Glazing is one of the most exciting — and most nerve-wracking — parts of the pottery process. The method you choose affects not just the look of the finished piece, but how evenly the glaze covers, how thick it goes on, and ultimately how it fires. In this guide we'll walk through the three main application methods: dipping, brushing, and pouring, so you can choose the right technique for your work.
Before You Start: Preparing Your Bisqueware
No matter which method you use, good preparation is everything. Always:
- make sure bisquware doesnt have dust or fingerprints
- Make sure the piece is dry completely before glazing
- Wax the foot ring if you don't want glaze on the base (for dipping)
- Check your glaze is well mixed, stir thoroughly from the bottom of the bucket, sieve if needed.
Method 1: Dipping
Dipping is the fastest and most consistent method, and the preferred choice of production potters. You simply submerge the piece into a bucket of glaze, hold it for 2–3 seconds, and lift it out. The benefits are how fast it is and you get excellent, even coverage of your glaze. It can be messy to start but once you get the hang of it - it is easy!
Tips for dipping
- Your glaze needs to be at the right consistency, too thin and you won't get enough coverage, too thick and it will crawl or run. Aim for a specific gravity of around 1.40–1.50 for River Rock dipping glazes- but remember that every glaze is different, and every clay body will be different too. Test to check what the desired thickness should be for you.
- Hold the piece in the glaze for the same amount of time, as this will also affect the thickness and absorption of the glaze (I hold pieces for 3 seconds)
- Hold the piece at a slight angle as you remove it to let excess glaze run off evenly
- Allow to dry fully before handling, the glaze surface will look chalky when dry
- Touch up any finger marks or thin spots with a brush
Best for
Bowls, mugs, and functional ware where you want an even, consistent coat. Dipping is ideal when you're glazing a batch of similar pieces.
Order River Rock Dry Dipping Glaze
Our River Rock Midfire Cone 6 Glazes are available to order as a dry dipping glaze — simply mix with water to your preferred consistency. Available in 1kg, 2kg, and 5kg. To place an order, send us an email and we'll get back to you with availability and pricing.
Method 2: Brushing
Brushing is the most accessible method, all you need is a soft, wide brush and a jar of glaze. It gives you the most control over where the glaze goes, making it great for decorative work and layering effects.
Tips for brushing
- Apply at least 3 coats, allowing each coat to dry before the next, brushed glazes go on thinner than dipped glazes
- Alternate the direction of each coat (horizontal, then vertical) for more even coverage
- Use a soft, wide brush (a hake brush or mop brush works well) to avoid streaks
- Brushing glazes are formulated differently to dipping glazes they contain binders to help them flow smoothly from a brush. Don't try to brush a dipping glaze straight from the bucket
Best for
Decorative pieces, layering multiple glazes, painting patterns, or when you only have a small amount of glaze. Also great for beginners who want to experiment without committing to a full bucket.
Browse our River rock midfire brush on Glazes.
Method 3: Pouring
Pouring is a great middle ground, faster than brushing, and useful when a piece is too large or awkward to dip. You pour glaze over the piece (or inside it) and let it run off naturally.
Tips for pouring
- Work over a large tray or bucket to catch the runoff, you can pour it back into your glaze bucket
- Pour the inside of a vessel first, swirl to coat, then pour out the excess and let it dry before glazing the outside
- For the outside, hold the piece upside down over your catch tray and pour glaze over the base, rotating as you go
- Pouring can leave drips and runs, embrace them as part of the aesthetic, or smooth them out with a damp finger before firing
Best for
Large platters, tall vases, or any piece that won't fit in your glaze bucket. Also great for creating layered, flowing glaze effects.
Pouring works beautifully with our glazes- the natural movement of a poured glaze suits the organic aesthetic of high-fire stoneware.
Comparing the Three Methods
| Method | Speed | Consistency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dipping | Fast | Very even | Production ware, functional pieces |
| Brushing | Slow | Variable | Decorative work, layering, small batches |
| Pouring | Medium | Good | Large pieces, flowing effects |
Which Method Should You Use?
There's no single right answer — most potters use all three depending on the piece and the effect they're after. If you're just starting out, try brushing first to get a feel for how glaze behaves, then experiment with dipping once you're comfortable with consistency and thickness.
Ready to get started? Browse our full glaze range including River Rock Cone 6, Mayco Cone 6, Stoneware Cone 10.