Ah, the public pottery studio: a haven of creativity, camaraderie, and… mystery glazes? Yep, those colorful concoctions lurking in communal buckets can be a source of both excitement and trepidation. And then there’s the question of glaze waste:

What to do with those drippy buckets and rinse water?

Fear not, fellow clay enthusiasts! We’re about to demystify the world of public studio glaze waste, unlock the secrets of those enigmatic “mystery glazes,” and even tackle glaze waste in your home studio.

Glaze Waste 101: Don’t Pour Your Troubles Down the Drain!

First things first: glaze waste doesn’t belong down the drain! Why? Because those glazes contain tiny particles that can solidify and wreak havoc on plumbing. Plus, many glazes contain materials that aren’t exactly eco-friendly.

So, what’s a responsible potter to do?

Public Studio Solutions:

• Dedicated Buckets: Look for buckets labeled “glaze waste” or “slurry.”
• Drying it Out: Allow the glaze waste to settle and dry out. This reduces the volume and makes it easier to dispose of.
• Studio-Specific Instructions: Each studio has its own procedures, so be sure to follow their guidelines.

Home Studio Strategies:

• Bucket Brigade: Similar to public studios, use dedicated buckets for glaze waste.
• Evaporation Station: Allow the water to evaporate completely, leaving behind the dry glaze material.
• Safe Disposal: Once dry, the waste can often be disposed of with your regular trash, but it’s best to check local regulations to be absolutely sure.
• Eco-Warriors: Consider investing in a reclaim system for your home studio to minimize waste and reuse those precious glazes!

Mystery Glazes: A Treasure Trove of Unexpected Beauty

Now, for the fun part: those enigmatic “mystery glazes.” These are often a blend of leftover glazes, creating unique and unpredictable results. On the For Flux Sake podcast Matt, Rose and Kathy put it in their Season 2, Episode 4 discussion on glaze waste, “It’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get! – We’ve found some of our favorite glazes by experimenting with mystery glazes.”

Embrace the Experiment: Mystery glazes can lead to happy accidents and unexpected masterpieces. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what happens!

Tips for Taming the Mystery:

• Test Tiles: Always test mystery glazes on a test tile before committing to a precious piece.
• Layering: Try layering mystery glazes over other glazes for added depth and complexity.
• Record Your Results: Keep a record of which mystery glazes you use and the results you achieve.

Glaze Waste FAQs

• “Can I reclaim glaze waste?”
  • Public Studio: Some studios have systems for reclaiming glaze waste. Ask your studio manager for details.
  • Home Studio: Absolutely! Research different methods for reclaiming glaze, from simple settling techniques to more advanced filter systems.
• “What about those little bits of glaze stuck to my tools?”
  • Public Studio/Home Studio: Wipe your tools off into a dedicated waste bucket or sponge.
• “I accidentally poured glaze down the drain. What should I do?”
  • Public Studio: Inform the studio manager immediately so they can take appropriate action.
  • Home Studio: Don’t panic! Run plenty of water down the drain to try to flush away as much glaze as possible. If you’re concerned, you may want to consult a plumber.
• “Can I just pour my glaze waste outside?”
  • Home Studio: No! Glaze contains materials that can be harmful to the environment. Always dispose of glaze waste responsibly.

Remember: By being mindful of glaze waste and embracing the mystery glazes, you’re not only contributing to a healthier studio environment but also opening yourself up to a world of creative possibilities!

Hungry for more?

On today’s episode of For Flux Sake the gang talks about the best ways to recycle clay and why tracking specific gravity can help with glaze application issues.

Ready to dive deeper?

Loved learning about ceramic glazes? Want to go even deeper? Check out our Workshops & Courses, now available in Spanish, or YouTube Channel where Matt breaks it all down, myth-busting and Stull chart included!