How to Glaze
Before You Begin:
- Our glazing and cleaning procedures MUST be followed if you intend to use our communal products, glazing spaces, and kiln firing.
- DO NOT dip brushes directly into glaze jars--pour out glaze into provided bowls or cups,
- DO NOT return poured out glaze to glaze jars--these must remain uncontaminated, label remnant glaze in plastic cups
- DO NOT overglaze your piece--it will be rejected
- DO NOT use unapproved glazes (process listed below for approval of glazes)
- WAIT for each layer to fully dry before added another glazing
- DO use wax resist on the bottom of your piece, 1/4" if using one glaze, 1/2" if using multiple glazes and wipe off any glaze that dripped onto this area before loading it onto the kiln shelves
Glazing: Step-by-Step
Below is a list of the procedures members need to make sure to follow, to guarantee a safe glazing process. Incorrect glazing may damage the member's own piece, other members' pieces inside a kiln, the kiln itself, and may even put at risk the safety of kiln operators and studio members.
Pieces that don't follow these instructions may be rejected by the kiln operators and placed in the "Rejected" shelf.
In-House Dip Glazes:
- Ensure your piece is bisque fired and free from dust BEFORE glazing (wipe gently with a damp sponge)
- Apply wax resist to the bottom and 1/4" space up sides of your piece using the small designated wax brushes provided
- Do not use your own brushes for wax resist
- Clean wax brushes: Pick wax off into trash, then rinse in HOT water
- Stir glaze in bucket vigorously with the brush, scrub dense build up on the edges into the mix until you have an even consistency
- Dip for 1-2 seconds
- WAIT until the glaze is evenly dried before dipping again. Look for an even color, discoloration means that the glaze is not dry.
- Stir AGAIN scrubbing dense build up on the edges into the mix until you have an even consistency
- Dip AGAIN if coverage is not complete
- Wipe off excess glaze from wax-resisted areas
- Place piece on HOUSE DIP GLAZE SHELF
- Prepare yourself for the wonderous, mystery of glaze
Amaco Celadon Glazes on Table in Pints:
- Ensure your piece is bisque fired and free from dust BEFORE glazing (wipe gently with a damp sponge)
- Apply wax resist to the bottom and 1/4" space up sides of your piece using the small designated wax brushes provided
- Do not use your own brushes for wax resist
- Clean wax brushes: Pick wax off into trash, then rinse in HOT water
- Stir your glaze thoroughly before use — glaze ingredients settle and must be evenly mixed
- Pour glaze into a small bowl before brushing. Do not dip brushes directly into the main glaze jars
- Apply glaze evenly
- 1–3 coats depending on glaze type
- Avoid over-applying to prevent drips and runs.
- Reserve 1/2" of unglazed area at the bottom of your piece if:
- thickly applied;
- if it is a fast running type of glaze (fluxes, rutiles, are examples of fast running glazes. Read the manufacturers labels and they will let you know)
- or if you are layering more than one type of glaze
- WAIT for each glaze layer to dry before applying again.
- Leave the bottom of the piece unglazed
- Minimum 1/4" clearance (or 1" if for glaze testing)
- Wipe foot completely clean to avoid kiln shelf damage
- Clean glaze brushes: Rinse in the sink; use hand soap if needed — black glaze may require extra scrubbing
- Dry and return brushes to their designated containers
- Label your piece clearly if it's part of glaze testing
- Place on the Glaze Fire shelf and use check in form for kiln shelves
Please Note:
- Make sure your glaze is studio-approved or has passed testing
- Improper glazing or unlabeled pieces may be held back from firing and will be placed in the "rejected" she
Glaze Testing & Approval Policy
To protect the integrity of our kilns, the safety of our members, and the quality of everyone’s work, we enforce a strict glaze approval policy. Only clearly defined and approved materials are permitted for use in the studio.
What Is Allowed
We only accept commercially manufactured glazes, in the following forms:
- Pre-Mixed Commercial Glazes Liquid glazes sold ready-to-use by established ceramic glaze manufacturers (e.g., Amaco, Mayco, Laguna etc.).
- Studio-Approved Commercial Dry Glazes Powdered commercial dip glazes that are reconstituted under conditional supervision within the studio. These glazes must:
- Come directly from a commercial distributor
- Be mixed by or in coordination with designated studio personnel
- Receive prior approval from Seth or Perla
Please Note:
Members are not allowed to bring in, store, or mix dry commercial glaze powders on their own, even if the materials are from reputable sources. All glaze mixing must be supervised and approved in advance.
What Is Not Allowed
The following are strictly prohibited in the studio:
- Any homemade, member-formulated, or DIY glaze recipes, regardless of their source (e.g., books, online, ceramic blogs)
- Any mixture of raw glaze materials (oxides, frits, fluxes, etc.) sourced independently by members
- Any glaze materials or combinations that do not appear as a finished product in a commercial glaze bottle
- Mixing glaze powders outside the studio, including in outdoor common areas like the parking lot
To be clear: If it isn’t sold as a finished glaze product or mixed under the supervision of approved studio personnel, it is not allowed.
