Clay glazing is a ceramic process that adds colour, gloss and protection to clay. There are several different clay glazing techniques which give different results. In this article we will discuss some popular clay glazing techniques:
1.Dipping:
- Perfect for small or monochrome items.
- The container with the liquid glaze is immersed in it fully or partially, covering the entire surface.
- It can also be used several times to obtain a smooth coat.
2. Brushing:
- The glaze is applied/painted with a brush directly onto the clay surface.
- This allows the artist to control the thickness and texture of the glaze layer.
- Different brushes can create different textures and effects.
3. Bubbling:
- The glaze shall be mixed with water and dishwashing liquid.
- The glaze is blown with a straw and the bubbles are poured onto the surface of the clay.
4. Spraying:
- The glaze shall be sprayed onto the clay surface with a spraying agent.
- This technique produces a smooth layer and a uniform coating.
5. Salt Firing:
- During the process, a quantity of salt is added to the furnace.
- The burning of the salt causes it to react with the glaze and the surface of the clay, creating a unique lustre and colour spectrum.
6. Raku Firing:
- The technique involves quickly heating the kiln and transferring the hot ceramics into a special raku container.
- The smoke and the burning organic wood produce spectacular and even unpredictable results.
Each of these techniques gives unique results, so you can experiment and combine them in your work to get the desired effect. It is important to observe safety rules and work carefully with glazes to avoid accidents.
If you are just starting to sculpt your first pieces, I recommend that you attend my ceramics classes. In the class you will learn all the basics you need to learn how to mould and glaze correctly.
