The Clay Bench

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

4 guides
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.

August 12, 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.

July 29, 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.

July 15, 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

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