Glazing your pottery can make your piece really special, and glazing will ensure your work is water resistant.
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> Choose the right glaze for your clay. Use an earthenware glaze with earthenware clay, and a stoneware glaze with stoneware clay.
> Wipe your pot clean with damp cloth and allow to dry. The pot must be dry as well as dust and dirt free for the glaze to adhere properly.
> Wax the base to prevent glaze from sticking to the kiln shelf during firing.
> Mix the glaze according to instructions. Mix thoroughly - even with a pre-mixed glaze.
> Wipe your pot clean with damp cloth and allow to dry. The pot must be dry as well as dust and dirt free for the glaze to adhere properly.
> Wax the base to prevent glaze from sticking to the kiln shelf during firing.
> Mix the glaze according to instructions. Mix thoroughly - even with a pre-mixed glaze.
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Dip Glazing:
Put your glaze into a suitable plastic or rubber container that is deep enough to dip your pot in without touching the bottom. Hold your pot with potters' tongs and dip into the well mixed glaze. The length of the dip can differ depending on the glaze, and can vary from 1 to 3 seconds. For a thicker, glossier finish you can re-dip again following the same process after allowing the first layer to dry, before commencing the second. Wipe off any glaze from areas that will be in contact with the kiln shelf. The glaze will melt and adhere to the kiln shelf during firing if you do not do this. Fire the glazed pot according to the glaze's firing instructions.
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Brush Glazing:
Alternatively, you can brush the glaze on. In this case it is usually better to apply two thin layers rather than one thick layer. When brushing on glaze, be aware that the brush marks will show in the final fired piece so use this method if this outcome is part of the desired decorative effect. Wipe off any glaze from areas that will be in contact with the kiln shelf. The glaze will melt and adhere to the kiln shelf during firing if you do not do this. Fire the glazed pot according to the glaze's firing instructions.
