What metallic glazes are
Metallic glazes give pottery a shine and depth you can't get any other way. Where most glazes go for a gloss, satin or matte surface, metallic ceramic glazes add a reflective quality that brings out both the color and the texture of a piece. They're made with metallic oxides that react in the kiln to produce rich, sparkling colors that standard glazes can't match.
Below we'll go over the main uses for metallic glazes, how to apply them, and three Amaco glazes we carry: Saturation Metallic Glaze, Saturation Gold Metallic Glaze and Palladium Glaze.
How and when to use metallic glazes
Metallic ceramic glazes have a lot of visual punch, but they need careful application and the right firing. They also aren't right for every project, especially where food safety or the firing method matters.
Good projects for metallic glazes
Sculpture and decorative pieces
Palladium and Saturation Gold work very well on sculptural work: abstract forms, vases, wall pieces. The shine picks out highlights and makes texture and form easier to see.
Home décor
Candle holders, decorative bowls and ornamental tiles all look good with a metallic finish. It catches the light and gives the piece a polished look that suits modern or traditional styles.
Dinnerware (display only)
Saturation Metallic Glaze might look like a natural fit for plates and mugs, but it is not food safe. Don't use it on any surface that will touch food or drink. Keep it for display-only dinnerware or for pieces that never touch food, like utensil holders and decorative trays.
Raku and alternative firings
Raku can produce great effects, but metallic glazes like Saturation Gold aren't suitable for raku because of their chemistry. Use glazes made for raku instead, and save metallics for electric or gas kilns, where the results are more predictable.
Accents
Metallic glaze works well as an accent. Brush it over raised texture, handles or rims to contrast with a matte or satin glaze on the rest of the piece.
High vs. low firing temperatures
How a metallic glaze behaves depends on the firing temperature. Palladium Glaze (PC-4) is part of Amaco's Potter's Choice line, made for cone 5-6, and Amaco suggests trying these glazes at cone 10 too, where it gives a brighter shine and stronger color. Lower-fire glazes (cone 06-04) give a softer metallic effect. Test at different temperatures to find the result you want.
Applying metallic glazes
How you apply a metallic glaze matters as much as which one you pick. Careful application avoids most of the common flaws.
Brushing
Brushing is best for small pieces and accents. Brushing on Saturation Gold Metallic Glaze gives you good control over coverage and detail. Put on thin, even coats and let each one dry before the next, so you don't get streaks or blotches.
Dipping
Dipping in Palladium Glaze covers larger pieces quickly and evenly and gives a smooth, uniform metallic surface. It works well on bowls and plates. Check that the glaze is food safe before you use it on anything that will hold food.
Spraying
Spraying Saturation Gold Metallic Glaze gives softer effects. It's handy for layering or for a gradient, and it gives even coverage without dulling the shine.
Layering
Layering is one of the most interesting ways to use metallic ceramic glazes. Try Saturation Gold Metallic Glaze over a darker base glaze for strong contrast and more depth. Test tiles are the best way to find combinations you like.
The Amaco metallic glazes we carry
PC-1 Saturation Metallic Glaze
PC-1 Saturation Metallic has a deep, glossy, reflective finish. It's the one to pick when you want a bold metallic surface, especially on decorative pieces. Remember that it is not food safe, so keep it off any surface that touches food or drink.
PC-2 Saturation Gold Metallic Glaze
PC-2 Saturation Gold gives a rich, reflective gold surface. The warm sheen is good for picking out the curves of a form and works with modern or traditional designs. Use it on decorative pieces, not on surfaces that touch food.
If you want a golden, reflective finish, this is the one.
PC-4 Palladium Glaze
PC-4 Palladium is a silver-toned glaze. It's quieter than the gold but still reflective, and its subtle silver sheen suits clean, modern forms or can dress up a more rustic piece.
It looks good over darker glazes or on its own.
Common mistakes
Metallic glazes can be tricky at first. Here are the usual problems.
Putting it on too thick
With glazes like Saturation Metallic Glaze, a heavy coat can hide the reflective quality and leave an uneven surface. Build it up in thin, even coats to avoid pooling and drips.
Firing it wrong
Metallic glazes are sensitive to temperature, and the wrong firing can give disappointing results. Follow the manufacturer's firing guidelines for Saturation Gold, Palladium or any other metallic, then fine-tune in your own kiln.
Uneven coverage
Uneven coverage shows up as streaks or blotches. However you apply it, keep the coat even, and try your technique on a small test piece first.
Give them a try
Saturation Metallic, Saturation Gold Metallic and Palladium are all good places to start with metallic glazes. Try different application methods, temperatures and layering combinations, and keep notes on what works. The more test tiles you fire, the faster you'll get a feel for them.