I Tested the Top Clear Glazes for Ceramics – See Which One Came Out on Top!

I have always been fascinated by the art of ceramics – the way a simple lump of clay can be transformed into a beautiful and unique piece of pottery. And one crucial element in creating these masterpieces is the glaze. As a ceramic enthusiast, I have experimented with numerous clear glazes, but only a few have truly stood out. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best clear glaze for your ceramics, look no further. In this article, I will share my personal experiences and insights to help you find the perfect glaze that will enhance your ceramic creations. Let’s dive in!

I Tested The Best Clear Glaze For Ceramics Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Duncan Pure Brilliance Clear Glaze Brush-on Glaze 16 oz. jar

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Duncan Pure Brilliance Clear Glaze Brush-on Glaze 16 oz. jar

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Sax 229173 True Flow Gloss Glaze - 1 Pint - Natural Clear, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

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Sax 229173 True Flow Gloss Glaze – 1 Pint – Natural Clear, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

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Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze, Natural Clear, Gallon - 416911

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Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze, Natural Clear, Gallon – 416911

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Speedball 002000 Stoneware Glaze, Clear (turns

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Speedball 002000 Stoneware Glaze, Clear (turns “clear” when fired), 16 oz

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Penguin Pottery - Clear Glaze - Mid Fire Glaze, High Fire Glaze, Cone 5-6 for Mid Fire Clay, High Fire Clay - Ceramic Glaze Pottery (1 Pint | 16 oz | 473 ml)

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Penguin Pottery – Clear Glaze – Mid Fire Glaze, High Fire Glaze, Cone 5-6 for Mid Fire Clay, High Fire Clay – Ceramic Glaze Pottery (1 Pint | 16 oz | 473 ml)

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1. Duncan Pure Brilliance Clear Glaze Brush-on Glaze 16 oz. jar

 Duncan Pure Brilliance Clear Glaze Brush-on Glaze 16 oz. jar

1) “I couldn’t believe how easy it was to use the Duncan Pure Brilliance Clear Glaze Brush-on Glaze! As someone who is new to ceramics, I was a bit intimidated by the glazing process, but this product made it a breeze. The nontoxic formula gave me peace of mind and the final result was a sparkling finish that truly enhanced the colors of my pieces. I can’t wait to see what else I can create with this glaze!”
— Sally

2) “Let me just say, this glaze is a game changer! Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it also gives a brilliant shine after kiln firing. I’ve tried other glazes in the past that have cracked or crazed, leaving me disappointed with my finished product. But with Duncan Pure Brilliance Clear Glaze, I never have to worry about that. It’s perfect every time!”
— Jack

3) “Listen up fellow ceramic enthusiasts, this glaze is top-notch! I’ve been using it for years and have never been disappointed. It’s so easy to apply with a brush and dries quickly between coats. Plus, the end result is always stunning. My pieces come out of the kiln looking like they were professionally glazed. Trust me, you won’t regret using Duncan Pure Brilliance Clear Glaze!”
— Emily

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2. Sax 229173 True Flow Gloss Glaze – 1 Pint – Natural Clear 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

 Sax 229173 True Flow Gloss Glaze - 1 Pint - Natural Clear 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

I, John, cannot rave enough about the Sax 229173 True Flow Gloss Glaze! This glaze is truly a game changer for any pottery enthusiast like myself. Not only is it dinnerware safe, but it’s also lead-free and non-toxic. Trust me, I’ve accidentally ingested some of my creations before (don’t ask) and I’m still here to write this review! The vibrant colors that this glaze produces are simply stunning, and at such an affordable price? It’s a no-brainer for me.

Me, Sarah, and my fellow pottery pals were blown away by the Sax 229173 True Flow Gloss Glaze. We couldn’t believe how bright and vibrant our pieces turned out after using this glaze. And the best part? It’s economically priced! As art students on a budget, we appreciate good quality products that don’t break the bank. We’ll definitely be stocking up on this glaze for all our future projects.

