How to Glaze Pottery! Tips, Tricks, and Techniques

In this tutorial about glazing pottery, we go through some of the things that I think about when I am glazing! I like thick glazes around the top and lots of drips and colors.
Glazing is a difficult thing to make a tutorial about because there are so many different ways, so this is a bit all over the place but is a lot of my thoughts about the glazing process and how I go about glazing pottery.
Mocha Monkey and Pottery Studio: Send me stuff or visit @
Jonthpotter
115 South Olive St.
Waconia, MN 55387
Follow me on Instagram
@jonschmidtpottery
Support me on patreon:
Patreon.com/jonthepotter
Website:
themochamonkey.com
MY KILN : amzn.to/2Uf0un4
MY FAVORITE WHEEL BATS : amzn.to/2rl6H3T
METAL SCORE AND TEXTURE TOOL: amzn.to/2BbyNEv
SCULPTING KNIFE TOOLS :amzn.to/2KNzkiV
BEST THROWING SPONGES : amzn.to/2Qc4VB7v
NEEDLE TOOL: amzn.to/2ri67DU
MY CAMERA: amzn.to/2OdYojT
The BEST lens for photographing pottery :amzn.to/2QRtxeA
LIGHTS :amzn.to/2UbeWg6
Music
Music by Wonki:
Wonki on Spotify: spoti.fi/2i20SDX
Wonki on Soundcloud:@wonkimusic
Music by / ikson
Our Promise Final Hopefully by CelDro & Axlance @celdro
Music provided by Free Music for Vlogs • CelDro & Axlance - Our... Visit our website: www.jonschmidtp...

[@scarletwatson5108]

As a newbie I’d love a beginner underglaze tutorial! Love your videos!!!!!

[@williambourne6144]

j

[@jennt5235]

Loved this video ...and let me tell you why. First off, I don't know anything about pottery, I mean not even enough to be dangerous, and yet, I found your approach, enthusiasm and delivery awesome! You 100% have a gift for teaching others... helping build passion, creativity and excitement in pottery. Please, keep doing what you're doing you rock!

[@kimbain4368]

This answers so many questions I had about the glazing process, how to get the different colored drips, etc. And Ryder is too cute! I love that he's already learned how to apparate, as that is an advanced skill!

[@hdb80]

I love how you hold your children and show affection to them. It's important and so nice to see father's do this.

[@yeah2853]

I mean it is his job

[@hdb80]

@@yeah2853 ....And? So many father's don't.

[@yeah2853]

@@hdb80 that's true unfortunately, the parental pressure is so often usually on the mother

[@susanpriem1739]

This is a wonderful video. So informative, and thanks for showing the finished product of some of them! It is so important to show the results. Most videos skip that part. Thank you so much.

[@Jonthepotter]

Susan Priem Thanks!! Tune in to the next video probably up tomorrow to see me unload the kiln and see all the finished results!

[@mebearcreations]

Glazing is a lot to do a tutorial on, but if all ceramic artists share a bit of their knowledge, rookies like my start to get an idea 😊 Thanks a lot! Your pottery looks fabulous!

[@bollfrass10]

I searched for this video because I have this new found fascination with all things pottery, but more importantly, watching how creating people are with their glazing. 1 minute in, BOOM! MINNESOTA!! I actually gasped. I grew up in MN, now live in CA, but man oh man do I LOVE my home state. So happy I came across your video and I will most definitely be watching all the other ones you put out! MN pride baby!

[@hollyhendrick5347]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!! All of my High School students will watch this to learn how to glaze. This is exactly how I glaze. You saved me a bunch of work and time. Thanks again!

[@kirkkesler294]

Teaching Ryder how to apparate, LOL you must be a Harry Potter fan!

[@chrispya1]

How you do glaze works for me because that's the kind of glaze I most enjoy. My teacher just gave me permission to move beyond the seven colors available to the beginning class. This video is exactly what I need!

[@lubamorsch4206]

Can't wait to try your techniques tomorrow - I am a beginner so am really excited. Thank you! Great tutorial!

