In my recent exploits in mid-range electric firing, I’ve discovered a love for Amaco’s Potter’s Choice Glazes. Given my habit of researching before buying, I tried to dredge up any online reviews and found little to be had. Because of this and how well I’ve come to like these glazes, I felt the need to share my results.
The Potter’s Choice line of glazes is extensive, and one of my favorite things about them is that they can be layered to create even more beautiful effects. Amaco’s website also displays several extremely helpful charts to give you an idea of what glaze combinations will look like. I found this feature to be extremely economical, given that two different glazes will give you a third glaze option. Layering two Potter’s Choice glazes will usually result in a glaze surface that looks entirely different from its two original components.
I have personally tried Palladium, Blue Rutile, Iron Lustre, Temmoku, Ancient Jasper, and Deep Firebrick. All of these glazes turned out beautiful and appear to be very stable with no running. Of course, it’s important to remember to always test glazes yourself, as different clays and varying firing atmospheres will greatly affect the outcomes. Of the reviews I did manage to find online, there were a few complaints of colors not coming out properly or looking dull or muddied. I did notice that areas where I used less glaze (near the foot or on the bottoms of a pot) tended to be a more neutral color. Amaco does stress the importance of applying these glazes thickly. My advice is to read over each glaze’s individual instructions, and to be generous with each layer if brushing on. This is especially important for variegated or “floating” glazes like Blue Rutile.
Palladium is one of the glazes in this line I have most recently tried for the first time. I was delighted with the results, which for me were an extremely reflective almost gunmetal metallic look. This is a glaze that is mirror-like in finish, allowing you to see yourself on its surface. Here it is coupled with a cobalt blue glaze that I mixed up in the lab:
The Potter’s Choice line of glazes is extensive, and one of my favorite things about them is that they can be layered to create even more beautiful effects. Amaco’s website also displays several extremely helpful charts to give you an idea of what glaze combinations will look like. I found this feature to be extremely economical, given that two different glazes will give you a third glaze option. Layering two Potter’s Choice glazes will usually result in a glaze surface that looks entirely different from its two original components.
I have personally tried Palladium, Blue Rutile, Iron Lustre, Temmoku, Ancient Jasper, and Deep Firebrick. All of these glazes turned out beautiful and appear to be very stable with no running. Of course, it’s important to remember to always test glazes yourself, as different clays and varying firing atmospheres will greatly affect the outcomes. Of the reviews I did manage to find online, there were a few complaints of colors not coming out properly or looking dull or muddied. I did notice that areas where I used less glaze (near the foot or on the bottoms of a pot) tended to be a more neutral color. Amaco does stress the importance of applying these glazes thickly. My advice is to read over each glaze’s individual instructions, and to be generous with each layer if brushing on. This is especially important for variegated or “floating” glazes like Blue Rutile.
Palladium is one of the glazes in this line I have most recently tried for the first time. I was delighted with the results, which for me were an extremely reflective almost gunmetal metallic look. This is a glaze that is mirror-like in finish, allowing you to see yourself on its surface. Here it is coupled with a cobalt blue glaze that I mixed up in the lab:
The one drawback to the Palladium glaze is that it is not food safe due to it containing soluble copper. However, that doesn't keep it from being an absolutely gorgeous accent glaze on outer surfaces. I also imagine it would look lovely on sculptural work. Like the other glazes in this line, it's important to be generous when applying the glaze to get the desired effect.
If you think you might be interested in trying these glazes, head on over to Amaco's website and check them out! They have some beautiful full color online charts featuring not only the individual glazes but a myriad of glaze layering possibilities. I know they can be bought through several different online stores, but consider supporting your local clay and glaze distributors if you can! If you have any questions or would like to leave your own thoughts on the subject, be sure to leave a comment.
If you think you might be interested in trying these glazes, head on over to Amaco's website and check them out! They have some beautiful full color online charts featuring not only the individual glazes but a myriad of glaze layering possibilities. I know they can be bought through several different online stores, but consider supporting your local clay and glaze distributors if you can! If you have any questions or would like to leave your own thoughts on the subject, be sure to leave a comment.