Glazing tutorial! How to test glaze thickness - The unscientific ways

[@skegbyguy]

Always used the finger method. Glad I'm not alone in this. Start adding too many sciencey gadget bits I drift off to la la land. Like to keep it simple ☺

[@sahagunchocolate]

Wow, thanks so much!! I love these experience based tips. I’m a fan!

[@debraanderson9570]

Appreciate the wealth of knowledge you are sharing. I am always learning how to work on getting the results I hope for in my pottery process. Keep it up!

[@elizabethduplisea2262]

You are a great teacher! Thank you for sharing your gifts.

[@dianeyennie2337]

Oh my gosh! FINALLY! Started working with out own glazes recently, and really was lost ..regarding thickness and consistency! Sooo happy you posted this video...and will have to look for your other glaze. Videos. What about jarred (premixed pints, etc) glazes? Same rules apply? I realize it varies on manufacturer, again, thanks again!

[@Jonthepotter]

Yes same rules should apply generally to all higher fire cone 6 glazes:) Thanks!

[@freespiritartstudio]

this is really helpful thank you, I love your videos!

[@patriciazachery8895]

This is so helpful. I love low-tech solutions !

[@firdevs8834]

I always have trouble with glazes, i'll def. try your methods, thank you.

[@jenniferwillis2687]

i just stumbled on your channel and it's such a great change from all the uber technical approaches to glazing. I came to pottery late and terms like "specific gravity" freak me out lol. But i've been making art of various kinds my whole life...so just love your relaxed and experienced based way of explaining this. Like its art and actually NOT rocket science lol. So thanks for taking the stress out of this question for me.

[@micass3561]

Thanks for the video! I timed how long the matt white (which you said was the correct consistency) took to stop swirling and it was 2 seconds maybe 3. 8-10 seconds seems impossible.

[@Cate7451]

Hey I really needed this! Getting back up and need to dip mugs. Dipped a finger and looked to see if it coated like cream then tested.

[@MimieTav]

Wow I love these tips so much. Thank you! I didn’t continue the ceramic class after my beginner level classes. So now I. Need to learn from you. Thanks!

[@averraaverra4836]

I’m enjoying your channel, thanks ❤️

[@Hazy_sweets]

Thank you! I remember learning the dip way as well and couldn’t remember exactly. As I was doing research everyone is saying to use a DuPont viscosity cup... I knew that wasn’t the only way!

[@Ab68686]

Do yourself a favor and buy a graduated cylinder, weigh out 100ml of your glaze and then divide by 100 ( the weight of 100ml of water ). A specific gravity between 1.4 to 1.5 is a good place to start. Then test, test, test. This is such a quick, easy and cheap way to ensure you have a very reliable glaze.

[@Jonthepotter]

I think I will do that:). I have just never used that up to this point, thanks for sharing!

[@Ab68686]

Jonthepotter no problem! I know you mentioned these were non scientific ways of testing glazes, but I’ve been amazed at how much a few ounces of water can drastically change the outcome of a glaze.

[@chemdmiller]

Jon, I bought a couple of plastic veterinary 💉 syringes at my local farm store. They are 60 ml. So i weigh that thing and write down the weight. So after I stir my glaze well, I suck up glaze past 50 ml, then squirt out until it’s right at 50 ml. Weigh it again. Take the heavy weight and subtract the empty weight, then divide by 50. I agree with previous reply-I shoot for 1.4 or so. If it’s too heavy, I squirt it back in, add some water and stir and do it again. If you have an electronic kitchen scale from your local big box store and a simple calculator , it’s fast and easy. If I’m doing glaze testing and only mix up a small amount, sometimes I waste a lot when I use the graduated cylinder. And the plastic syringe is easy to clean. Love your videos!

[@mrsbeckydaisy]

This is so helpful. Thank all of you for your input about this subject. I need some kind of guidelines helps me tremendously.

[@leauici]

@@chemdmiller Hi deborah, what if you achieve 1.4 but the glaze is super thick ? Do you defloculate ?

[@ataliemitchell3606]

Hey Jon, I make my own black, matte white and floating blue, and I noticed that the blue and black tend to be thicker ( like chun plum) and don’t run, but my metallic green and butter cream which seem to be the more flowing glazes, tend to separate more and I’m able to use the methods for testing that you showed us. I think if a glaze has more clay in its recipe then it will be on the thicker side. I wish I had the recipes for the metallic green and buttercream! I would love to make those my self. I tested so many green recipes before just giving up and buying metallic green! I’m so in love with it! Thanks for all the tips!