Mixing Policy
- No unsupervised mixing of glaze materials is allowed, including reconstituting commercial dry dip glazes.
- Approved commercial dry glazes may be mixed only:
- Under the supervision of Seth, Perla, or another designated person
- In controlled and designated areas with proper PPE and ventilation
- Members are not permitted to bring in raw glaze materials or mix their own glazes in any studio or public area.
Glaze Testing
- All test firings must be approved and scheduled independently from regular kiln loads.
- A separate test kiln will be used when appropriate.
- The topmost studio shelves are designated for placing test pieces (bisque or glaze tests) and will be clearly labeled.
Approval & Communication
All materials not currently on the approved list must be reviewed and explicitly approved before use.
For approvals, contact:
- Seth White – seth.white@asmbly.org
- Perla Darnell – perla.darnell@asmbly.org
Email is the preferred and most reliable method of communication.
How to Test a Glaze
- Use a test piece (under 6" x 6" x 6") or request a vertical test tile from Asmbly (Cinco Blanco clay)
- Apply your glaze fully using the same number of coats, layering, and techniques you intend for your final work
- Leave 1" unglazed at the bottom of ceramic test pieces
- Leave 1/4"–1/2" unglazed on provided vertical test tiles
- Label the piece or tile with your name and the glaze name
- Place on the Glaze Test Shelf near the kilns
- Wait for glaze fire (scheduled based on kiln availability)
- Results will be assessed for running, crazing, blistering, or risk to kiln/kiln furniture
Please Note:
- You may lose the test piece
- Approved glazes will be added to our studio list.
Approved Glazes at Asmbly
Asmbly is a community of makers, so we encourage exploration and creativity. Below are some of the glazes approved for use in our studio. This doesn't mean we carry them all, but it means you can use them. You will find all the available glazes in the glazing area. If the tube has a cookie test tile on top, it is one of the glazes we consistently restock; otherwise, it was a donation and can be used by anyone in the shop, but we don't carry it and repurchase it constantly.
If you are going to glaze a large piece with more layers than indicated by the instructions in the product, or if you plan to layer two different glazes, please use a test tile first to be sure it will not run and stick to the kiln.
Here is the list of pre-approved glazes:
Underglazes (Mayco Brand)
- Versatile & Food Safe: Use for full coverage or in designs on clay, greenware, or bisque. Food safe when covered with a clear glaze.
- Firing Range: Cone 6 - Cone 10 (We fire to cone 6).
- Application: Shake well, apply 2-3 coats to wet clay or bisque, avoiding glaze pooling in textured areas.
- Firing: Fire to cone 04, then apply clear glaze and fire to cone 06/05 for earthenware or cone 5-10 for stoneware.
Celadon Glazes (Amaco Brand)
- Translucent & Glossy Finish: Ideal for highlighting texture on your pieces.
- Firing Range: Cone 5 - Cone 6 (Food safe).
- Available at Asmbly: Some colors available for members to use at no extra cost. Other colors can be brought in without testing.
- Application: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for number of coats. No need to mix with other glazes.
Potter's Choice Glazes (Amaco Brand)
- Fluid Colors & Effects: Great for smooth or textured pieces. Not food safe.
- Firing Range: Cone 5 - Cone 6.
- Available at Asmbly: Some samples available, but members must purchase other colors.
- Application: Test glazes first on a vertical test tile. If combining glazes, test on a tile before applying to pieces.
- Note: Results can vary due to glaze interaction, especially when layering.
Satin Matte Glazes (Amaco Brand)
- Soft Satin Feel: Semi-opaque glazes that break over texture and edges.
- Firing Range: Cone 5 - Cone 6 (Food safe).
- Available at Asmbly: Some colors in-house for free. Members can bring in other colors without testing.
- Application: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. No need to mix with other glazes.
Jungle Gems Glazes (Mayco Brand)
- Colorful & Textured: Glass frit bursts create intricate patterns.
- Firing Range: Cone 5 - Cone 6.
- Food Safety: Not 100% food safe due to potential crazing.
- Available at Asmbly: Some colors available for members to use, but members must purchase others.
- Application: Shake well and apply 2-3 coats to bisque. Stir frequently, as crystals can settle. Avoid heavy application at the bottom of pieces to prevent glaze melting onto kiln shelves.
- Note: The glass crystals bloom during firing, creating unique results each time.
Summary
- Only studio-approved commercial glazes are permitted — no exceptions
- Dry commercial glazes may only be mixed under supervision — members cannot mix on their own or off-site
- No homemade recipes, experimental blends, or member-sourced raw materials are allowed
- All glaze testing is separate from regular firings and must be placed on designated shelves
- Email Seth White (seth.white@asmbly.org) or Perla Darnell (perla.darnell@asmbly.org) for all material approval and testing coordination
