Glaze application is a crucial step in the production of colored-glazed ceramics. Improper handling can negatively impact color development and product quality. Different colored glazes and body types require glaze slurries of varying concentrations and application methods to achieve the desired glaze layer thickness.
For monochromatic glazes (such as manganese red, vanadium blue, vanadium yellow, etc.), crackle glazes, and matte glazes, the glaze layer should be uniformly thick. However, for highly fluid monochromatic glazes like Wujin (raven black) and Junhong (even red), the upper part of the piece should have a thicker glaze layer to prevent glaze runoff during firing, which could otherwise lead to uneven coloration due to glaze pooling at the bottom.
Fancy glazes (Huayou), known for their rich and dynamic color variations, typically involve applying a base glaze first, followed by different colored overglazes on top. The base glaze should meet the same requirements as monochromatic glazes. The overglaze, however, should be applied using techniques such as brushing, dotting, spraying, or dipping, depending on the ceramic body’s shape, glaze properties, and decorative intent. This creates varied effects such as flowing patterns, mottled patches, and fine color streaks.
