Glazing & Alternative Finishes

Glazes come in a great variety of colors and there are a variety of techniques which can be done to produce different results. Glazes require proper firing to the cone specified on the bottle and should only be put on bisqueware that has been fired to at least one cone hotter than necessary for the glaze firing.

Caution: Glaze contains many chemicals which are not safe for students to consume. Caution should also be taken to avoid getting glaze on one's skin. If glaze does get on students' hands or if students handle pieces that have been glazed but are yet to be fired, they should wash their hands after they are done glazing. Also, though they look like paint, glazes should NOT be used on any surface other than bisqueware.

Alternative finishes, also known as Cold Finishes, can be used on ceramics that are intended purely for decoration. They are an economical alternative to glaze and do not require the kiln.

Caution: These finishes should NOT be used on pieces intended to be used for food. After applying these finishes, do not put these ceramic pieces in the kiln as doing so will burn the finish off.