The Clay Bench

Glazing & Decorating

Glazing is where beginners get the biggest surprises, good and bad. These guides cover how glazes actually work, the trade-offs between brushing, dipping, and pouring, how to get an even coat without drips or bare spots, layering glazes and using underglaze for color, slip and sgraffito surface decoration, and the usual reasons a glaze runs, crawls, pinholes, or comes out matte when you wanted gloss.

Glazing & Decorating

9 guides
Glazing & Decorating

Is Your Glaze Food Safe? What Beginners Need to Know

Learn what makes pottery glaze food safe, which chemicals to watch for, how to spot leaching risks, and when to get your ware lab tested.

July 3, 2026
Glazing & Decorating

How Pottery Glaze Works: A Beginner's Guide

Curious how pottery glaze works? Learn what glaze is made of, how it melts in the kiln, and what makes a glaze food-safe in this beginner's guide.

July 1, 2026
Glazing & Decorating

How to Glaze a Mug Evenly Without Drips or Bare Spots

Learn how to glaze a mug evenly using dipping, brushing, and pouring techniques. Practical tips to avoid drips and bare spots every time.

June 28, 2026
Glazing & Decorating

How to Use Wax Resist to Create Patterns on Pottery

Learn how to use wax resist on pottery to create clean two-tone patterns, protect foot rings, and layer glazes with confidence.

June 25, 2026
Glazing & Decorating

Glossy, Matte, and Satin Glazes: What's the Difference?

Learn the difference between glossy, matte, and satin glaze finishes so you can choose the right type of pottery glaze for your next piece.

June 22, 2026
Glazing & Decorating

Why Glazes Run, Crawl, or Pinhole (and How to Fix Them)

Learn why pottery glaze defects happen and how to fix glaze crawling, pinholes, and running with practical, beginner-friendly troubleshooting steps.

June 21, 2026
Glazing & Decorating

How to Use Slip and Sgraffito to Decorate Pottery

Learn the sgraffito pottery technique: coat leather-hard clay with contrasting slip, then carve through to reveal patterns beneath. Step-by-step guide.

June 15, 2026
Glazing & Decorating

Underglaze for Beginners: Adding Color and Designs

Learn how to use underglaze to add color and detail to your pottery. Covers greenware vs bisque application, layering coats, and sealing with clear glaze.

June 11, 2026
Glazing & Decorating

How to Apply Glaze: Brushing, Dipping, and Pouring

Learn how to apply pottery glaze using brushing, dipping, and pouring. Covers prep, coat counts, foot wiping, and which method suits your work.

June 7, 2026

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