How to Glaze Bisqueware: A Step-by-Step Guide

Glazing turns plain bisqueware into a glossy, durable finished piece. It's also the step where beginners make the most mistakes, usually from skipping prep or applying glaze too thin. This guide walks through the process from start to kiln.

What you need

• Bisqueware that is already fired once (see our bisque collection)
• Glaze rated for the same firing range as your clay (see low-fire vs. high-fire glazes)
• Soft glaze brushes (see our brushes) and a clean damp sponge
• A kiln, or access to one, to fire the glazed piece

Step 1: Clean the bisque

Wipe the piece with a barely damp sponge to remove dust. Dust keeps glaze from sticking evenly and can cause bare spots after firing. Let it dry for a few minutes so the surface isn't soaking wet.

Step 2: Stir the glaze

Glazes settle in the jar. Stir thoroughly, scraping the bottom, until the color and thickness look even. If you're using a glaze that has been sitting, mix longer than you think you need to.

Step 3: Apply the glaze

Brushing: Most brush-on glazes need about three coats. Load a soft brush, apply a smooth coat in one direction, and let it dry until it looks matte before adding the next coat. Alternate direction with each coat to avoid streaks.

Dipping: Hold the piece with tongs or your fingertips and dip it quickly in a bucket of dipping glaze, then lift and let the excess drip off. Dipping is faster and more even for larger batches.

Step 4: Keep the bottom clean

Glaze melts in the kiln. Any glaze on the foot of a piece can fuse it to the kiln shelf. Wipe the bottom and the bottom edge clean with a damp sponge, or use wax resist before glazing. You can also fire pieces on stilts (see our post on kiln furniture).

Step 5: Check your coats

Glaze should look evenly covered with no thin, see-through patches. A good rule of thumb is that the surface should look slightly thicker than it will finally appear, since it melts and smooths out in the kiln. Fix any drips, runs, or fingerprints with a damp sponge or brush before the piece dries.

Step 6: Fire it

Load the piece in the kiln and fire it to the cone listed on your glaze label. See our guide to firing glazed ceramics for the details.

Tips for better results

• Test new glazes on a scrap tile first. Colors in the jar often look very different after firing.
• Use separate brushes for glaze and acrylic paint, and clean brushes thoroughly between colors.
• Always follow the manufacturer's label for application and firing range.
• Work in a ventilated area and wear a respirator when handling dry glaze powders.

Ready to start? Browse our glazes, clear glazes, and bisqueware.