5.Glazing by Dipping: Achieve Uniform Ceramic Glazes with Ease

Master the Fastest Way to Coat Pottery for Stunning Finishes

🌐 What is Glazing by Dipping?

Glazing by dippingΒ is aΒ rapid, uniform glazing techniqueΒ where bisque-fired pottery is fully submerged in liquid glaze. Used for centuries, it ensures even coverage for bowls, mugs, and tiles, with results ranging from smooth monochrome glaze to dramatic kiln transformation effect.

πŸ”₯ Why Dipping Works

Advantage Scientific Reason
Uniform Thickness Gravity distributes glaze evenly
Time Efficiency 5–10 seconds per piece
Deep Color Thick glaze layers enhance opacity

πŸ›  Tools & Materials

Item Function
Glaze Bucket Holds 5–10L of liquid glaze
Glaze Strainer Removes lumps for smooth application
Rubber Gloves Protect hands from chemicals

πŸš€ 5-Step Dipping Process

"how to dip glaze ceramics"

1. Prepare Glaze

  • Consistency: Use a hydrometer to adjust the glaze to a specific gravity of 1.4 - 1.5 (it should have a texture similar to yogurt).
  • Stirring: Stir the glaze 24 hours in advance to ensure the even dispersion of pigments.

2. Ready Bisque Ware

  • Cleaning: Wipe away dust with a damp sponge to avoid bubbles on the glaze surface.
  • Anti - sticking treatment:

    • Apply wax or sprinkle alumina powder on the bottom.
    • Wrap tape around the handle to prevent excessive glazing.

3. Dip & Lift

  • Soaking time: 5 to 10 seconds (10 to 15 seconds for large items)
  • Techniques:

    • Immerse the item vertically. Avoid tilting to prevent uneven thickness.
    • Lift the item quickly to minimize dripping.

4. Control Drips

  • Modify with a brush: Control the thickness of the glaze layer to be between 0.5 and 1 millimeter.
  • Drain in an inverted position: Invert bowls and place them on a drying rack for 10 minutes.

5. Final Firing

  • Temperature: For transparent glazes, the temperature ranges from 1000 to 1100 degrees Celsius. For colored glazes, the temperature is between 1200 and 1300 degrees Celsius.
  • Kiln Position: Place works with thick glazes at the bottom (the area where the glaze tends to sink).

🌈 Popular Dipping Glazes

Β "types of dipping glazes"


Glaze Type Effect Cultural Example
Transparent Showcases clay texture Japanese Raku glaze
Opaque Solid color coverage Chinese Blanc de Chine
Crackle Decorative crack patterns Song Dynasty Ge kiln

Q&A:
"What’s your favorite dip glaze effect?*
πŸ’¬ Smooth 单色 β€ƒπŸ’¬ Crackle 纹理 β€ƒπŸ’¬ ηͺ‘ε˜ζƒŠε–œ *