What's in Glaze?
Have you ever wondered what gives pottery its unique coloration and makes it safe to use for food and drink? It’s glaze! No, not the sugary donut kind.
But what is glaze; why do potters use it and what makes it safe?
In pottery, glaze is a thin glass coating fused to the surface of clay. While it’s true that these can have highly complicated chemical structures, they are completely safe to drink and eat out of.
But how?
This is because the chemicals melt, becoming homogenized and non-porous. Meaning when pottery goes into the kiln to be fired, the heat transforms what would be harmful into something safe and beautiful.
In pottery, glaze is a thin glass coating fused to the surface of clay. While it’s true that these can have highly complicated chemical structures, they are completely safe to drink and eat out of.
But how?
This is because the chemicals melt, becoming homogenized and non-porous. Meaning when pottery goes into the kiln to be fired, the heat transforms what would be harmful into something safe and beautiful.
How hot, you ask? Well, we fire at 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. Though there are many options regarding temperature, we find this one works the best for us— this isn’t your normal oven at home!
How long have potters been glazing? Though there were many different processes, the glazing process that grew into what we use now is thought to have originated around 1500 B.C. in the Middle East and Egypt, shortly after the invention of glass.
The process has changed over the years of course, but glazing has been a practice for over 2,000 years. Which makes pottery, and also glazing, an ancient art from throw to sip!
How long have potters been glazing? Though there were many different processes, the glazing process that grew into what we use now is thought to have originated around 1500 B.C. in the Middle East and Egypt, shortly after the invention of glass.
The process has changed over the years of course, but glazing has been a practice for over 2,000 years. Which makes pottery, and also glazing, an ancient art from throw to sip!
