Glaze Basics for Beginners

Glaze is where pottery gets its colour and its practical surface. It is also where beginners learn humility: the kiln always has the last word.

What glaze is

Ceramic glaze is a glassy coating on ceramics. It decorates, makes a piece impermeable to liquids and helps keep surfaces clean.

Applying it

• Dipping gives an even coat quickly.
• Brushing suits details and small batches; usually needs several coats.
• Pouring is good for the insides of pots.

Keep the foot clean

Wipe glaze off the base and a little way up the side. Glaze melts in the kiln; if it is on the bottom, the pot can fuse to the kiln shelf.

Test tiles

The same glaze looks different on different clays, at different thicknesses and in different kilns. Make small test tiles and keep notes before glazing a piece you care about.

Food safety

Only use glazes labelled as suitable for food surfaces on anything you will eat or drink from, and fire them as the manufacturer specifies. If you are unsure, use the piece for decoration.

Kiln results always include a little surprise. Many potters come to enjoy it.

Out of the kiln 2026-10-20