How to Start Glazing Yourself: A Beginner's Guide

How to start glazing on your own? A beginner's guide

Glazing is one of the most exciting stages in ceramics. This is where the work acquires color, gloss (or matte!) and its final character. But for beginners, this stage can seem a bit mysterious.

In this post, we'll show you how to start glazing on your own and what you should learn before you pick up a brush or a bowl of glaze for the first time.

 

What is glazing anyway?

Glazing is the process of covering previously fired clay (bisque) with a special mixture, which, at high temperatures, forms a glassy, durable layer on the surface. This makes the ceramics:

• waterproof

• easy to clean

• safe for food contact (if appropriate glazes are used),

• and, of course – visually beautiful!

 

What to know before you start glazing?

Before you start glazing, it's good to understand a few basic things:

 

1. The piece must be bisque fired

We don't glaze raw clay! Glaze is applied to ceramics that have already undergone the first firing (approx. 900–1000°C) and are dry, porous, and ready for glaze.

2. Types of glazes = different effects

To begin with, it's worth familiarizing yourself with the differences between glazes:

• glossy, matte, satin

• transparent vs. opaque

• reactive, crackle, effect glazes…

Not every glaze suits every type of clay and firing! At Nuna Ceramics Studio, we will always help you choose the right combination.

3. Cleanliness matters

A dirty or greasy surface will not accept the glaze correctly. Before glazing:

• wipe the piece with a damp sponge (very gently!)

• remove dust or fingerprints.

 

3 simplest glazing methods

For starters, we recommend three most commonly used glazing techniques in hand-building:

1. Brush glazing

An ideal technique for beginners:

• allows for precise covering of selected fragments,

• provides the ability to paint and apply layers,

• works well for smaller forms.

💡 Apply 2–3 thin coats, allowing each to dry before the next.

 

2. Dip glazing

The entire piece or a fragment of it is immersed in a bowl of glaze for a few seconds.

• fast and even method,

• requires glaze of appropriate consistency (like cream!),

• great for larger vessels.

💡 Watch the bottom – it should not be covered with glaze, so it doesn't stick to the kiln shelf.

 

3. Pouring

Glaze is poured from a container onto the piece:

• creates interesting flowing effects,

• allows combining colors and creating gradients,

• less controlled method – but very effective!

💡 Protect your work surface – glaze can splash!

 

What else is worth learning?

 

1. How to recognize the right glaze thickness

Too thin a layer may not achieve the full effect, and too thick a layer may run or crack.

 

2. How to leave the bottom of the piece clean

We always leave the foot without glaze – meaning the bottom part of the vessel. This can be done:

• using masking tape

• or, after the glaze has dried, wiping off the excess with a damp sponge.

 

3. How to read glaze samples

In the studio, you'll find samples of finished glazes – it's worth looking at them, because what looks like mud in a bucket can turn into a turquoise sheen or a misty matte after firing!

 

Start calmly – experiment with joy

You don't need to be an expert in chemistry or artistic ceramics – just a little curiosity and openness to effects that are not always predictable. At Nuna Ceramics Studio, we give you space to learn, experiment, and ask questions.

And if you want to learn glazing – sign up for a workshop or ask us for support with your work.

 

In the next post, we will show you the most common mistakes beginners make when glazing – and how to avoid them.