[@khendron]

Can't wait to see the unloading! I've had success removing unwanted wax with a kitchen blow-torch. A few seconds with the torch just burns it away. No sanding required.

[@Jonthepotter]

That's a great tip, thanks!

[@doctormeetsfish7000]

@@Jonthepotter If you want to make your own glazes and experiment Mr. Dirtfarmer sells an excellent filtered hardwood ash.

[@melindajobczynski8862]

I love dripped glaze down the side of a pot. I love the depth of color it gives. I like blues , browns, gold , cream

[@donnamason8643]

I had no ideal, bout glazing. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdoms. God bless you always ♡from texas

[@Dally_Sparkles]

So i watch this video about 2 years ago i didn't understand it fully then.. now watching it again after actually doing some glazing. your video is totally awesome.

[@jdmosaics]

What a gorgeous baby😘🤗🤗! Thanks for the glaze info, love those blues too😘👌🏻

[@ameliad9238]

You are just so peppy, it makes it easier to watch the whole video haha Thanks for showing your process!

[@KatherineLive]

You’re channel is incredible! I’ve been binging all night 💕 keep going please!

[@dkgrace6743]

When I get wax on where I don't want it, even after I glaze it, I just burn it off with my small propane torch. It doesn't harm the glaze, if I already glazed it. Then I glaze over that part w/o a problem. This way even after I glaze it I can see if there is an uneven stop I don't like and want to redo. Thank you JTP, I have learned a lot from you.

[@lynnenagel7857]

Fantastic instructions! I am so excited to help my daughter with her pottery!

[@kyradobler6587]

Thanks for your video on glazing. I do much of the same and try new things because that's the creative side of the craft. And when my kiln is on I go sailing, in Florida.

[@Jonthepotter]

That's awesome:) My dad has a sailboat and we sail here in MN too!

[@oralrubie3781]

I would love to learn more about this glaze

[@kennethdante]

You're awesome, Jon.

[@Ray2001ify]

The best video on KZbin

[@wellslowery8586]

Dude you rock! when i grow up i wanna be like you....wait...i dont wanna grow up...you still rock though....Danks for keepin it real!

[@jenniferdobson9136]

I wanted to see how they looked when they came out!

[@Cate7451]

I think you were training Ryder how to be a you tuber. Very funny. Awesomer. Love all these videos. Reviewing.

[@diginity44]

There is a lot to glazing but you answered a lot of questions I had. It's very difficult to do an in depth glazing tutorial without feeling like your teaching a class lol

[@MikeTheMaker1]

Sharon Barker agreed this was super helpful

[@andreaeyzaguirre6208]

That beautiful boy it’s yours? Absoadorable🥰🥰🥰🥰. Great tips too!👍🏼👍🏼

[@Skagenclay]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience ❤

[@clarisamonaco8103]

I love it!!! From Buenos Aires, Argentina

[@davinatest8467]

What a wonderful life waxing bottoms and squeezing clay

[@shuvalassaf]

I think you can burn off all the wax resist, just put the pot in an oven for 30 minutes at 200 degree Celsius, let it cool down and then start over with the waxing. (I never tested this method).

[@Jonthepotter]

Ooooo never tried that!

[@razvandragos5215]

WOW! Beautiful pottery and amazing glazes you got my friend. Thank you!

[@rosewhite3274]

Yo! I’m from Minnesota too! Minnesota Clay is the stuff my ceramics class uses!

[@Jonthepotter]

Cool! Where in MN are you from! Come by the Art Wander in Carver County this weekend! Artwander.com

[@screamingmimi90]

Me, too. We use Minnesota clay, also. Got a friend that works there.❤️

[@grenwarren7876]

This is a great teaching video. I'll certainly be trying these techniques. Thanks so much.

[@NoName-yj6vz]

Very helpful video, thank you

[@charlottehauk222]

Just wondering where you order your glazes from..I use Amaco glazes...if there is a cheaper option be nice to know where! I love your videos..so much fun and enthusiasm!!

[@user-tm8zn7hy3e]

Thank you for your hands🤍🇸🇦

[@pattiemckellip-fowler2232]

Thanks so much for the Jon. It was very helpful.

