Post #623651 by MadDogMike on Sat, Feb 4, 2012 9:37 PM

"Glaze suggestions are very welcomed! "

I ruined my first pieces because I didn't realize the difference between opaque and transparent glazes (Actually, I ruined my very first moldings because I didn't understand the difference between cone 04 and cone 4) Opaque glazes cover up and hide any fine details and textures you have in your sculpt. But opaque glazes come in some cool crystaline glazes that have a base of one color and crystals that turn into specks, dots, and splotches of different colors. Transparent glazes are darker where they are thick, like in nooks & cranies, and lighter where they are thin, like on edges. They give your piece subtle variations of color and accentuate your details and texturing. One characteric of both opaque and transparent glazes is that they blend into one another when painted side by side. That can be good or bad, depending on the effect you want. If you are trying to paint lettering or some similar details, that's bad because it all bleeds together. That's where underglazes can come in. They are more like an engobe or colored slip and they don't spread, great for small details. But they are opaque and will cover details, and they are a matte finish - you have to put clear glaze over them if you want a glossy finish.

As far as brand names, everyone has their favorites. Depends on characteristics, price, availabilty, colors, etc. I like Duncan Envisions for tranparent glazes and Duncan Cover-Coat for underglaze. Try a couple of small bottles before you buy a quart of every color they sell :D