Potters commonly mix glazes from recipes, while hobbyists often use bottled commercial products intended for brushing. But the same glaze powder batch can be prepared in quite different ways depending on how it needs to be applied.

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Let's make a DIY low SG version of G2934BL. Weigh out 340g of dipping glaze powder. Include 5g Veegum (to gel the slurry to enable more than normal water) and 5g CMC gum (for slow drying and brushing properties). Shake-mix all the powder in a plastic bag. Pour it into 440g water, blender mix on low speed, then finish with 20 seconds on high speed. This fills a 500ml jar. In subsequent batches, I adjust the Veegum for more or less gel, the CMC for slower or faster drying and the water amount for thicker or thinner painted layers. Dipping glaze recipes can and do respond differently to the gums. Those having little clay content work well (e.g. reactive and crystalline glazes). If bentonite is present, it is often best to leave it out. Recipes having high percentages of ball clay or kaolin might work best with less Veegum. Keep good notes (with pictures) to reach the objective of good brushing properties. Use code-numbering on the jars and test pieces.
Here is some incentive: Brushing glazes have gotten to the point where it can cost $5 to glaze one mug! This is so worthwhile doing that I make custom labels for each jar!
| Glossary |
Brushing Glaze
Hobbyists and increasing numbers of potters use commercial paint-on glazes. It's convenient, there are lots of visual effects. There are also issues compared to dipping glazes. You can also make your own. |
| Glossary |
Base-Coat Dipping Glaze
These are ceramic glazes intended for dipping but which contain a gum to enable them to adhere to the body better and tolerate over-layers without danger of flaking or cracking. |
| Glossary |
Dipping Glaze
In traditional ceramics and pottery dipping glazes can be of two main types: For single layer and for application of other layers overtop. Understanding the difference is important. |
| Glossary |
Glaze Layering
In hobby ceramics and pottery it is common to layer glazes for visual effects. Using brush-on glazes it is easy. But how to do it with dipping glazes? Or apply brush-ons on to dipped base coats? |
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