[@Jonthepotter]

Thanks Atalie! Those are great observations! I have made glazes in the past but for ease, convenience, and consistency I like to just but most of them!

[@jennadepifanio7245]

Oh I’m excited for the rest of the videos!!!

[@carolinamaniac9258]

I am not near to make pottery, but i just love your videos so much. YOU ARE SO GREAT!!

[@Jonthepotter]

Thanks so much!!

[@chickenpea111]

Thanks so much! Great video and just what I needed to know as a newbie potter!❤

[@stonypointpottery5812]

🙌thank you!! My glazes need work. I learned so much! Can’t wait for more from this glaze series! I found you through your first glaze video too!

[@tuyamino]

I love that your finger is dirty from the drip test the entire video!!! That's the way I learned to test. :)

[@Jonthepotter]

I know I noticed that too when I was editing lol:)

[@TheJmh19]

thanks, exactly what I was looking for.

[@patriciafurr4771]

Thanks for making this video!!!

[@littlesammyf7380]

Fab video! I’m really interested to see how you grind mistakes and fix issues with glaze please

[@Jonthepotter]

I do have one video about using a grinder, but I will have to do some videoing about fixing glazes.

[@ellenhorovitz3517]

thank you ,,, love your channel!!

[@MirdasZimm]

Totally awesome video. Helped me a lot with my glaze 🙏

[@janicethepotter]

hydrometer is my best most consistent way to test glaze thickness... Most of my glazes work perfectly at a reading of 1300 to 1600,,, each glaze is a bit different. I write the hydrometer reading on the glaze bucket. usually start with 8 oz. of water to each pound of dry glaze... add water as needed....Thanks for the videos! .

[@Jonthepotter]

Cool! Thanks for sharing! That sounds like a super consistent method, might have to change my methods after seeing how others do it:)

[@susyward581]

I find the SG v useful but only after I’ve tested the glaze by checking thickness using a needle dragged through drying glaze. If the test is fine I check the SG so that I know optimum water content. An easy way is to use a small screw lid bottle half filled with nuts and bolts (cheaper than anything shop bought) float the bottle and draw a permanent marker line where it floats and mark the glaze number

[@virginiamurphy4097]

Sooooo helpful!!

[@delanemack9437]

Hi Jon this was very helpful, my glazes came out just a little too thin and I didn’t know what to do with them. So I will take the lids off and let them thicken up a bit. 👍🏽

[@Jonthepotter]

You can also skim some of the water of the top after the glaze settles or separates . This works well if you are like me and not very patient:)

[@chemdmiller]

Jonthepotter just realize that some of the glaze chemicals are soluble in the water (think about salt or sodium chloride) and even though the liquid is “clear” there will be some materials that you are removing with the liquid. You might consider finding a way to boil off the water from the part you pour off. Then see how much dry material remains in the pan and return that to the glaze bucket. If there’s enough to scrape out and return, it’s probably enough to affect the properties of the glaze. Probably best to not use your kitchen pans to do this. 😳

[@ayshahibrahim7507]

That’s very helpful, thank you! 🙏🏻

[@plushifullife2789]

Thank you so much really really helpfulll

[@arezentes]

Really great 👍 discussion.

[@YaoiHoshi]

For me glazing has been the hardest part about pottery, and by far the most frustrating. I’m self taught and I love your videos on glazes!

[@annawalter388]

Hi Starcrossing, I am the same. The pottery is going really well and I am stoked with that part. Glazing is a whole different ball game. Just watched Jonthepotter's video and am going to the shed now to do all 5 tests! Wish me luck.🤞

[@YaoiHoshi]

Anna Walter good luck! Hope your glazing is successful 😊

[@silkandcottonhawaii]

I find it endearing that your finger was glazed for the whole video! Ha ha! Also I really like the soft music in the background and your editing is spot on with removing any dead time while you are talking. I don’t do pottery but I love to watch you make it! Ha ha! But really I’m learning so much about video making from watching you! Thanks so much and keep on being awesome!

[@Jonthepotter]

That is awesome, I have learned so much about video and editing and have gotten sooo much better, I really enjoy the video making process too!

[@freddiemoretti8456]

Part II Great tutorial for all to consider.......your results speak volumes for your scientific methods. Is science not based on trial and research using the tools at hand? This is basic science to me. That being said I use brush on glazes at present and I am going to be doing my first SINGLE FIRE glaze firing with my next load(Cone 6 Stoneware Electric). Dipping glazes may be down the road, but with only 150 sq.ft. it would be a bit tight. Thanks again Jon......good video.

