Powdered Glazes

Mix-Your-Own Ceramic Glazes

If you love a hands-on approach to pottery, powdered ceramic glazes are the way to go. These pottery glaze powders let you mix, tweak, and perfect your finishes for kiln firing. From smooth dipping glazes to sprayable finishes, powdered glazes give you total control over your ceramic creations.

Water Ratios for Mixing

Use these starting points to get your glaze to the right consistency. Adjust as needed to match your preferred working style:

Lead-Free Glazes

Spraying – 50% water
Dipping – 60% water
Dipping porous biscuit – 75% water

Lead-Containing Glazes

Spraying – 45% water
Dipping – 50% water
Dipping porous biscuit – 65% water

This only applies to the powdered glazes, not the oxides.

Mixing Your Glaze

Start by slowly adding ceramic glaze powder into the water while mixing with a drill or mixer. Always wear a dust mask and gloves to stay safe. Keep blending until the mixture is completely smooth, with no lumps sticking to the sides or bottom of the vessel. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can add a little binder or calcium chloride at this stage.

Sieving for Best Results

Once mixed, sieve your glaze to ensure an even finish. For most powdered glazes for pottery, use an 80’s, 100’s, or 120’s mesh sieve. If you’re working with reactive glazes, go for a 40’s or 60’s mesh — finer sieves can actually filter out the reactive materials that create unique effects.

Storing Your Glaze

Keep your prepared glaze in a clean, dry environment. Over time, the solids will settle with a layer of water on top. Before every use, give the glaze a thorough stir to make sure it’s smooth and ready for application.