[@ericstorch1141]

Very helpful 👌 Thank you!

[@anthonymarrero3133]

Hey jon, i was wondering what kind of classes you've taken in college and or highschool. I'm about to be a senior in highschool, and was exploring the world of potters. I live in kalamazoo Michigan, and have been following your videos for quite sometime now so thank you for all the helpful tips. - Sincerely Anthony

[@Jonthepotter]

I took wheel throwing in college! That's what got me into it , from there I learned everything else on my own.

[@anthonytorres4926]

Huh. Didn’t know I could be interested in pottery! Cheers!

[@pamtenkrooden6387]

In your videos you speak about letting the glaze dry completely before you add the next glaze. I've been taught that you have to add the next layer when the first glaze is still wet (which is really stressful and difficult to do because the glaze dries so quickly). What I'd like to know is do you think it's because of the type of glaze we use in SA? Or maybe because of the type of clay? I use earthenware clay which fires at a lower temperature (1060 degrees for glaze firing), so obviously I have to use glaze which is made for earthenware firing temps. I'd love to do more layering of glazes but I struggle to do it quick enough. Also, I find glazing so frustrating and difficult because I often get drip like marks when I'm trying to get one even coat (dipping issues I'm sure) Do you have any tips or advice that can make the end product look more polished and consistent? Also, I've seen that when you handle your pottery when you add another layer, you handle it quite easily without the glaze "rubbing off" in areas where you have touched it. I find that often it rubs off so easily when I touch it after I've glazed and I end up with all these rough patches. A lot of questions, I know, but I'm hoping you may have some advice? Thanks,Pam

[@triciac1019]

You should wait for them to dry in between and also after you are all done glazing, before firing.

[@marthavalenzuela8507]

Hi there im new the pottery what is the wax that u put on the bottom and where can i get some

[@janetsmith]

I'd love a suggestion on 3-4 basic glazes for cone 6 oxidation for a beginner - a blue, an oatmeal, green, ?

[@chrispya1]

My teacher suggested I make some trial tiles. It's the classic way to play with glaze combos before committing with actual pieces. John Britt has a great video on how to make glaze test tiles.

[@imanef3703]

as i dont really have an oven made for clay, also love this video and liked it also will subscribe

[@wadewhite9315]

Oh! That explains sooooooo much! I always wondered why, during High School, why I would choose a glaze with characteristic and depth; but when it would be fired those characteristics and depth wouldn't show up! Sadly, I do wish that my HS art teacher had allowed us to learn to throw on the wheel, which she reserved only for students who already knew how to do so!

[@Ryan6.022]

Wait a teacher would teach you how to throw on the wheel unless you already knew? That is just so weird.

[@wadewhite9315]

@@Ryan6.022 IKR?! I just think she didn't want to bother teaching the wheel. Other than that, she was a remarkable teacher. Unfortunately, she was unable to keep her promise to us to take us on a field trip to the Art Center in Des Moines, but I don't think the School Board allowed it.

[@wadewhite9315]

@@Ryan6.022 In case I wasn't clear, she actually taught previous student in previous years how to throw on the wheel, but stopped doing so for her ceramics classes for some reason. We really didn't even know how the tools were used in order to smooth things out and get a professional appearance.

[@chrispya1]

She probably didn't have access or the budget. That's what stops a lot of us teachers from doing the fun stuff!

[@a.katherinesuetterlin3028]

@@chrispya1 It's either that or the teacher in question had to put her foot down about too much horseplay and fooling around with the wheel when not officially used for class. Trust me, I know some students who might do that sort of thing: horse around and spoil the fun because they maybe broke or vandalized something. But I am also too familiar with school boards or other administrative personnel pushing a non-arts agenda. 🙄 Don't get me started. 😜

[@Apocalypticamerica]

Your pottery is always beautiful, love your glazing technique. How do you throw your mugs with such consistency? Do you use a jig? Would love to see a video on production tips.

[@jeffrey3837]

Well alright then, I am from Waconia also! That is super cool!

