Glazing is used to paint pottery
Glazing is a finishing procedure that leaves a special finish on a decorative item. Glazes are common in pottery but also are used in gold leafing, painting and furniture finishing. There are a variety of effects that glazing can leave on an item including an antique look, marble appearance and stippling. Glazing is an essential step in some crafts and also can protect an item from bangs and bumps. Use care when cleaning an item with glaze, as some can vanish when rubbed with steel wool or strong chemicals are used.
Metal Effect
Some glazes are highly glossy and produce a metal effect. These glazes reflect the light enough so that even wood can look like metal. They generally are used on smooth, bare surfaces. Many metal glazes are orange and appear bronze or copper. Some metal glazes also have an antiquing property that makes the metal appear old and oxidized. Some glazes are brushed onto wood so that the brush strokes are visible. This creates the appearance of brushed copper.
Marble Effect
Many materials can look like marble if the right glaze is applied. The glazes generally have multiple colors that have not mixed. This makes it appear as if the colors are veins in marble.
Salt Vapor Glazing Effect
This type of glazing effect is used for pottery. While most glazes are applied like paint, this glaze is a vapor. Potters put salt into a kiln at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Sodium in the salt evaporates and glazes the pot. The glaze creates a stippling effect on the pottery. It not only colors the pottery, but it leaves a bumpy texture on it.
Antique Effect
One of the most popular glazing effects in antiquing. This glaze is available for almost every material including wood, ceramic and gold leaf. The glaze adds a dull color to the material so that it appears aged. Generally, this glaze is applied in a thin layer to make it appear as if the paint is wearing off.
