Glazing for Beginners: Introduction to Theory & Application, 3 Days

3-Day Course: Glazing for Beginners

3-Day Course: Glazing for Beginners

Ability & Skill Level: Improver

Introduction to Theory & Application

Overview
Learn the fundamentals of glaze theory and practice across three-days.

For makers who have a little bit of glaze application experience but minimal experience mixing their own glazes or glaze tests. This hands-on course leads participants through the functions of glaze ingredients, basic application techniques, and the creative use of oxides.

Participants will mix, test, reflect—and leave with their own glazed pieces and deeper comprehension of the glazing process to be able to create transparent base glazes, from Bernard Leach’s recipes, and enhance them with oxides independently. The tests we make will be fired to Cone 8 in an electric kiln (as this is what most participants have access to at home or through community studios).

Participants will bring in a bisque pot (stoneware clay: Cone 6-10 clay) from home to glaze with one of their test glazes on the final day. There will be blank pieces available if participants are unable to bring one in. We will post the fired pots back to participants. The test tiles completed during the course can be taken home by participants at the end of the three-day course. 

When & Where

Where: The Leach Pottery Learning & Production Studios
Places: 8 per course.

Duration: 3 days. Core teaching hours: 10am - 4pm and 10am – 3.30pm on the last day. Please arrive at 9.30am on the first day of your course.

What You Will Learn

  • Glaze fundamentals: ingredient functions, safety standards, and preparation techniques.

  • Methods of application: dipping, pouring, and consistent coverage.

  • How to create transparent base glazes and enhance them with oxides.

  • How to produce reference slabs and test tiles, track results, and assess glaze performance post-firing.

Structure & Learning Experience

  • Teaching is a balanced mix of explanation, demonstration, and guided practice.

  • Participants work in pairs, with opportunities for both individual and group reflection at the start and close of each day.

  • Participants are encouraged to note systems and numbering to track experiments effectively.

Course Highlights

  • Day 1: Introduction to glaze theory; mixing two transparent glaze bases to slake overnight.

  • Day 2: Exploration of oxides; preparing multiple test blends; firing.

  • Day 3: Review of fired results; glazing your own bisque piece; final glazing techniques.

Materials & Equipment

  • All materials, test tiles, and tools are provided.

  • Students should bring an apron, hand towel, and optionally a respirator mask. We recommend you bring your own 3M half mask respirator. If you do not bring a mask with you, we can provide a basic mask.

  • Participants can bring one bisque-fired pot within 20cm x 20cm x 20cm to glaze and be fired at the end of the course. These must be made from stoneware clay in the range of Cone 6-10. If students wish we will have some bisque pots made by one of our potters that we can supply.

Your Takeaway

  • A deeper grounding in glaze chemistry and practical application.

  • A range of test tiles showcasing glaze variations.

  • At least one glazed pot, fired and returned.

  • A foundation for continued glaze experimentation and creativity.

Price: £450
Capacity: 8

We are delighted to offer one 10% discount in our Shop during your course.

Any questions? Please visit our FAQ — The Leach Pottery.

Facilities notes for 2026 course participants can be viewed here.

Please be aware, only assistance dogs are allowed in the Learning spaces.

Terms & Conditions — The Leach Pottery
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