How to Select Glazing Tools for Sculpting

Glazing pottery or a sculpture adds color and a glossy shine to the piece. As with sculpting, there are different methods of glazing, each one using different tools. Many of the tools you can use for glazing your art work can be found right in the home. Each sculptor has his or her preferred method, depending on the size and shape of the artwork to be glazed. Experiment with tools for several different glazing techniques to see which is right for you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cup or small bowl
• Large bucket
• Spray gun
• Needle tool
• Sponge
• Cotton swabs
• Glazing tongs
• Paint brushes
• Mask
• Rubber gloves

1. Put on rubber gloves and a mask to protect yourself from chemicals as you are glazing.

2. Select a set of paintbrushes for glazing. You'll want to have various sizes of brushes available. These can be made of either hair or foam. Many glazing brushes have flat or pointed ends on the end of the handle that you can use as sculpting tools.

3. Use cotton swabs to apply glaze to smaller areas that a brush cannot reach. This is one of the most inexpensive glazing tools that you already have in your house.

4. Remove glaze that has pooled around grooved or recessed sections of your sculpture with a needle tool. As the name suggests, a needle tool is very small and thin to scrape clay but can also be used for glaze.

5. Keep a sponge with your sculpting and glazing supplies to wipe away glaze that has spilled. You can also use the sponge to remove excess glaze from your sculpture if needed.

6. Use a large bucket filled with glaze to coat larger items such as bowls or vases. Pour the glaze onto the item using a cup or bowl.

7. Hold your sculpture with glazing tongs and immerse in a bucket of glaze. This is the dip method and is especially effective for items that have an opening, like vases or bowls.

8. Use a spray gun to apply glaze. Be sure to wear a mask when working with a spray gun.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove excess glaze from bottom surface of your sculpture to prevent it from becoming stuck to the kiln during firing.
• You will probably need to apply more than one coat of glaze when using paint brushes. It is sometimes difficult to paint the glaze evenly on the first coat.
• Always do your sculpting and glazing in a well ventilated area. Fumes from the clay and glaze can be unpleasant and sometimes even toxic.