This jar of low-temperature clear glaze will do seven of these Plainsman Snow mugs, which works out to almost $3/mug! Four coats are required; it is watery, so they go on thin. This is a thin-walled piece, so the whole thing waterlogs with each coat. What about the time? It takes me an entire morning of repeatedly applying coats and heating pieces to dry them out.
There are two obvious choices for a more economical and faster method: Make my own high SG brushing glaze and do it in two coats. Or heat the piece once to ~250F and quickly immerse it in a dipping glaze and be done in 5 seconds! My G3879 or G1916Q recipe families are a good starting point for both options. Another point about time cost: I can weigh out and mix a jar of brushing glaze of either recipe in ten minutes. Or weigh out a whole pail of a dipping version in fifteen minutes.

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Historically, pottery has been a shining star of resilience and independence because the materials were in the ground nearby. So why are they coming thousands of miles in shipping containers? Because you can't just head out to the nearest hill with your wheelbarrow. But you are not helpless either.
Rather than viewing these containers as full of specific brand-name clays, minerals and man-made powders, it is better to view them as full of materials that supply the physical properties and chemistries needed to make bodies, glazes, engobes, slips, etc. By characterizing your glazes and bodies, using an effective record-keeping system, you can not only adjust recipes to adapt to changing supplies, but even improve them in the process (adjusting glaze thermal expansion, temperature, surface, color, etc). Or, use materials native to your area. It is not rocket science; it is just work and gradual learning accompanied by organized record-keeping, good labelling and interpretation skills.
| 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 |
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 |
Commercial hobby brushing glazes
These are an incredible benefit to pottery beginners and pure hobbyists. But they can also be an obstacle to progress and affordability as your skills improve. |
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