10 Reasons Why You NEED TO Mix Your Own Glazes!

Alright, fellow potters, let's have a quick chat about glazes. We've all been there, haven't we? Standing at the local pottery supply shop, admiring those neat tubs of commercial glaze, promising a consistent finish with minimal fuss. Or admiring page after page of beautifully glazed pots as you scroll down the online glaze catalog for the national distributor.

They're convenient, they really are, and they can have a place in a studio if needed. However, what if I told you that relying solely on those pre-mixed glazes might just be holding back your true artistic voice?

I was only a few months into pottery and I realized that commercial glazes were simply not an option for me! They were too expensive, too limiting, and it seemed like the most popular glazes were all out of stock just when I needed them! That was back in 2020/2021. Since then I have learned so much about glaze chemistry and it has made me such a better potter.

There's a whole world beyond the pre-mixed glaze bucket, a deeply satisfying journey of creation that begins when you roll up your sleeves and start mixing your own glazes. It's not just about saving a few dollars – we can talk about that another time – it's about unlocking a level of control, understanding, and sheer uniqueness that simply isn't possible with purchased glazes.

*Click here to see all of the glaze combinations that I currently use for my pottery production...and none are commercially mixed glazes.

The Customization Canvas: Making Glazes Truly Yours

Think about it: those commercial glazes are made for everyone. They're designed to be a "one-size-fits-all" solution, but your clay body, your kiln's personality, and your artistic vision are anything but standard! When you mix your own, you become the ultimate chemist, tailoring every aspect to your precise needs. Want a richer depth of blue? Add a touch more cobalt. Want deeper green? Have you tried Chrome Oxide? Do you want your white glaze to be cream? Have you tried adding 3% rutile? Do you want a glaze that is a little more fluid at cone 6? Do you want your favorite glaze combo to be a little more shiny...or a little more matte? Click here to see ways to make your glaze more fluid and drippy!

You can fine-tune your glazes to be exactly what you want...and it is really not that hard! It’s about moving beyond simply choosing an "off-the-shelf" look to crafting a truly one-of-a-kind finish for every single piece.

Becoming a Glaze Detective: Unraveling the Mystery of Materials

This, for me, is where the real magic happens. When you start mixing your own glazes, you naturally begin to understand the fundamental components: the fluxes that encourage melting, the glass formers that create the glassy surface, and the refractories that stiffen and stabilize. 

This deeper knowledge is incredibly empowering. Ever had a glaze crawl? Or blister? Or just not flow quite right? When you understand the materials, you gain the power to diagnose the problem. You become a glaze detective, able to troubleshoot and adapt, rather than just scrapping a batch or switching to another product.

One of the biggest advantages of mixing and formulating your own glazes is you become much more knowledgable at diagnosing and solving glaze issues that otherwise would cost you hundreds of dollars to replace a glaze that isn't flowing or fitting right.

Forging Your Signature: Uniqueness in Every Pot

When you mix your own glazes, you’re not just making pots; you're cultivating your very own signature look! No two potters will ever mix a "Floating Blue" exactly the same way, or respond to an ash glaze with identical results. Your glazes become an extension of you, helping your work stand out and resonate with a distinctive character that simply can't be replicated with commercial alternatives. It's the ultimate expression of craft and a source of immense pride.

And don't forget that two people could follow the same glaze recipe and get different results. Why? Glaze results are dependent on:

1. The way that the dry chemicals were mixed into the slurry

2. The level to which the glaze was strained and blended

3. The thickness of the glaze application

4. The specific gravity of the glaze

5. The clay body

6. The firing speed and cool down speed.

So don't expect to get identical results from any two glaze batches or any two firings....variation will happen naturally.

The Pure Joy of the Journey: Beyond the Result

Ultimately, mixing your own glazes adds a profound layer of satisfaction to the entire creative journey. There's a tangible joy in taking raw, inert powders and transforming them into a vibrant color palette for your pottery. It connects you more deeply to every stage of the process.

So, if you’re ready to delve deeper into the deeper side of glaze chemistry, I wholeheartedly encourage you to step beyond the bucket. Embrace the adventure, get a little messy, and discover the incredible control and artistic freedom that comes with mixing your own glazes. Your pots will thank you for it.

Quick list....ten reasons to mix your own glaze

1. financial savings...dramatically cheaper

2. glaze customization, color and gloss

3. perfect fit for your clay

4. personal control over melt and fluidity

5. understanding the role of glaze materials

6. become a better problem solver

7. create your own signature glazes and combinations

8. freedom from commercially produced glazes

9. creative freedom

10. satisfaction in creating a glaze from raw materials