Glazing ceramics is an art very few can master in a short time frame. Beginners face issues when it comes to achieving perfection with glazing techniques. So, the best move is to select a glaze that is easy to work with. Regardless of the glaze you choose, it is important to ensure that it is food safe and waterproof. This is especially relevant if you are working in the dinnerware category.
Before you decide on the best glaze for beginners, here are some factors that you need to keep in mind.
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Glaze for Beginners
1. Opt for Low Fire Glaze:
As beginners, it is important to stick to low fire glazes. Most artists wrongly assume that firing the pottery work at a high temperature is important to make it durable and strong. However, that is not the case. If your body can mature at a low temperature, you don’t need to use a high-temperature glaze. Fired strength represents the glazed body’s maturity. The body is mature if the pottery piece has significant glass coverage while ensuring a good density.
Although your choices are few in the low fire glaze range, they are sure worth it for beginners.
2. Adjustable Mixture:
For any glaze, it is important to be adjustable. This can prevent issues such as shivering or crazing depending on the clay used or the firing process. The fired quality and ware strength can also be affected due to the adjustability of the glaze.
In the past, lead was a popular glazing option given its low expansion ratio with effective and active flux. However, it was determined that lead isn’t a healthy glazing option and might leech into the food or water kept in the dinnerware with time. So today, low-expansion substitutes such as Al2O3 and SiO2 are used by potters.
3. Made of Common Materials:
When starting with the use of glaze, you need to consider the ingredients used. You need to focus on commonly available materials and not exotic ones. If your production is dependent on materials that are hard to find, then you might be shut down in case there is a stock shortage.
4. Few Bubbles:
Common glazes feature a network comprised of fine and airy bubbles that are suspended within the glass. Typically, bubbles are tolerated, but they can also be used to create a unique design in the bisqueware it is used for. If the population of the bubbles is less, it could help with better strength & enhanced clarity. This is especially true if the glaze is transparent.
If you want to go with a basic option as a beginner, it is important to choose the ones that are perfectly clear or close to one.
Now that you understand the basic rules to get started with choosing the right glaze for beginners let us take a look at a popular option.
Best Glaze for Beginners: Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze
The one glaze that checks all the above factors mentioned is the Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze. This opaque glaze fires and turns glossy, making your pottery ware look shiny and amazing. Although it is non-toxic, the color consistency isn’t compromised. The colors are bright & vibrant.
It can also be used to coat dinnerware when fired at very low cone temperatures ranging from cone 06 to 05. This lead-free gloss glaze is your best choice as a beginner. Moreover, the glaze conforms to the safety and quality standards set under ASTM D-4236. The glaze is available in snow white color in a 1-pint packaging. However, you can also get other colors depending on your requirements.
This glaze is perfect when added to bisque ware. It can also be applied to clay or greenware. However, the latter stands true only when a section of the body is left unglazed to ensure that outgassing happens in the greenware/clay body.
The clay is already glossy. So, you don’t have to add any clear glaze on top. Make sure you test a piece before you fire your main artwork. When you add a single coat, the color might fire a bit off-white. However, when you add 2 to 3 coats, the color comes out as true snow white.
It can also be used to soften the colors in other glazes.
Specifications
| Color | Snow White |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Brand | Sax |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Weight | 1 Pint |
| Non-Toxic | Yes |
| Product Dimensions | 2.9 Inches X 2.9 Inches X 6 Inches |
Care Tips When Using Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze
When using Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze, you need to follow the given care tips:
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Always store your Sax Glaze in a dry and cool place. Make sure you avoid exposure to freezing temperatures.
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If your glaze does freeze, give it time to thaw by letting it stay at room temperature. Do not try to forcefully melt it.
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Make sure you tighten the lid securely to ensure proper storage. If the product is exposed to air, it could dry out.
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To prevent any form of contamination, make sure you dispense the glaze for use in small containers or pour it into a palette.
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When pouring in small containers, make sure you wash them thoroughly before and after each use.
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Don’t pour the glaze back into its container after using it.
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Don’t dip the brush or any other applicator into the original container.
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When thinning the Sax Glaze, make sure you do so with the help of distilled water.
Conclusion
With the Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze, you can simplify your glaze application process. It is the perfect choice for beginners and fires at a low-fire temperature. The best thing about it is the fact that it is safe and non-toxic, making it ideal for use with dinnerware. In addition, its unusually bright colors add charm to the pottery piece despite the fact that it doesn’t contain any lead. So, it’s time to start experimenting with your glazing techniques with a glaze that is pocket-friendly and safe for use.
