1. What Is the Firing Range?
Which glazes you start with will first and foremost depend on what firing range you want to work in. This needs to be decided before you get your clay, actually. If your clay is mid-range stoneware, then you need to use mid-range glazes. If your clay is low-fire white or earthenware, you'll need low-fire glazes.
The two most-frequently used ranges are low-fire and mid-range. There is a wealth of commercially available glazes in these ranges, and especially in the low-fire range.
2. Do It Youself or Commercial Glazes?
Glaze-making does take special equipment and knowledge. If you are new to pottery or ceramics, I highly recommend you start with commercial glazes unless you are working under a seasoned potter who can teach you the ropes of making glazes.
With that said, making your own glazes can be more economical in some cases. It can also be very exciting, as well as a fair amount of work. If you are an experienced potter, you may want to try your hand at making or even creating your own glazes.
3. Find Information About Secondary Characteristics
The primary characteristic of the glaze is its firing temperature. After that, it is a matter of looking over what's available in the temperature range you'll be firing in and making as educated a guess as possible.
Look at real glaze sample cards at your local supplier if possible. If it isn't possible, look at online suppliers that have images of sample tiles. Most online suppliers do have these, but not all. Secondary characteristics to consider are:
- Color
- Surface Texture
- Opacity - Transparency
- Food Safety
4. Begin Slowly
Start with a few glazes. I would suggest three to six various glazes plus a clear transparent glaze. Or you could even go with just a clear transparent glaze if you want to focus on using slips and underglazes for your decorative efforts at first.
For economy's sake, you may be tempted to buy commercial glazes in large quantities. I suggest that you don't order large jars or dry batches until you've worked with the glaze and know you like it. However, there are sets of glazes available that tend to be a bit of a discount over ordering the same jars separately.
Tip: Make sure to use distilled water when mixing dry glazes up.
5. Keep Records
As you try out glazes, write down what glaze is going on each pot (or write this information right on the pot using slip, underglaze, or stain). After the firing, take pictures and write notes on how each glaze did.
Test-pieces and keeping records will let you help you decide what glazes you like and want to continue working with, and which glazes you will be happy to avoid.
