Summer Glazing Techniques We Love

Glazing is more than just a finishing touch; it's a key part of the pottery-making process that turns a monochrome piece of clay pottery into a colorful work of art. 

As the temperatures outside heat up, we’re all about showcasing glazing techniques that capture the magic of summer — using bright, vivid colors and smooth, glossy finishes to showcase the warmth and energy of the season. 

These advanced pottery glazing techniques will help you create stunning pieces that shine this summer.

Choose the Right Glaze Colors for Summer

Vibrant colors define the summer season. Popular summer glaze colors such as turquoise, coral, yellow, and sky blue can add an energetic feel and transform your pottery into a summer-inspired ceramic masterpiece.

When selecting glaze colors, consider the color wheel and opt for complementary hues that enhance the beauty of each color. Incorporating gradients and ombre effects can add depth and interest while using multiple colors can create a playful, dynamic look.

Our team recommends trying out these high-quality glazes in bright, summery colors:

Capture the feel of the summer sun with Mayco Glaze SC-6 Stroke & Coat — Sunkissed. 

Mayco Glaze SC-31 Stroke & Coat — The Blues is a gorgeous blue glaze that’s reminiscent of clear blue skies or watching the waves at the beach on a warm summer day. 

We love Mayco Underglaze UG-223 Fundamentals — Apricot. It reminds us of delicious fruit or a vibrant summer sunset. 

Summer is the time to be outside, and Mayco Glaze FN-219 Elements — Lustre Green captures the verdant vibe of nature. This green glaze adds a gorgeous pop of color to any clay project. 

Simplify the Glazing Process

Fully coat the inside of your ceramic pieces with ease with our Glaze Fountain! 

Say goodbye to the tedious process of pouring glaze into a cup, swirling it around, and holding it over a bucket while it drips out. 

With a simple press of the foot pedal, you can create a pressurized, controlled fountain of glaze, streamlining the process and making your work both easier and faster all summer long. 

Techniques for Achieving Vibrant Colors

Achieving vibrant colors in your pottery requires the right techniques and careful application of glazes. 

Underglazes 

One method is the use of underglazes, which provide intense and consistent color. By layering underglazes, you can create depth and richness in your pottery. This glaze type is also commonly used for sgraffito and Mishima pottery techniques that are popular among artists around the globe. 

Sgraffito involves carving through a layer of underglaze to reveal the clay body beneath, resulting in striking contrasts and detailed artwork. Mishima inlays contrasting colors into carved lines, producing beautifully detailed effects that enhance the overall design. 

Overglazes can then be applied to add sheen and durability. 

Airbrushing

Another technique is airbrushing, which allows for smooth transitions and gradients, giving your pottery a professional and polished look. 

This technique is perfect if you’re making multiple duplicates of the same ceramic plates or mugs for a customer. 

Experiment With Surface Textures

Experimenting with surface textures can elevate your summer-themed pottery by adding depth and interest to each piece. 

Clay Stamps

Our Clay Impression Stamps are perfect for creating intricate, repeatable patterns that stand out against vibrant glazes.

Combine the various stamp shapes to create your favorite summer designs with ease, including flowers, bees and insects, fruits, waves, and more. 

Wax

Wax resist is another technique to consider. It allows you to create unique patterns by applying wax to areas you want to remain unglazed. 

Combining wax resist with bright glazes can create stunning results as the wax repels the glaze and reveals the underlying natural clay. 

Showcase Your Summer-Themed Pottery

As you create brightly glazed pottery all summer long, remember to tag us on Instagram and Facebook to show off your latest creations! We can’t wait to see what you create next using these new ceramic glazing techniques. 

If you have questions or want to learn more about DiamondCore® Tools, we’re here to help! Leave a comment below, or reach out to our team for assistance.