network of fine lines on the surface, or those designed for specific firing techniques like Raku, offer unique visual effects. Aside from the glaze itself, you’ll need brushes of various sizes for detailed work, sponges for applying wax resist or creating textured effects, and safety equipment like a respirator to protect against inhaling glaze particles. If you’re interested in learning how to make your own, see this guide on how to make your own glaze for pottery. You can also explore different ash glazes.

For a great introduction to working with clay, check out this video on pottery basics:

Surface Preparation

Before you even open your glaze, surface preparation is paramount. Start by ensuring your bisque-fired piece is clean and free of dust, oils, or any other contaminants. Julia Brown Art’s blog recommends, sanding the bottoms smooth to prevent scratching surfaces and removing any bumps. These impurities can interfere with glaze adhesion, leading to uneven coverage or crawling. Wipe down the piece with a damp sponge to remove any remaining particles. Next, apply wax resist to the bottom of the piece and any other areas you want to keep glaze-free. Wax resist is a liquid wax that creates a barrier, preventing the glaze from adhering to the clay. This is crucial for preventing the piece from sticking to the kiln shelf during firing.

Applying the Glaze

Applying the glaze is where the magic happens, and there are several techniques to choose from, each offering its own unique advantages. Brushing is ideal for intricate designs and controlled application. Load your brush well and apply the glaze in even strokes, overlapping slightly to avoid streaks. Dipping is a fast and efficient method for glazing entire pieces, especially those with simple shapes. Submerge the piece in the glaze, hold for a few seconds, and then remove it slowly and evenly. Pouring is another great option for covering large areas or creating interesting effects by layering different glazes. Pour the glaze over the piece, tilting it to ensure even coverage. Spraying is useful for achieving smooth, even coats, especially on complex forms, but requires specialized equipment and a well-ventilated spray booth due to the risk of inhaling glaze particles. Regardless of the method you choose, apply multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. This helps prevent runs and ensures even coverage.

Troubleshooting Glaze Problems

Achieving flawless glaze results isn’t always easy, and common problems can arise. Glaze runs occur when the glaze is applied too thickly or the firing temperature is too high. To prevent runs, apply thinner coats of glaze and ensure your kiln is firing at the correct temperature. Pinholes are small holes in the glaze surface that can be caused by gases escaping during firing. A longer soak time at the end of the firing can help the glaze to heal over these pinholes. Crawling happens when the glaze shrinks and pulls away from the clay surface, leaving bare patches. This can be caused by applying the glaze too thickly, or by dust or oil on the bisque ware. Make sure your bisque ware is clean and apply the glaze in thinner coats to avoid crawling.

Firing and Post-Firing Inspection

Firing transforms the glazed piece, melting the glaze into a smooth, glass-like surface. The firing temperature depends on the type of glaze and clay you’re using, so it’s essential to consult the glaze manufacturer’s instructions. Underfired glazes may appear dull and rough, while overfired glazes may run or blister. After firing, inspect your piece for any defects. Crazing, a network of fine cracks in the glaze, can occur if the glaze and clay body expand and contract at different rates. While some potters find crazing aesthetically pleasing, it can weaken the piece and make it unsuitable for functional use. Shivering, where the glaze flakes off the clay, is another fit issue that needs to be addressed by adjusting the glaze or clay body.

Safety Practices

Working with pottery glaze involves inherent safety concerns that must be addressed to protect your health. Many glaze materials contain hazardous chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Always wear a NIOSH-approved respirator when handling dry glaze materials to prevent inhalation of dust particles. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in the glazing area to prevent accidental ingestion. Wear gloves to protect your skin from contact with glaze materials, and wash your hands thoroughly after glazing. When spraying glazes, use a properly vented spray booth to remove airborne particles. Dispose of unused glaze materials responsibly, following local regulations for hazardous waste disposal.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautifully glazed pottery that reflects your unique artistic vision. Remember, pottery is a journey of experimentation and discovery, so don’t be afraid to try new techniques and explore different glazes. Embrace the wobbles and celebrate the triumphs, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating with clay.