glaze tests

Hey fellow potters and ceramic enthusiasts! If you're anything like me, you've probably spent countless hours dreaming up your next masterpiece, only to be met with a surprise (and not always a good one!) when your glazed piece comes out of the kiln. That's where the magic, or rather, the science, of pottery glaze tests comes in. It's been an absolute game-changer for my work, and I can't stress enough how vital it is for anyone serious about their craft. I remember my early days, just slapping glazes on without much thought. The results were... well, let's just say not always what I envisioned! My shelves, now neatly lined with various glaze containers, used to be a chaotic mess of half-used pots and test failures. It wasn't until I truly embraced systematic glaze testing that I started achieving the consistent, stunning results I craved for my ceramic cups and other pieces. So, what exactly is a pottery glaze test? Simply put, it's the process of applying a small amount of glaze to a test tile or piece of bisque-fired clay to see how it will react in the kiln. This might sound obvious, but the variables are endless! I've learned that everything from the thickness of the application to the firing temperature can dramatically alter the final look. For instance, a thin layer of a vibrant pink glaze might come out completely different from a thick one. And don't even get me started on how different clays can affect the color! My workshop is always buzzing with new tests. You might even spot my trusty SKIL drill (usually used for mixing larger batches of glaze) sitting near a stack of small test tiles. I keep my brushes handy – a variety of sizes for different application styles. I've found that having dedicated test tiles for each new glaze, or each new combination of glazes, is incredibly helpful. I even make sure to test specific glazes like a tricky Raku Glaze separately, as its unique firing process demands precision. Here's my personal routine for successful pottery glaze tests: Preparation is Key: I always prepare several small test tiles from the same clay body I'll be using for my main pieces. This ensures consistency. Label, Label, Label: Before glazing, I clearly label each tile with the glaze name, application method (e.g., "1 dip," "2 coats with brush"), and sometimes even the intended firing temperature. Trust me, you'll forget otherwise! Vary the Application: I try to apply the glaze in different thicknesses on a single tile. Sometimes I'll dip one half and brush the other, or create a gradient. This gives me a full spectrum of how the glaze will behave. Test Combinations: Often, the magic happens when you layer glazes. I love testing how my favorite pink glaze interacts with a contrasting underglaze or another topcoat. Fire and Observe: Once fired, I meticulously examine each test tile. I look at the color, sheen, texture, and how it interacts with the clay. This is where I truly understand what a glaze can do. It’s a bit like being a mad scientist in my own studio, but every successful pottery test brings me closer to the stunning ceramic creations I envision. It saves so much heartache and wasted effort in the long run. So, if you haven't already, dive into the world of glaze testing – your pottery will thank you!