[@chrispya1]

I've started playing with brushing on glaze vs dipping. It quickly has become apparent that judging thickness is an issue, especially with layering colors. I'm at a studio, so messing up the kiln shelves or ruining others' work is a huge no-no!

[@susanjaracz1574]

This is helpful. I started mixing my own glaze today.

[@MissMolly75]

Awesome video, thanks! You showed me a couple of new ways to test my glaze thickness. Thanks for doing a glazing series! I'd love to see you mixing your dry glaze with the water. Would love to hear your thoughts on if it's ok to use a glaze that you let sit for 6 months (does it need to be re-sieved?). How many times should a glaze be sieved before using it? And I'm sure much more. I've been a potter for 8 years. I've quite confident in glazing at the local studio and figuring out thickness (using their glazes that they've mixed up and they take care of). I've always fired at the local studio even though I have a full studio at home, with my own kiln. I'm soooooo afraid to do my first glaze load. I've done bisque. I've even bought and mixed up my glazes. Then let them sit for the past 6 months. EEEEEEK.

[@breinfrog5879]

thank you, I really need this. It's my struggle!

[@carriesantiago5364]

Hey @jonthepotter - this was geared towards dipping glazes, right?? if glazes are going to be used for painting on, then is there a rule of thumb about maybe a certain percentage thicker?? I know my Chun Plum is ALWAYS too thick - it usually looks about like mayo when I open the jar.

[@sherigoodremont3823]

Yes, do glaze teachings🙂🙂🙂

[@ayaahamada8431]

Very helpful video ! Thank u 🌸

[@2shivika]

thanks, need a help my glaze is thick how do I reduce the thickness of the glaze. do I remove the water or do I sieve the glaze again

[@jahpedro3971]

Really enjoyed this video, I've had a few issues, with the type of clay I'm glazing, like if the clay is more gritty like raku clay, is doesn't dry very fast, as it would if I was glazing stoneware, or college buff, seems I even need to triple or even quadruple the amount of dips into the glaze with the raku clay, smashing stuff as usual 👍

[@skiphowe8768]

I had a feeling my glaze was too thick even though the specific gravity was right. I tried the drip test and got zero drips. I dipped two pieces at that thickness and will fire them, but I’m also going to add water until I get four to five drips, measure the specific gravity and try a few pieces at that thickness. I love your tips and hints. They are great for a new potter like me. Thanks for your videos!!

[@cL-xh3wf]

How did it turn out when it got zero???

[@shuvalassaf]

I strongly recommend using the scientific way of measuring specific gravity for a consistent results.

[@jackierisch5793]

Where do you buy your powdered glazes and are they premixed to just add water

[@wcouch8]

ty. good info

[@Cate7451]

How much nicer your studio is now.

[@brianandtamiolson2330]

Do you need to adjust the glaze, like add water, if it sits too long in its container?

[@angelaamicocollins9477]

I really appreciate you sharing your wealth of knowledge! It’s helping me to become a better Potter and enjoy my work! Thanks again🎃

[@Jonthepotter]

Glad to hear it!! Thanks for sharing!

[@katherinehayesrodriguez9683]

Awesome, one of your most practical videos!

[@sherigoodremont3823]

Jon, where is a good supplier for bulk dry glaze?

[@alandunnighan2159]

Excellent video, can't wait for the rest in this series. As a relatively new potter, I have found that the world of glazing is what confusing and secretive, not many openly give away tips and recipes. #earthnationceramics #simonleachpottery do. Do you use ready made or make up your own glazes?

[@Jonthepotter]

Thank you! I have mixed my own in the past but I now find it easier to buy pre made dry mix from my local stores, and it works great for me!

[@ceciliamedina1657]

great video! thanks

[@nosanm8694]

Hi, I have Q ! If I burn the pottery with glaze but under temperature that is need so it is safe to use for food?? I mean I use glaze need 1180 but I burn just 1000 that is ok!?

[@jessicaheusinkveld4007]

Thank you for this video! I just mixed my first dipping glaze. It's way too thick. When it dries it seems ok-ish. It's Celestial Blue from MN Co. I'm putting big cookie underneath and I'm just gonna send it. Have you used that glaze before? I can't wait to see it.

[@ginaiannucci]

Best thing is you can add water.

[@meast1431]

If the glaze does not turn out the way you want do you ever reglaze and refire?

