Clay goes through several phases in the pot making process; greenware, bisque ware, and finally glazed. Glazes serve a few different purposes. my favorite is that it acts to color and decorate the surface of your ceramic vessel. But if this piece is to be used for food, it must be glazed to protect it and create a waterproof, glass-like surface, that will also be washable. Glazes are made with the same ingredients as a clay body, but in different quantities. It begins with silica, which transforms to glass under extreme temperatures, colorants, and some of the organic materials found in clay. And finally, you can choose a glossy, matte, or color for the surface finishes.
You might also hear about underglazes. These are highly pigmented colored slips, meant to be applied to bisque, and sometimes, greenware. Where glazes tend to run a lot, or a little, underglazes stay where you paint them. This characteristic makes it possible to decorate in patterns and designs that will show through a low colorant glaze covering it.
The “Wall of Possibilities”. Sample tiles to show the different glazes and the endless combination choices. I’ve only just begun.
