Understanding Ceramic Glazes

Stop guessing. Start understanding your glazes.

Glazing can feel like one of the most mysterious parts of ceramics. Why does one glaze run while another crazes? Why does the same glaze look completely different on another clay body? Why did that beautiful result happen... and how can you recreate it?

Join respected ceramic artist and educator Robert Linigen for a practical, engaging full-day workshop designed to help you understand ceramic glazes with confidence.

Rather than memorising recipes or diving into complex chemistry, this workshop focuses on giving you the knowledge to make informed decisions about your glazing. You'll gain a better understanding of how glazes work, what common ingredients contribute, how commercial glazes differ, how to interpret test results, and how to recognise and troubleshoot common glaze faults.

The day will also cover food safety considerations, glaze testing, and practical ways to approach experimentation safely and confidently.

Whether you're just beginning to explore glazing or have been working with clay for years, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of why glazes behave the way they do and the confidence to achieve more consistent, successful results.

This workshop is best suited to potters who already have some experience working with clay.

Maximum 12 participants, Deep Blue Ceramics Members are priority.

Throughout the day you'll explore:

• How ceramic glazes work

• Understanding common glaze ingredients and what they contribute

• Reading and understanding glaze labels and information

• Choosing the right glaze for your project

• Understanding clay body and glaze compatibility

• Why glazes craze, crawl, pinhole, blister or run

• Practical troubleshooting techniques

• Colour development using stains, oxides and commercial products

• Food safety considerations

• Designing meaningful glaze tests

• Developing confidence when working with commercial glazes

Learn from one of Australia's most respected ceramic educators
Robert Linigen has decades of experience as both a practising ceramic artist and educator, with a gift for explaining complex concepts in practical, approachable ways.

Understand your glazes instead of guessing
Gain the confidence to understand why glazes behave the way they do, helping you make better decisions every time you glaze your work.

Practical knowledge you can use immediately
This workshop focuses on real-world applications rather than complex theory, giving you tools and understanding you can put into practice in your own studio.

Small class, big opportunities to learn
With only 12 participants, there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions, discuss your own work and learn from the experiences of others.

A valuable investment in your pottery journey
The knowledge you gain during this workshop will continue improving your ceramics long after the day is over.