Best Glazes for Pottery — 5 Options

So, you’ve finally created your art with a pottery wheel but you don’t want to leave it in its original clay color. What you can do is use the best glazes for pottery. Glazing can offer so much color to your artwork and at the same time offer a bit of protection and give it that pro-finished look.

When it comes to choosing the best glazes for pottery, there are a few factors to consider. The most important factor is the type of pottery you’re working with since each type of pottery has its own unique needs. There are also a few other things to keep in mind when choosing a glaze, such as the color and texture of the glaze.

No matter what kind of pottery project you have created, you can check out the best pottery glazes below for a complete and finished look. This includes basic gloss glazes to colored ones.

1. Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze

Best glazes for pottery: Sax
Amazon: Sax

The Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze is one of the best glazes for pottery, especially if you are planning to make drinkware or dinnerware. Just imagine the beautiful and matching plates and cups that you can make. You can finish them off with this gloss glaze as it is non-toxic and is actually lead-free. Just make sure to follow the instructions to ensure the dinnerware you make is food-safe.

Despite not having any lead in its ingredients, the Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze creates a vibrant and bright result. If you find that the glaze is too thick for your vision, you can always dilute it with distilled water. Manufacturer Sax is one of the most popular brands used in classrooms and by art students.

2. AMACO Potter’s Choice

Best glazes for pottery: AMACO
Amazon: AMACO

Now, if you are ready for some stunning colors on your work, check out the AMACO Potter’s Choice. You can get 1 set of assorted colors, you’ll be getting 6 pints of glazes. Some of the colors that you may get include seaweed, ironstone, turquoise, plum, and jade. AMACO is one of the best glazes for pottery if you want to put rich colors on your project.

Don’t worry about the amount of glaze that you will be getting. The AMACO Potter’s Choice Set has a long shelf life. The pints should remain useable for about a year or more. You can use this high fire glaze for your porcelain project or stoneware craft.

3. DecoArt Triple Thick

Best glazes for pottery: DecoArt
Amazon: DecoArt

The DecoArt Paint Company has been manufacturing art products for over 30 years. They have been producing budget-friendly and good-quality paints, enamels, and other art tools. Their Triple Thick Gloss Glaze is an excellent product as it is quite versatile. The non-toxic glaze is safe for use everything from wood to resins and jewelry to wicker. Of course, it is also perfect for pottery.

One of the best things about using the DecoArt Gloss Glaze is it will not leave any stroke marks. It goes on smoothly, making it one of the best glazes for pottery, especially for beginners. You can expect your work to have added depth after glazing. Make sure to only use this glaze for indoor projects, away from high-heat locations.

4. Speedball Underglaze

Best glazes for pottery: Speedball
Amazon: Speedball

Get a wide array of colors for your pottery glazing needs from Speedball. This set comes with 12 different colored glaze jars. You can work with colors such as sky blue, purple, red, yellow, pink, and more with the Speedball set. With a wider firing range, this set is perfect for those who are exploring different pottery techniques.

You can expect consistent results from Speedball, even the opaque colors will not bleed or move. Just make sure to apply more than one liberal coat on your project. Like other best glazes for pottery, Speedball is lead free! This means you can use it for creating dinnerware. You can create amazing character and depth to your work with this glaze set.

5. Duncan Pure Brilliance

Best glazes for pottery: Duncan
Amazon: Duncan

Adding a glaze to your ceramics project is not just about making it pretty. It can also protect your work. And with Duncan Pure Brilliance, you can expect it to do both purposes. This non-toxic brush-on glaze will leave a little shimmer and sparkle to your work all the while giving a protective finish.

It is environmentally-friendly and can prevent and cracking on your work. If you have already put color on your work and find the hues to be a little dull, adding the Duncan Pure Brilliance might just do the trick. It gives brilliant shine and enhances colors to pottery works.

Why Use the Best Glazes for Pottery

Glazes are an important part of pottery because they add color and texture to the finished product. Glazes can also protect the pottery from moisture and other elements that can damage it. Choosing the right glaze is essential for getting the best results, so it’s important to know what each type of glaze can do.

The Different Types of Glazes

There are three main types of glazes: transparent, opaque, and crystalline. Each type has its own unique properties that make it perfect for certain types of pottery.

Transparent Glazes

Transparent glazes are perfect for decorative pieces since they allow the natural color and texture of the pottery to show through. They’re also ideal for pieces that will be displayed indoors since they add a touch of color and interest to the room.

Opaque Glazes

Opaque glazes are perfect for pieces that will be used outdoors or in high-traffic areas. They’re also great for pieces that need to be durable since they protect the pottery from moisture and other elements.

Crystalline Glazes

Crystalline glazes are perfect for pieces that need to be both decorative and durable. They’re also perfect for pieces that will be used outdoors, since they can withstand exposure to different weather.

How to Choose the Best Glazes for Pottery

The best way to choose a glaze is to consider the type of pottery you’re working with and the effect you want to achieve. For example, if you’re working with a decorative piece, you’ll want to choose a transparent glaze. If you’re working with a piece that needs to be durable, you’ll want to choose an opaque glaze.

When choosing a crystalline glaze, it’s important to consider the color and texture of the glaze. Some crystalline glazes are more transparent than others, so it’s important to choose the right one for your project.

The best way to get started is to experiment with different types of glazes and see what works best for you. The more you experiment, the better you’ll become at choosing the right glaze for your pottery.

Are you looking for another interesting hobby or craft that’ll get your hands busy? Check out the unique and creative string art! Don’t forget to grab the best nails for this craft.