Pottery Blog Two: Glorious Glazes

• Never take risks with Kilns
• Never take risks with Clay or glazes

Underglazes

• 

Suitable for all temperatures and coming in a huge range of colours, underglazes are extremely popular and above are just a few examples from one manufacturer. They are many more. They should state what type of finish they have from matt through to sheens, satin, velvet and silk finishes after firing, fire a pure colour this is your best choice but what you get in the pot as with all glazes isn’t how it comes out once fired as indicated above, it’s dependent on what clay you put it on, how thickly it’s applied and of course firing temperatures and the length of time it is in the kiln. Test tiles are always advisable before you fire any piece that you want just right colour wise.

Earthenware Glazes

• 

Earthenware glazes are designed to go with earthenware clays. They fire at lower temperatures than stoneware and underglazes are ideal for their earthernware too. Remember to match the clay to the maximum kiln temperature you use and the glaze to the clay you use and you won’t go far wrong. Colours remain clean, bold and bright or subtle and delicate with Earthenware firings of underglazes as a general rule and with a clear glaze to finish they can really start to pop. Used for decorative pieces only as for food you need to use stoneware to ensure everything is safe for food.

I’ve not come across many specific glazes for Earthernware as you can use and and all but results differ considerable when glazes are fired beyond 1100F for Earthernware often getting deeper and duller in tone. Hence why Stoneware Glazes were invented because it’s safer for tableware to serve and display, warm and cook food.