[@Jonthepotter]

Yes! Sometimes I do that, always works best if it can come out the first time though:)

[@MikeTheMaker1]

Jonthepotter any chance you could do a refire tips video?

[@mervecakar532]

Are we gonna add usual water or distilled water ?

[@bonniegarson80]

Thanks for tips👍

[@LilMellowMC]

This might sound really amateur but I’m only just getting into pottery so, when you do multiple glaze layers of different colours like you do and as you say it’s too think and drips a lot, how do you know which glaze was the too thick one? Won’t it all drip together into each other? :)

[@jbureau1]

What does it mean if my glaze dries in the recommended time but then in the next hour or so it starts cracking and pealing off??

[@TD-jn4tv]

Thank you!!!

[@triciac1019]

I wear a mask in the studio I go to. If I put it on the next day, I can smell the clay in it. I do have a sensitive nose.

[@basherkp3119]

Could tell what is ratio of water and clay, is there any other ingredients?

[@Jonthepotter]

1 pint of water to 1 pound of glaze!

[@katherinesvoboda5989]

Have you ever used the fingernail test? If your fingernail doesn’t leave a line on the piece that has been glazed, it is too thin.

[@Handmadebygas]

this is awesome! as someone who is very interested in all things glazes - thank you. also, I am aware that you need a dust mask when mixing glazes but dry clay???? We need to wear a mask when its dry clay? humm? thanks in advance

[@Jonthepotter]

Inhaling clay dust can be dangerous over many years, so being aware of that is important!

[@R_Kyanite]

Silica dust from the clay builds up in the lungs, as the body is unable to remove it. It can cause silicosis (hardening of the tissue of the lungs) and a large amount of other related issues, including tuberculosis, and possible auto immune diseases.

[@elizzbetha]

Que base usas por favor. Saludos

[@DLSWV]

good videos.

[@YvonnePerry]

Did I hear that right? Fired results too drippy, the glaze was too thick?

[@Jonthepotter]

Yes if it drips off the pots, onto the shelves then the glaze was too thick, OR too many glazes were layered on top of each other.

[@HokiHumby]

Why not get glaze on your hand? At least the food-safe glazes and the like I've used I have been encouraged to stick my hand in to feel the consistency.

[@Jonthepotter]

I do often get glazes on my hands!

[@benpatterson4452]

Even a glaze, that is considered "food safe", once fired, doesn't mean there isn't anything in it, that could potentially hurt you prior to that. Generally speaking, the base glaze recipe is pretty harmless, it's the colorants that can pose the problem. Some are heavy metals, which can lead to long term health problems. A little caution, like wearing latex gloves, never hurts (Unless you are allergic to latex). Though, I will say unless you have any open cuts or something of the like, on your hands, getting some glaze on them is not much of a concern.

[@emacinto]

VERY helpful. AND funny :)

[@isisgrein2332]

How much do you pay in this glaze quantity???

[@Jonthepotter]

I think these glazes are anywhere from 60 dollars to 100 dollars for 25 lbs of dry mix which makes about a big bucket full.

[@elisabethbue5666]

Before I watch the rest of the video, as a Doctor Who fan I just gotta say... "Are you my mommy?"

[@tuyamino]

Oh my gosh you made me have to stop the video xD

[@elisabethbue5666]

lol

[@ambergavin6461]

The first video of your that I watched was that really popular glazing video and I actually found it on my Pinterest feed. I don't know if you put that on Pinterest or who did, but I pin a lot of pottery stuff on there and it came up in my recommended feed. I clicked on it, it took me to KZbin, I loved it, and I subscribed. :)

[@Jonthepotter]

Interesting!! I have not ever put anything on Pinterest, maybe I should ! Thanks for subscribing!

[@soheilairani2549]

I’m hair dressier for more than 28 years but I want learn this job for my Future

[@MikeTheMaker1]

Soheila Yousefi post some videos and pics when you start se we can see.

[@MoYvStarkey]

I love pottery. Number 1 thing I learn is, you are dealing with chemicals. Art is Science

[@BDFALK1]

I felt the need to comment below.

[@Jonthepotter]

Well ya know if I tell you to "comment below" enough, at some point ya just gotta do it!

[@bonniegarson80]

U r toooo funny🤗

[@Jawst]

Funny how you're wearing a mask in the thumbnail image and then stick your finger in the glaze 😆 there are a lot of dangerous ingredients in different glazes. Who cares about fertility issues, child deformity and SVHC's hahaha