How to Dip Glaze on Pottery

Glazing pottery is done after the first firing, when the pots are called bisque ware. At this stage they are hard, but brittle so they can easily be handled without fear of breaking unless you drop them. Glazing is the process of coating the bisque ware with powdered glass and chemicals which will melt and fuse as the second firing is underway, producing beautiful colors and a waterproof finish. Glazing can be done in many ways, but one of the simplest is to dip the pot in the glaze. Artistic effects can still be done this way, by dipping parts of the pot into different glazes which will meld with one another during firing and create interesting effects.

Things You'll Need

• Melted Wax
• Paint brush
• Liquid glazes
• Bisque ware pottery
• Ladles or cups
• Damp cloth

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Paint the melted wax onto the base of the pot. Glaze will fuse the pot to the kiln shelf if it is allowed to come into contact with it, destroying the pot and the shelf. You may also set the pot down into the wax if it is in a shallow vessel like an electric griddle. The wax prevents the glaze from sticking to the pot when it is dipped.

   • 2

     Mix the glaze to ensure the components are suspended in the liquid for best coverage. If you do not have a large enough amount of glaze to dip the entire pot, use a ladle or cup to pour the glaze over the body of the pot.

   • 3

     Allow the first glaze to dry before dipping into the second glaze. This should happen quickly, as bisque ware is very porous and will suck the glaze right up. You can dip just the rim, a handle, or what ever you like to create the effect you prefer.

   • 4

     Wipe the bottom of the pot with a damp cloth to remove any stray traces of glaze, and set the pot on a shelf to allow it to completely dry before firing. This stage should take about 24 hours.