Glazes

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About Glazes

Unleash the magic of glaze with Ceramic Materials Workshop! Explore the endless possibilities of color, texture, and surface effects. This section delves into the world of glazes, from understanding their chemistry and application to exploring exciting techniques and troubleshooting common problems. Learn more about our glaze offerings and find the perfect finish for your ceramic creations.

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Chill Out, It’s Just Lead: A Sensible Look at Glaze Safety

Beginners Guide, Glazes, Informative, Myth Busters

Hey there, ceramic enthusiasts! Let’s tackle a topic that often causes confusion and concern: lead in ceramics. It’s time to clear the air and separate fact from fiction, so you can confidently create and enjoy your pottery!

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Cracking the Kiln | The Science of Phase Separation

Glazes, Informative

Ever wondered why some glazes create wild, streaky, swirling effects while others stay perfectly smooth and uniform? That mesmerizing glaze movement—where colors shift, streaks appear, and areas go from transparent to opaque—is called phase separation, and it's not magic... it’s chemistry!

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Ever gazed at a piece of pottery and wondered about the magic behind its glossy, vibrant surface? That's the power of ceramic glazes, and you might be surprised to learn how accessible creating your own can be. Forget the limitations of store-bought glazes; it's time to dive into the exciting realm of crafting custom finishes that reflect your unique artistic vision.

Glaze Mixing Demystified: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (and a Few Pro Tips Too!)

Beginners Guide, Glazes, Informative

Ever gazed at a piece of pottery and wondered about what gives it its glossy, vibrant surface? That's the power of ceramic glazes, and you might be surprised to learn how accessible creating your own can be. Forget the limitations of store-bought glazes; it's time to dive into the exciting realm of crafting custom finishes that reflect your unique artistic vision.

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Sodium Flashing: Unmasking the Ghostly Glaze Mystery

Clay, Glazes, Informative

Ever opened your kiln to find weird white marks marring your beautiful pottery, like some ghostly glaze has decided to haunt your creations? Don't worry, you're not alone! This eerie phenomenon is called sodium flashing, and it's more common than you might think.

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Cone-ception: The Unexpected Use of Pyrometric Cones

Glazes, Informative, Kilns

Today, we're about to blow your minds with a fascinating revelation about those humble pyrometric cones you use in every firing.

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Unmasking the Mystery of Bristol Glazes: A Deep Dive!

Glazes, Informative

Hey glaze enthusiasts! Matt here from Ceramic Materials Workshop, and today we're diving deep into the fascinating world of Bristol glazes. If you've ever wondered how those gorgeous cone 6 glazes get their stunning looks, you're in for a treat!

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Gravity of the Situation: Specific Gravity and Viscosity in Ceramics

Glazes, Informative

Ever struggled with inconsistent glaze application? Or found yourself frustrated by crazing or runs? These common problems often stem from a lack of understanding of two key factors: specific gravity and viscosity. In this post, we'll delve into these essential concepts and share practical tips to help you achieve flawless glaze results every time.

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Okay, let's be real, glazing can be a total pain in the… kiln sitter. You meticulously craft the perfect piece, only to have your glaze crawl, crack, or do some other funky dance that leaves you questioning your sanity. But don't worry, my friend, I'm here to tell you that it's not you, it's the water (and maybe a little bit you).

Glaze Application: It’s Not You, It’s the Water (and Maybe a Little Bit You)

Glazes, Informative

Okay, let's be real, glazing can be a total pain in the… kiln sitter. You meticulously craft the perfect piece, only to have your glaze crawl, crack, or do some other funky dance that leaves you questioning your sanity. But don't worry, my friend, I'm here to tell you that it's not you, it's the water (and maybe a little bit you).

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Matte vs. Crystalline Glazes: Busting the Myth of the “Matte” Glaze!

Glazes, Informative, Myth Busters

Today, Matt is here as we dive deep into the muddy waters of matte and crystalline glazes. And trust me, things aren't always as they seem in the glaze world!

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5 Tips for Applying Ceramic Glazes Like a Pro

Glazes, How Tos, Informative

Glazing is a crucial step in the ceramic-making process, adding color, texture, and a protective layer to your pottery. However, applying glazes can be tricky, especially for beginners. Here are our five tips to help you achieve good glazing results.

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Unveiling Bristol Glazes

Glazes, Informative

Ever dreamed of creating stunning pottery without the need for a high-fire kiln? Bristol glazes are your answer! These glazes can transform your clay creations into works of art at lower temperatures, making them accessible to ceramics of all levels.

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