Glazing is one of the most rewarding parts of ceramics, but common mistakes like underloading your brush and glazing without testing can turn glazing into a chore (sometimes a nightmare, if we're being honest).
Get the most out of your brush-on glazes with these tips. (Don’t be afraid to load that brush!)
1. Mix your glaze well before using
Make sure you mix your glaze container before you start glazing to make sure the minerals, colourants and crystals are dispersed properly (they love to sink to the bottom). Shake jars (make sure the lid is secure!) and use a stirring stick, and don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the container to break up hardened sediment.
2. Load up your brush
One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to using brush-on glaze is underloading your brush. You want the brush saturated with glaze so that when you apply it over the bisqueware your brush ‘floats’ over the surface, rather than dragging and spreading it thin like paint.
3. Apply in alternate directions
Most commercial brush-on glazes need three generous, even layers for proper thickness and colour development. To get even coverage, apply each coat in alternate directions (e.g. vertical for the first coat, horizontal for the second, diagonal or vertical for the third) to prevent streaks and uneven spots.
4. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next
Wait until each coat changes from a shiny, wet look to a dull, matte appearance before starting the next layer. This prevents the next coat from smearing or affecting the coverage.
5. Make test tiles and take notes
Use leftover slabs to make and bisque fire test tiles, then experiment with glaze combos (making sure to note down everything from glaze name and coats applied to application technique). Mark the tiles with a number using an underglaze pencil so you keep track of all your tests and can recreate them for future pieces.
Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more glaze tips and combinations, as well as pottery tutorials!
