MadeBy Glaze Guide
Brushing and Dipping, What to Expect and How to Improve
Glazing is one of the most exciting parts of ceramics, and also one of the most unpredictable. Results can vary from piece to piece, and that is a normal part of the process.
At MadeBy, we focus on helping you understand glaze, not control it.
Brushing Glaze
The “3 Coat” Guideline
You will often hear us say “3 coats.”
This is a guideline, not a strict rule.
The goal is:
A thick, even layer that fully covers the clay
What that means:
You should not be able to see the clay through the glaze
The surface should look smooth and consistent
Keep in mind:
Light colors and pastels often need more than 3 coats
Darker or more fluid glazes may need less
If your glaze looks:
Streaky or watery → it is too thin
Heavy or drippy → it may be too thick
Dipping Glaze
How Dipping Works
Bisque ware is porous and absorbs glaze quickly.
Longer dip = thicker glaze layer
Shorter dip = thinner glaze layer
What to Look For
Thick glaze (like heavy cream):
Quick dip, about 1–2 seconds
Thin glaze (more watery):
Hold longer, about 3–5 seconds
The Finger Dip Test
A simple way to check glaze before dipping.
How to do it:
Dip your finger into the glaze
Pull it out and observe the coating
What you’re looking for:
An even coat
Not too transparent, not clumpy
Quick guide:
Thin coating → hold your piece in longer
Thick coating → use a quicker dip
Knuckle Hair Check
A quick way to tell if a glaze is too thick.
If you cannot see your knuckle hairs through the glaze on your finger, the glaze is likely too thick.
When glaze is too thick:
It can apply too heavily
It may drip or run during firing
What to do:
Let us know so we can adjust it
Send a text
Or leave a note with the glaze name
⚠️ Most Important Rule
Always wipe the bottoms of your pieces.
This includes:
The foot
The bottom surface
Any area that will touch the table or kiln shelf
If glaze is left on the bottom:
It can stick to the kiln shelf
It can damage your piece and the kiln
Use a sponge to clean the bottom completely before firing.
Why Results Can Vary
Glaze is affected by:
Thickness of application
How evenly it is applied
The clay body underneath
Layering with other glazes
The firing process
Because of this, results are not always predictable, even for experienced potters.
Common Outcomes and What They Mean
Patchy or streaky
Usually too thin or uneven
→ Try applying more glaze more evenly
Faded or weak color
Not enough glaze
→ Build up more layers, especially with lighter colors
Drips or running
Too much glaze
→ Use fewer coats or lighter application next time
Unexpected color
Caused by glaze combinations or firing
→ This is a normal part of the process
Rough or dry texture
Not enough glaze to fully melt
→ Apply a thicker, more even layer next time
What to Expect as You Learn
Glazing has a learning curve. Everyone experiences unexpected results at first. Each piece helps you better understand how glaze behaves.
Even experienced potters test, adjust, and are surprised.
Final Note
If something does not turn out how you expected, that does not mean you did anything wrong. It means you are learning how glaze works.
And that is the most important part!