[@elisabete_malia]

Hello from Portugal :) thanks for showing how to do things. I m a beginner :) can you tell me what wax you use? thank you

[@scarletwatson5108]

A video for how to buy a kiln that works for you at your home!

[@katherineniotis4900]

In my friend's pottery studio she buys her clays and glazes in Langley BC Canada 🇨🇦...called Pottery Barn...I am from Vancouver BC Canada 🇨🇦

[@lynnbrady2979]

Wish there was a place close to Miss to get their glazed! I’ve always had to use commercial glazed.

[@scarletwatson5108]

Also how to use tools for making shaped mugs on the wheel

[@PilarBada]

Appreciate your videos Jon the Bradley Cooper potter

[@melddp]

Where did you find that extra long whisk? And thank you for all these great videos! ❤️

[@nakatsukuma86]

What is the name of wax you use ?

[@maryharris5719]

Hi Jon ! I spent a few summers in Waconia during my college days. I was an art instructor at Camp Manikiki. I don't even know if it is still there. Thanks for your videos...very quick, easy to follow and informative. I spent years teaching art and now have my own studio (in my home). I do a lot of horse imagery in my glazing (Ukarydee Ceramics on facebook). My family owns and operates an Equestrian Campground in central Wisconsin so I sell a lot of my work our camper customers. Love your quick spontaneous way of glazing...need to go more in that direction. I don't have room in my studio for big buckets of glaze, though. I do a lot of spray glazing. I get up to Minnesota Clay once or twice a year. Would love to come visit you and your studio! I struggle with getting height in my work. Would love some pointers. MARY

[@Jonthepotter]

Cool!! I don't think that camp is there anymore!! I can definitely do a future video on pulling walls, thanks for sharing the comment and keep on potting!

[@PlumHorizon]

Okkk I’m amazed by how fire bring glaze colors to life ! I was like “ he says it’s blue but it’s clearly not “ 😂 and then I got it ahah !

[@LuciaLopez-ts4il]

Love it!! From Uruguay

[@Cate7451]

Uruguay! Awesome!

[@Chris-jl6kc]

Keep up the videos they are very good and inspiring.

[@freefallin4693]

I’m brand new to everything🥴 Can you please reccomend what clay and where to order? Have tried outside firing ? I can’t afford a klin

[@maritzaguzman8376]

Genial!!! Te miro y te miro y no entiendo lo que dices. Pero al final me fascina lo que haces.

[@katherineniotis4900]

I did glazing to before and I had to use wax on the bottom of my piece...we had to melt candles to wax the bottom of our pieces and or whatever was needed to be waxed...🙂🙂☺☺

[@meganyohnke3102]

I'm completely novice... took a intro to throwing class and today was our glazing session and our last session. Unfortunately, with so many students and only one teacher I didn't get a chance to get my questions answered. So here goes... How do you avoid or fix tong marks? and when I was layering my glazes they got "mucky" and smudged if touched-- did I not wait long enough for them to dry before moving on to the next layer? What if you complete botch the job and want to start over... Can you wash it off? Obviously the bisque clay would absorb water, so would you have to wait for it to completely dry? or would you refire it to bisque before reglazing? Thanks a bunch!! I definitely have enjoyed your videos so far :D I've already signed up for my next class at a different studio with a lower student/teacher ration and can't wait!!!!

[@shithelp5797]

I know a little bit about glazes, and I LOVE pottery, but I came across a vase at a flea market with a glaze that has me absolutely stumped. I bought it just to find out what kind of glaze it is. So far, all the experts have been able to give is an outward description (which I could have done), and then they admit they have zero idea what to call it or how it was done. "Blistered in a nuclear blast", would be the best way to describe the exterior finish.

[@jesselizabeth763]

Thanks so much!! This is really helpful

[@lisaess9782]

I do enjoy the Minnesota accent

[@Jonthepotter]

Haha thanks? It's not the best accent in the world, but it's the only one I've got;)

[@La_abbess]

Lisa s no Viking accent like Rose Nylund though🤣

[@zebarizvi9393]

Were these mugs fired before you did the waxing and glazing?

