How do you mix dry pottery glaze?

Dry Glaze Mixing Instructions

Creating a liquid glaze from dry glaze is as simple as adding the dry glaze mix to water. Generally, one lb. of dry glaze blend makes one pint of liquid glaze, but the exact amounts will vary depending on the individual glaze.

Remember, always wear proper safety equipment: a dust mask, gloves, and an apron! Also, remember to start with clean equipment to keep each glaze batch consistent.

What you'll need:

  • Scale or hydrometer
  • Container
  • Glaze
  • Water

Steps for mixing dry glazed using a hydrometer

  1. Measure warm water into a clean container
  2. Screen dry glaze into water. Stir periodically for an even blend. Scrape the sides and mix thoroughly
  3. Screen through a 30-50 mesh screen (optional)
  4. Allow time to sit, if possible, before using
  5. Check the viscosity of the blend with a hydrometer (see chart below). Adjust with water as needed.
  6. If you are brushing your glaze, add CMC gum or another binder (see chart below) to increase viscosity and toughen the applied glaze.

Steps for mixing dry glaze using a scale

  1. Turn on your scale and zero (tare) it out with the container on it
  2. Add water to your container
  3. Note how much the water weighs without the glaze
  4. Next, add your dry glaze to the water until you reach the right ratio (see chart below)
  5. Let the dry material soak until it is all wet
  6. Shake or stir thoroughly to mix, then (bonus step!) sieve it to reduce chunks

 

Dry glaze to water mixing proportions

 

A chart that shows the proportions of dry pottery glaze to water for mixing

Note that the water values are approximate and may change depending on the glaze. Use this as a starting point!

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Here's a quick video of the dry glaze mixing process