What is a stoneware glaze?

If you are getting into ceramics as a beginner, sooner or later you will come across the term stoneware glaze. Maybe you are wondering what exactly it means. In this short expert article, we want to give you a quick and precise answer.

Put simply, a stoneware glaze is a glaze developed for high firing temperatures that works especially well on stoneware clay. It provides not only color and surface, but in many cases also makes your ceramics watertight, suitable for everyday use and durable.

Interested in glazes? Then take a look at our favorite glazes . Formwerk Berlin is a specialized pottery supplier shipping to potters all over Europe.

What does stoneware actually mean?

Stoneware is a ceramic body that is fired at relatively high temperatures. At these temperatures the clay sinters strongly, becoming especially dense and stable. This is exactly why it needs the right glaze. A stoneware glaze is formulated so that it bonds optimally with the clay body during firing and forms a harmonious surface.

An example of a stoneware clay: the Witgert Drehmasse No. 11, a white stoneware clay that is often used for thrown ceramics.

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 choose stoneware glazes specifically.

What properties does a stoneware glaze have?

Stoneware glazes are glazes developed specifically for the high-fire range. They are usually fired at temperatures between about 1180 °C and 1300 °C and are matched to stoneware clay. During firing the glaze melts and bonds permanently with the ceramic body.

An important characteristic of stoneware glazes is their high stability after firing. Combined with densely sintered stoneware, the result is a robust surface that holds up well in everyday use. Many stoneware glazes are also suitable for functional ceramics and, when fired correctly, can be used for tableware as well.

An example of a stoneware glaze: the Amaco Potter’s Choice Oatmeal is a classic high-fire glaze with a warm, natural surface. It is typically fired at around 1200 °C and works well on stoneware and porcelain.

Depending on the formula, stoneware glazes can create different surfaces, for example glossy, matte or lightly textured. Transparent and semi-transparent variants are also possible.

This is what glazes typically look like when you buy them in stores. Here is a 472 ml example from the US manufacturer Amaco.

Why are stoneware glazes so popular?

The big appeal lies in the combination of function and aesthetics. With stoneware glazes you can make dishes for everyday use and at the same time create surfaces that look handmade and full of character. Many glazes also respond beautifully to texture, edges and different glaze thicknesses. This makes glazing itself a creative part of the process.

Which stoneware glazes can you find with us, and which are especially popular?

In our shop we currently carry several exciting AMACO stoneware glazes. If you like warm, flowing effects, Amaco stoneware glaze Honey Flux is an especially popular starting point. For darker, deeper tones, many people like to reach for Amaco stoneware glaze Smokey Merlot or 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 piece

If you prefer something lighter and more natural, Amaco stoneware glaze Oatmeal and Amaco stoneware glaze Celadon Snow are very nice options. Glazes like Textured Turqois, Chun Plum or Celadon Rainforest look a bit livelier and more expressive. And if you want to work with special effects, many people look first at Dark Star, Supernova or Saturation Gold.

You can already tell: not all stoneware glazes are alike. Depending on the style of your piece, you can try out very different directions. That is exactly what makes this area so exciting.

Who is a stoneware glaze suited for?

This is really for anyone who works with stoneware clay or wants to. Whether you are just starting out with pottery or have been developing your own series for a while: stoneware glazes are a key building block if you want to make durable, beautiful ceramics. The only thing that matters is that clay, glaze and firing range match.

Conclusion

A stoneware glaze is a high-fire glaze developed specifically for stoneware. It combines function, durability and striking surface looks. If you make pottery that should not only look good but also hold up in everyday use, stoneware glazes are usually exactly what you need.

If you want to get started right away, take a look at our Amaco glaze collection . There you will find a selection of stoneware glazes for different styles, and you can discover the right glaze for your next project.

Your Formwerk Berlin Team ❤️