1. What you need to know before you apply
Glaze
What you need to know before you apply

2. What is Glaze?
Glaze:
a vitreous coating to a ceramic material whose primary purposes are decoration or protection
consists of ground glass and color pigments that when heated to extreme temperatures in a kiln create a non-porous surface.

3. What is in glaze?
Silica: Finely ground glass, has a high melting point
Flux: Lowers melting point of silica. I.e. Lead
Alumina: Gives glaze stability and adhesion.
Coloring oxide additives:
Tin: White
Iron: Brown
Cobalt: Blue
Copper: Green
Vanadium: Yellow

4. Glaze Preparation
Dry ingredients and water are mixed together to form a smooth, even consistency. Similar in appearance to a very thick cream.

5. If thin, ask for my assistance
Proper glaze mixing
If Lumpy, continue to mix or strain
Stir the glaze thoroughly with a whisk or your hand in the bucket before applying. Check the bottom of the bucket to check to feel if the glaze is thoroughly mixed from top to bottom.
The mixed glaze should be the consistency of thick cream.
If thin, ask for my assistance

6. Before glazing… Wax Resist!
Creates a barrier that resists glaze adhesion to the bisque ware.
Why is this important?
Rules:
Wax bottom 1/4” of piece
After glazing, wipe excess glaze from waxed area with sponge

7. Immersing piece directly into glaze
Technique 1 Dipping
Immersing piece directly into glaze
Wax foot
Dip and hold for 3 seconds (Single color dipping only requires one dip)
Let drain, fill finger (tong) marks when dry
Wipe excess glaze off of foot

8. Double window dipping okay
Be careful with
triple window dipping!

9. Technique 2 Brushing Best technique for hand-built work
Nice for piece with multiple areas of different colors
3 medium coats as a rule
Some glazes may require up to 6 coats
We will use mostly this method of applying glaze

10. Technique 3 Pouring
Best for large bowls, platters, and plates
Must use a container to collect excess glaze
This is an advanced technique and we will generally have no need for it in C/S/3D I

11. Technique 4 Spraying
Sprayed on glaze with specialized equipment in spray booth
After applied, do not touch!
Nice for fading colors together
We used to have a spray booth!

12. Special Techniques Sponge Patterning
A sponge can be cut to give a raised pattern look
Pattern the piece with a contrasting glaze

13. Special Techniques Wax Resist Design
Brush design on bisque ware with wax
Dip, paint, pour, or sponge on the color over the wax design

14. Special Techniques Underglaze
Brush multi color design on bisque ware with sumi brush and cover with clear or semi-opaque glaze

15. Special Techniques Sumi Overglaze
Brush single color design on glazed piece with sumi brush
Use banding wheel to paint straight lines

16. Special Techniques Oxide decoration
Red or Black iron oxide wash can enhance the texture of the piece.
Not a glaze, and is not glossy
Apply, and then wash off of highlights

17. Special Techniques Lusters
Very low fire metallic
Applied over previously glazed work
Expensive!