Buying ceramic glaze can feel like stepping into an exciting, colorful world full of possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned potter or just starting out, knowing where to source your glazes is key to bringing your creative visions to life. Let’s explore the different avenues available, from local shops to online retailers, and even delve into the option of mixing your own glazes.
Local Pottery Supply Stores and Studios
First off, your local pottery supply store is often the best place to start. These stores are treasure troves for ceramic artists, offering a wide range of glazes, tools, and expert advice. The staff are usually knowledgeable potters themselves and can guide you toward the perfect glaze for your project, considering factors like firing temperature and desired finish. Plus, you get the advantage of seeing the glazes in person, which is super helpful for gauging the true colors and textures. Art supply stores are another option, though their selection of ceramic glazes might be more limited. However, they can be a convenient choice for smaller projects or if you’re looking for a specific specialty glaze. Some ceramic studios also sell their glazes to members or the public. These glazes are often tried and tested within that studio’s environment, and buying from a studio can provide a sense of community and shared knowledge. More information on choosing the correct glaze can be found at Just Fired Pottery.
Online Retailers: Convenience at Your Fingertips
The internet has opened up a vast marketplace for ceramic glazes, offering an unparalleled selection and convenience. Online retailers often have extensive catalogs, including glazes from different manufacturers, specialty glazes, and unique colors that might be hard to find locally. Popular online stores like Big Ceramic Store and Sheffield Pottery offer a wealth of options, complete with detailed product descriptions and customer reviews. However, buying glaze online comes with its own set of considerations. Shipping costs can add up, especially for heavy items, so it’s worth comparing prices and shipping rates from different vendors. Also, keep in mind that the color you see on your screen might not be an exact match for the fired glaze. Factors like monitor calibration and lighting can affect color perception, so it’s always a good idea to check the retailer’s return policy and consider buying a small sample to test before committing to a larger quantity. More information on glazing can be found at Pottery Geeks. To explore various glaze options, checking out where to buy ceramics is also a good idea.
This video demonstrates 28 different approaches to glazing pottery. It’s a great resource for anyone interested in expanding their glazing techniques.
Buying in Bulk and Mixing Your Own Glazes
For the more experienced ceramic artist, buying glaze in bulk or mixing your own from raw materials can be a cost-effective and creative option. Buying in bulk often comes with a discount, which is great if you use a lot of glaze or have a consistent production line. Mixing your own glaze allows for complete control over the final result, letting you experiment with different colors, textures, and effects. Websites like Glazy.org offer a wealth of glaze recipes and resources for those interested in diving into glaze chemistry. It’s a fantastic way to customize your glazes to suit your specific clay body, firing conditions, and aesthetic preferences. However, mixing your own glaze also requires a good understanding of safety precautions, as some raw materials can be hazardous. Always wear a respirator and gloves when handling dry materials, and make sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
Understanding Glaze Properties and Types
Choosing the correct glaze involves understanding the variety available, including their composition, firing temperature, finish (glossy, matte, etc.), and suitability for different clay bodies and applications. Glazes are typically categorized by their firing temperature: low fire, mid fire, and high fire. Low fire glazes are generally fired between 1828°F (998°C) and 1945°F (1063°C), producing bright and vibrant colors with a glossy finish, often used with earthenware clay. More information about this can be found at Soul Ceramics. Mid fire glazes are fired between 2167°F (1186°C) and 2262°F (1239°C), commonly used with porcelain and stoneware, known for their durability and suitability for functional purposes. High fire glazes are fired between 2280°F (1249°C) and 2345°F (1285°C), offering the highest durability and often used for the most demanding end-uses with porcelain and stoneware clays.
Besides firing temperature, glazes are also categorized by their appearance and composition. Clear glazes are transparent and highlight the underlying clay or decoration. Further information on this topic can be found at Glazy.org help. White glazes, often containing opacifiers like Tin & Zircopax, offer varying shades of white. Colored glazes use metal oxides to produce different colors, such as iron for blues, greens, yellows, ambers, browns, and blacks, cobalt for blue, and copper for green or red under reduction firing conditions. Matte glazes lack a glossy surface due to their composition. Specialty glazes include crystalline glazes, which develop visible crystals during cooling; Raku glazes, used in the Raku firing process; and ash glazes, containing or imitating wood ash for earthy qualities. Each type offers unique aesthetic possibilities.
Safety First
Working with ceramic glazes involves certain safety precautions to protect yourself and the environment. Many glaze materials contain hazardous substances, such as crystalline silica, which can damage your lungs if inhaled. Information on this can be found at South Texas College. Always wear a HEPA filter mask when mixing dry materials to avoid inhaling silica particles. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in the glazing area, and scrub your hands thoroughly after glazing. When spraying glazes, use a properly constructed, vented, and filtered spray booth to prevent inhalation of hazardous fumes. Be aware of the specific hazards associated with each glaze material you use, and consult Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for detailed information. Additionally, ensure that your kiln is properly vented to remove toxic fumes produced during firing.
Understanding Glaze Defects
Even with careful preparation and application, glaze defects can occur, affecting the final appearance of your ceramic pieces. Crazing, which appears as fine cracks in the glaze surface, is caused by a mismatch in thermal expansion between the glaze and the clay body. Information on common glaze faults can be found at Ceramic Arts Network. Shivering, the opposite of crazing, results in the glaze flaking off the clay body due to the glaze having a lower thermal expansion than the clay. Pinholing, small holes in the glaze surface, is often caused by gases escaping from the clay body or glaze during firing. Running occurs when the glaze melts too much and flows down the side of the pottery, usually due to overfiring or using a glaze that is too fluid. Crawling happens when the glaze pulls away from the clay body during firing, leaving bare patches. Each of these defects has specific causes and can be prevented or corrected by adjusting the glaze composition, firing schedule, or application method. More information on defects can be found at Ceramic Science.
Ultimately, finding the best place to buy ceramic glaze depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you choose the personal touch of a local pottery supply store, the convenience of an online retailer, or the creative freedom of mixing your own glazes, the most important thing is to find a source that inspires you and supports your artistic journey. Happy glazing!
