If you're a beginner working with ceramics, sooner or later you'll come across the term stoneware glaze. You might be wondering what exactly that means. In this short technical article, we aim to give you a quick and precise answer.
Simply put, a stoneware glaze is a glaze developed for high firing temperatures that works particularly well on stoneware clay. It not only provides color and surface, but in many cases also makes your ceramics dense, suitable for everyday use, and durable.
Are you interested in glazes? Then feel free to check out our favorite glazes. Formwerk Berlin is a specialized pottery supplier shipping to potters throughout Europe.
What exactly does stoneware mean?
Stoneware is a ceramic body that is fired at relatively high temperatures. These high temperatures cause the clay to sinter significantly, becoming particularly dense and stable. This is precisely why a suitable glaze is needed. A stoneware glaze is formulated to bond optimally with the clay body during firing and create a harmonious surface.
Example of stoneware clay: Witgert Turning Clay No. 11, a white stoneware clay often used for thrown pottery.
The high temperatures are also the big difference to glazes for lower firing ranges. Not every glaze suits every clay or every firing temperature. If you work with stoneware clay, you should therefore specifically choose stoneware glazes.
What are the properties of a stoneware glaze?
Stoneware glazes are glazes specifically developed for the high-fire range. They are usually fired at temperatures between approximately 1180 °C and 1300 °C and are matched to stoneware clay. During firing, the glaze melts and permanently bonds with the ceramic body.
An important characteristic of stoneware glazes is their high stability after firing. In combination with densely sintered stoneware, a robust surface is created that is well-suited for everyday use. Many stoneware glazes are also suitable for functional ceramics and, when fired correctly, can also be used for dinnerware.
Example of a stoneware glaze: Amaco Potter’s Choice Oatmeal is a classic high-fire glaze with a warm, natural surface. It is typically fired in the range around 1200 °C and is suitable for stoneware and porcelain.
Depending on the formulation, stoneware glazes can create different surfaces, for example glossy, matte, or slightly textured. Transparent and semi-transparent variations are also possible.
This is what glazes typically look like when purchased commercially. Here's a 472 ml example from the US manufacturer Amaco.
Why are stoneware glazes so popular?
The great appeal lies in the combination of function and aesthetics. With stoneware glazes, you can create dinnerware that is used daily, while also producing surfaces that look handmade and full of character. Many glazes also react beautifully to texture, edges, and different layer thicknesses, making glazing itself a creative part of the process.
Which stoneware glazes can you find with us and which are particularly popular?
In our shop, we currently carry several exciting AMACO stoneware glazes. If you like warm, flowing effects, the Amaco Stoneware Glaze Honey Flux is a particularly popular starting point. For darker, deeper tones, many prefer the Amaco Stoneware Glaze Smokey Merlot or the Amaco Stoneware Glaze Blue Midnight.
You can find the full overview here: Formwerk Berlin - Glazes
For example, the Amaco Stoneware Glaze Blue Midnight was used on this object.
If you prefer lighter and more natural looks, Amaco Stoneware Glaze Oatmeal and Amaco Stoneware Glaze Celadon Snow are very beautiful options. Glazes like Textured Turquoise, Chun Plum, or Celadon Rainforest appear a bit more vibrant and expressive. And if you want to work with special effects, many first look at Dark Star, Supernova, or Saturation Gold.
As you can see, stoneware glaze is not just stoneware glaze. Depending on the style of your piece, you can try many different directions. That's precisely what makes this area so exciting.
Who is a stoneware glaze suitable for?
Essentially, for anyone who works with or wants to work with stoneware clay. Whether you're just starting out with pottery or have been developing your own series for a while: stoneware glazes are a central component if you want to create durable and beautiful ceramics. The important thing is that the clay, glaze, and firing range match.
Conclusion
A stoneware glaze is a high-fire glaze specifically developed for stoneware. It combines function, durability, and a strong surface aesthetic. If you're making pottery that not only looks good but also stands up to everyday use, stoneware glazes are usually the right choice.
If you want to get started right away, feel free to check out our glaze collection from Amaco. There you'll find selected stoneware glazes for different styles and can discover the perfect glaze for your next project.
Your Formwerk Berlin Team ❤️