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Selecting the right ceramic glaze is crucial for achieving desired aesthetic and functional outcomes in pottery. The wrong glaze can lead to cracking, discoloration, or poor durability, undermining your artistic vision and the piece's longevity. This guide will help you navigate the options to find glazes that meet your project's specific needs.
AMACO Potter's Choice PC-20 Blue Rutile High Fire Glaze (16 oz.) is an active, complex liquid ceramic pottery glaze that is a flowing light blue where thick and breaks brown where thinner; great for layering and textured work, the glaze is very fluid and...
Apply to Cone 04 bisque, then fire to Cone 5-6.
Layerable mid-high fire (Cone 5-6) AMACO Potter's Choice "PC" Glazes are a collection of potters' favorites made easy!
Suitable for all AMACO stoneware and porcelain clays.
Air Dry Clay Varnish: Clay varnish Prevents air drying clay from drying out cracks, scratches, scuffs and abrasions on the clay, glaze for air dry clay is also watertight and fireproof, and dries to transparent, high gloss finish
Gloss Glaze: Clay paint for pottery air dry can make the clay with a layer of bright effect glaze protective film, protect your perfect works, let your works always bright, specially designed for air-drying pottery clay
Steps to Use: 1. After the clay work is dry, give it a thick layer of white acrylic primer, 2. Wait for the primer to dry, then apply the desired color, 3. Wait for the color to dry, then apply our air dry clay paint, it takes 24 hours for air dry clay...
Widely Used: Polymer clay glaze can be used on clay, plaster, colored porcelain, pre-painted metal, wood, jewelry, simulated and artificial flowers, etc, providing them with a strong protective film
12 colors in 4 oz. jars: peacock eyes, northern lights, plum jelly, Oriental carmel, cappuccino mint, Tahiti grape, monsoon seas, herb garden, spotted kiwi, lotus blossom, citrus splash and poppy fields
Gorgeous crystal glazes will bloom into brilliant colors with beautiful, variegated patterns. Can be used in combination with other glazes for even more color possibilities. Compatible with luster glazes.
For best results, shake well and stir colors before application to make sure crystals are evenly distributed.
Apply over Cone 04 bisque, then fire to Cone 06. Do not use for dinnerware.
AMACO Potter's Choice PC-33 Iron Lustre High Fire Glaze (16 oz.), more restrained but similar to a regular blue liquid ceramic pottery glaze, is brown where thin with blue-gray floats where thick.
Apply to Cone 04 bisque, then fire to Cone 5-6.
Iron Lustre is beautiful on texture and layers well with other Potter's Choice glazes.
Layerable mid-high fire (Cone 5-6) AMACO Potter's Choice "PC" Glazes are a collection of potters' favorites made easy!
Last update on 2026-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Ceramics Glazes
Understanding Glaze Types
Ceramic glazes are broadly categorized by their firing temperature: low-fire (cone 06-04), mid-fire (cone 5-6), and high-fire (cone 9-10). Low-fire glazes offer vibrant colors and are suitable for decorative pieces. Mid-fire glazes provide a good balance of color saturation and durability. High-fire glazes are known for their strength, chemical resistance, and subtle color variations, often used for functional ware.
Exploring Glaze Finishes
Glazes come in various finishes that significantly impact the final look of your pottery. Common finishes include glossy, which provides a reflective, smooth surface; matte, which offers a non-reflective, soft appearance; and satin, which sits between glossy and matte. Specialty finishes like crackle, crystalline, and iridescent can add unique textures and visual effects.
Considering Glaze Composition and Safety
Glaze composition is key to its performance and safety. Lead-free glazes are essential for food-safe ceramics to prevent toxic leaching. Consider the glaze's opacity, fluidity (how much it runs during firing), and compatibility with your clay body. Researching the manufacturer's specifications for application and firing is always recommended.
Application Techniques
Most glazes can be applied by dipping, brushing, or pouring. Brushing allows for precise control and layering of colors, ideal for detailed designs. Dipping offers a uniform coating, best for solid colors. Pouring is effective for creating fluid, marbled effects. Ensure even application, typically 2-3 coats, depending on the glaze's thickness and desired coverage, and allow adequate drying time between coats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between glaze and underglaze?
Underglazes are typically colored slips applied to unfired or bisque-fired clay, providing vibrant colors that are then covered with a clear or transparent glaze. Glazes are the glassy coating itself, applied over underglaze or directly to the clay, and mature into a durable, protective surface during firing.
How do I know if a glaze is food safe?
Look for glazes specifically labeled as 'food safe' or 'lead-free' and suitable for dinnerware. These glazes have been formulated and tested to ensure they do not leach harmful substances into food when used as intended.
What does 'cone' mean in relation to glazes?
'Cone' refers to pyrometric cones, which are used to measure heat work in a kiln. Glaze and clay bodies are rated for specific cone temperatures (e.g., cone 6, cone 10), indicating the optimal firing temperature range for them to mature correctly.
Can I mix different glazes together?
Mixing glazes can yield unique results, but it requires understanding their base compositions and firing characteristics. It's advisable to test mixed glazes on small tiles before applying them to a full piece, as unexpected reactions can occur.
What causes glaze crawling?
Glaze crawling is usually caused by a layer of dust or grease on the bisque surface, or by the glaze being applied too thickly. It can also occur if the glaze fit is poor, causing it to pull away from the clay during firing.
How should I store ceramic glazes?
Glazes should be stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Stir them thoroughly before each use, as pigments can settle over time.
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