Monthly Tech-Tip | No tracking! No ads! |
A method of applying glaze quickly and evenly to pottery.
Key phrases linking here: dip glazing, dip glazed, dip-glazed - Learn more
The best way to apply pottery and ceramic glazes in an even layer is by dipping. Many hobbyists and even potters these days apply glazes by brushing. Many of those have actually never seen the simple dipping process. Or, if they have, they have never seen it done using a thixotropic slurry that applies, covers evenly and dries quickly.
Dipping (and base coat dipping) glazes have a different rheology than brushing glazes, they contain little or no CMC gum and enough clay to hold particles in suspension and enable drying to a surface than can endure handling. Bisque fired ware, when dipped, quickly absorbs water from the liquid glaze suspension, building up a thickness. Typically, in only a few seconds an adequate layer is achieved.
Bone dry ware can also be dipped successfully however doing this well requires more-than-hobbyist expertise. Typically ware needs to be heavy and thick-walled and the glaze slurry needs a high specific gravity.
The simple traditional process of immersing a bisque-fired piece of pottery into a dipping glaze.
This mug as already been liner-glazed, so the dip of the outside will meet in a perfect line at the highest point on the rim.
Glossary |
Dipping Glaze
In traditional ceramics and pottery dipping glazes can be of two main types: For single layer and for application of other layers overtop. Understanding the difference is important. |
---|---|
Glossary |
Base-Coat Dipping Glaze
These are ceramic glazes intended for dipping but which contain a gum to enable them to adhere to the body better and tolerate over-layers without danger of flaking or cracking. |
By Tony Hansen Follow me on |
Buy me a coffee and we can talk