Glazing pottery is an exciting and creative process that adds a glossy and decorative finish to your ceramic pieces. However, there may be instances where you notice your glaze is peeling or falling off your pottery, leaving you wondering what went wrong.
Possible Causes:
There are several factors that can lead to glaze falling off:
- Poor Adhesion: Insufficient surface preparation, such as not properly cleaning or roughing the surface, can result in poor adhesion of the glaze.
- Application Issues: Applying glaze too thickly, unevenly, or not allowing adequate drying time between coats can lead to peeling.
- Firing Problems: Incorrect firing temperatures or schedules can cause glaze to improperly bond with the pottery.
- Clay Composition: Mismatch between the clay body and the glaze’s coefficient of expansion can lead to cracking and peeling.
Prevention and Solutions:
To prevent glaze from falling off, consider these steps:
- Proper Surface Preparation: Ensure your pottery is clean, dry, and properly prepared before glazing.
- Thin and Even Application: Apply glaze in thin, even layers, and allow sufficient drying time between coats.
- Correct Firing: Follow recommended firing schedules and temperatures for your glaze and clay type.
- Testing: Always conduct test firings and glaze combinations to identify potential issues before applying them to your main pieces.
By understanding the causes of glaze peeling and taking necessary precautions, you can create beautiful, long-lasting glazed pottery that withstands the test of time.