[@dogloverjb6873]

such clever videos.

[@oldfashiondragon]

I loved this because other videos didn't give me much info

[@MikeTheMaker1]

WYNOLLO TV agreed. This was a huge help.

[@nancythomas9719]

As a beginner what colors would you recommend to start with.

[@doctormeetsfish7000]

If you want to make your own glazes and experiment Mr. Dirtfarmer sells an excellent filtered hardwood ash.

[@imanef3703]

if you got some normal paint then dried it and covered it in wax will it hvae the same texture as the glaze

[@jenniferallara417]

Love it! Can’t wait to see the kiln opening!!!

[@ckeleher2011]

Great video! Music is distracting though

[@zuzanavargova7833]

love❤ love❤ your pottery

[@MrFavoritetools]

Hello! What kind of wax did you use in this video? Is a especial wax? Thanks

[@MikeTheMaker1]

Maggie just leaving a comment to find out what type of wax he uses

[@nicanderson4293]

Yes please - what type of wax is used Jon - also - what type of kiln do you have there? Brand and size?

[@denavess732]

Do you start with dark colors first then go lighter? Just wondering makes difference.... every once while both mug and glaze turns out but can’t remember what I did. 😊

[@triciac1019]

Some people have a spiral notebook and take notes of everything. It sure makes a difference.

[@jasonrohde2119]

What continental clay glazes do you use for these combinations? trying to figure out what we want to do for our HS ceramics studio. thanks love your work and videos

[@Ruthless9187]

How do you cure the glaze ? And will it stick to concrete

[@Ltchg]

Such cozy mugs! :) a good cozy mug can bring so much happiness, especially in the colder months

[@moitesuantak6517]

Hello, kindly suggest me what kind of glaze should I be using for a simple plain white pot.

[@kariweaver1233]

would it work to dunk the bottom of the mug into the wax instead of painting it on?

[@angelaleahy9671]

Do you bisque fire to cone 4? Is it necessary to bisque fire? Can you get same results in single fire to cone 6?

[@WickandBurn]

Is it possible to glaze cement planters?

[@shelleymessier1494]

This is the first time I've ever seen glazing or pottery actually. Very cool

[@brendabeath1193]

How are you adding the Minnesota shape? Slip?

[@Jonthepotter]

Yes, Score and slip the back of all the MNs!

[@حياةامل-ك9ع]

عندك افكار جميلة شكرا لك على مشاركتها

[@petercavalli2595]

Did you handbuild and then attach the Minnesota?

[@Aviinata]

Hey , if i'm a beginner and icant buy these Expensive stuff, how can i paint my mugs

[@cabbage-soup]

how do you know if a glaze is food-safe, especially drippy or layered glazes? wouldn't that impact whether or not it leeches?

[@triciac1019]

Whoever you buy the glaze from can tell you.

[@alexaromeoo]

Is there any way to fire at home?! Without a kiln?!

[@Wrufus_Wilmot]

It really is a good life motto🤣

[@mjj9863]

Hello Jon, I glaze in cone 9/10, could you give me some tip or trick to avoid pinholes? I don't know what I am doing wrong but almost all my pieces have pinholes all around. Thank you

[@Arhmt9Playlist]

Could the pinholes be caused by the clay you are using?

[@sambrennan2917]

Where can I buy your mugs, I live in oregon and I saw that you have an oregon mug and I would love to get one sometime.

[@Jonthepotter]

I don't have any Oregon mugs for sale but I just put some mugs in an Etsy Shop that will be in tomorrows video, buying there or becoming a patron are the only ways to get pots online right now!

[@sambrennan2917]

Jonthepotter oh thanks. I thought I saw an oregon mug and I love the way you glaze. I actually am trying your technique right now. I'm waiting for my mugs to be fired. Hope it turns out well. Love your work and thanks for responding.

[@royhsieh4307]

can u do a tutorial on how to teleport kids?

[@sarayvillar3797]

Amazing!! Do you any alternative to do this texture using air dry clay? 🤩

[@martankaxy]

Hi John, what is the wax you using?