commercial glaze combinations from amaco

Hey fellow ceramic artists! 👋 After my recent kiln unload, I just had to share more details about these incredible glaze combinations that have truly elevated my pottery. It's so exciting to see how different glazes interact, creating unique textures and colors. If you're anything like me, you're always on the hunt for those 'wow' factor glaze recipes, especially with Amaco! Let's dive into my absolute favorite: Amaco Seaweed over Amaco Obsidian. This combination is pure magic! I typically apply two coats of Obsidian as the base, letting it dry completely between layers. Then, for the Seaweed, I go for two thicker coats, really allowing it to puddle and flow in certain areas. The beauty of Seaweed is how it breaks and crawls, giving that organic, almost watery effect. When it interacts with the deep, rich Obsidian, you get stunning variations from dark, glossy pools to shimmering, textured greens. It’s perfect for pieces where you want a natural, earthy yet dramatic look. I recommend firing to Cone 5 or 6 for the best results with this duo. Another combination that consistently blows me away is layering Amaco Oatmeal and Iron Lustre over Amaco Smokey Merlot. This one creates such a rich, complex surface! I start with a solid two to three coats of Smokey Merlot as my base – it's such a gorgeous, warm reddish-brown that acts as the perfect canvas. Once that's dry, I'll often do one coat of Oatmeal, followed by one coat of Iron Lustre, sometimes overlapping them slightly or varying the application. The Oatmeal gives a lovely broken, speckled texture, while the Iron Lustre introduces a beautiful metallic sheen that really pops against the Smokey Merlot. The way these glazes break over texture is just *chef's kiss*! It's definitely a cool glaze combo for adding depth. While my primary focus is often Amaco, I have a soft spot for other brands too. Take for instance, Mayco Desert Dusk as a base for Amaco Mars Crystal. Desert Dusk is a stellar base glaze; it's got this earthy, subtle sparkle on its own. When you layer Mars Crystal over it, you're in for a treat. Mars Crystal is one of those glazes that just sings with movement and shimmer. I apply it quite thickly, often three coats, letting it drip and pool. The copper and iron in Mars Crystal react beautifully with the Desert Dusk, creating these incredible crystalline bursts and metallic streaks. It’s fantastic for adding a galactic, otherworldly feel to your pieces. Going back to that fantastic Amaco Smokey Merlot base, another mesmerizing pairing is with Amaco Purple Crystal and Amaco Indigo Float. This combo leans into a more mystical, jewel-toned aesthetic. I lay down two solid coats of Smokey Merlot first. Then, I alternate between Purple Crystal and Indigo Float, often doing one coat of each, or even blending them a bit. Purple Crystal delivers those gorgeous, often iridescent, purple crystals that seem to float on the surface. Indigo Float, on the other hand, gives a deep, flowing blue-purple that can break beautifully over edges. Together, they create a dreamy, variegated surface that's both elegant and dynamic. It's an indigo float glaze combination dream! Finally, I have to give a shout-out to Witching Hour from Midnight Ceramics. While not an Amaco glaze, it’s a brilliant small-batch option that deserves recognition. This glaze is fantastic on its own for creating a dark, moody, yet incredibly textured surface. It often has subtle speckles or a slight bubbling effect that adds so much character. I've found it pairs wonderfully on pieces where you want a strong, singular statement glaze that stands out. It's a great choice if you're looking for something unique beyond the standard commercial options and want to support smaller makers. Definitely a cool glaze combo in its own right for its unique surface!