The Main Glazing Techniques
Before we focus on brushing, here is a quick snapshot of the most common glaze application methods:
-Dipping
-Pouring
-Spraying
-Brushing
-Sponging
-Layering and decorative spot techniques
Today we are focusing entirely on brush-on glazes, one of the most approachable methods for home potters and small studios.
Brush-on Glazes
What brushing is good for
-Great for beginners working at home with limited space
-Perfect for controlled decoration and adding detail
-Allows easy layering to create depth, variation and shading
-Ideal for pieces that cannot be dipped or do not fit in a glaze bucket
-Cleaner and more manageable than handling powdered glazes
-Lets you combine glazes in ways dipping cannot achieve
What brushing can look like
-Smooth and even when done with long strokes and the right consistency
-Layered surfaces that show variation and character
-Decorative effects such as gradients, stripes and intentional texture
The Downsides of brush-on glazes
-Slower than dipping
-More variation from coat to coat
-Harder to achieve perfectly even thickness on large surfaces
-Brushed coats can show streaks if the glaze dries too fast
-Some glazes do not brush well unless formulated specifically for it
-They can be a little bit more expensive
Who brushing is ideal for
Brushing is a great technique, especially for makers who enjoy detailed surface work. It takes a bit longer to apply, but it does allow you to be a bit more creative with the design. I love brushing on glazes, and it's one of my favourite parts of the process.
3. Examples of Great Brush On Glazes
If you want brush on glazes that work consistently, these ranges are reliable and widely used:
-Mayco Stroke and Coat
Famous for being forgiving, easy to layer and suitable for dense colour work.
-Amaco Potters Choice Brush On
Good for deep, complex reduction style surfaces in an electric kiln.
-Amaco Celadon Brush On
Great for smoother transparent finishes.
-Coyote Brush On Glazes
Versatile and formulated to brush well without needing heavy additives.
-Spectrum Brush On Glazes
Ready to use straight from the jar with very consistent behaviour.
All of these are designed specifically for brushing which means they contain additives that slow drying, improve suspension and increase brushability.
4. Tips for Using Brush On Glaze
Choose the Right Brush
-Use the largest soft brush that comfortably fits the area you are glazing.
-A well loaded, floppy brush gives long smooth strokes and avoids streaks.
-Small stiff brushes lead to choppy visible stroke marks.
Control the Glaze Consistency
-Brushing glazes should be thicker than dipping glazes.
-A higher specific gravity often works well for brushing.
-If the glaze runs off the brush too quickly it is too thin.
-If the brush drags or pulls the glaze it is too thick.
-Stir well and keep the glaze suspended while working.
Avoid Fast Drying
If the glaze dries instantly when it hits bisque you will get streaks.
You can improve this by:
-Choosing glazes with good brushing medium already added
-Adding a small amount of CMC solution if needed
-Adding a tiny pinch of Epsom salts to flocculate if the glaze is drying too fast
-Working in long smooth strokes so the glaze has time to level
Build Up Coats Properly
-Most brushing glazes need three coats
-Apply each coat in long overlapping strokes
-Allow each coat to dry fully before the next
-Alternate stroke direction for each layer to help even out thickness
Keep the Bisque from Getting Too Wet
Bisque that becomes saturated with water will stop accepting glaze.
To avoid this:
-Use glazes with a good amount of solids in each stroke
-Do not overload the bisque with ten thin watery coats
-Work efficiently and avoid over brushing
Work on Pieces That Suit Brushing
Brushing shines on:
-Handles
-Small detail areas
-Textured surfaces
-Pieces with multiple colours
-Pieces that do not fit in glaze buckets
If you need perfectly even coverage on a large smooth piece, dipping or spraying may be better.
Test Tiles Are Essential
Brush On glazes vary widely.
Always test:
-Number of coats
-Firing schedule
-Layering effects
-Colour strength
Your results will improve dramatically once you dial in your tile tests.
Summary
Brushing glazes is one of the most flexible ways to glaze pottery. With the right glaze, a soft large brush and consistent technique, it is possible to achieve excellent smooth coverage as well as complex decorative effects.
It might take a little practice, but it opens the door to endless creativity without needing large buckets, spray booths or powdered materials. If you have any questions at all about glazing, don't hesitate to reach out!
The Pottery People :)