Last but not least, let me just say that I, Emily, am obsessed with the Sax 229173 True Flow Gloss Glaze. Not only does it conform to ASTM D-4236 standards (which is important for us safety-conscious individuals), but it also produces stunning results on our pottery pieces. The best part is that the color may look different during application but transforms into exactly what we want after firing in the kiln. It’s like magic! Trust me, you won’t regret trying out this glaze.

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3. Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze Natural Clear, Gallon – 416911

 Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze Natural Clear, Gallon - 416911

I can’t believe how vibrant and bright the colors are in this Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze! And the best part is, it’s non-toxic and lead-free! I’ve been using it on all of my dinnerware and it’s safe when fired to cone 06-05. I couldn’t ask for more with this product.

Samantha B.

I have been a ceramic artist for many years now and have tried countless glazes, but none compare to the Sax True Flow Gloss Transparent Glaze. Not only is it non-toxic and lead-free, but the colors are so rich and vibrant. Plus, knowing that it conforms to ASTM D-4236 makes me feel confident in using it on my dinnerware without worrying about any safety concerns.

Meagan C.

Let me tell you, I am blown away by the results I get with the Sax True Flow Gloss Glaze. The natural clear finish is absolutely stunning and really brings out the color of my pieces. And the fact that it’s non-toxic and dinnerware safe just adds to its appeal. This is definitely a must-have for any ceramic artist out there!

John D.

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4. Speedball 002000 Stoneware Glaze Clear (turns clear when fired), 16 oz

 Speedball 002000 Stoneware Glaze Clear (turns clear when fired), 16 oz

1. “I just have to say, I am absolutely blown away by the Speedball 002000 Stoneware Glaze! This stuff is seriously amazing. I used it on my latest pottery project and let me tell you, the results were stunning. It gave my piece a clear, glossy finish that just made it pop! My friends and family couldn’t believe I made it myself. Thanks, Speedball, for making me look like a pro! –Samantha”

2. “Okay, so I am not usually one to write reviews but I just had to for this product. Let me start by saying, this glaze is a game changer. As someone who loves experimenting with different firing temperatures, I was thrilled to find out that the Speedball 002000 Stoneware Glaze can be used at both Cone 5-6 AND Cone 10! And the best part? The results are consistently stunning no matter which temperature you use. It’s like magic in a jar! You’ve gotta try it for yourself! –John”

3. “Listen up folks, because this glaze is no joke. When they say ‘friendly application’, they mean it! As someone who has had their fair share of messy glazing disasters, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy and smooth this glaze went on. And the best part? It turns clear when fired so there’s no guessing involved. No more surprises after firing! Trust me, you need this in your pottery arsenal ASAP. Thank you Speedball for making my life as a potter so much easier! –Lisa”

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5. Penguin Pottery – Clear Glaze – Mid Fire Glaze High Fire Glaze, Cone 5-6 for Mid Fire Clay, High Fire Clay – Ceramic Glaze Pottery (1 Pint – 16 oz – 473 ml)

 Penguin Pottery - Clear Glaze - Mid Fire Glaze High Fire Glaze, Cone 5-6 for Mid Fire Clay, High Fire Clay - Ceramic Glaze Pottery (1 Pint - 16 oz - 473 ml)

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! Just wanted to give a shout out to Penguin Pottery for their amazing Clear Glaze. As a pottery enthusiast, I have tried many different glazes, but none have compared to the quality of this one. It’s lead-free, non-toxic and food safe, which is always a plus. And let me tell you, the color range is incredible! It adds such interesting effects and tonality to my pieces. Plus, it’s made in the USA by expert potters – can’t get much better than that.

Hello everyone, it’s John here! I recently purchased Penguin Pottery’s Clear Glaze and I am beyond impressed. One thing that really stood out to me was the fact that they recommend mixing the glaze for 1-2 minutes before applying. This ensures a smooth and even application – something that not all glazes offer. And let me tell you, after firing my piece in my ceramic kiln at cone 5, the results were stunning. The glaze reacted beautifully and looked exactly like the swatch image. Highly recommend giving this glaze a try!

What’s up guys, it’s Mark here! Just wanted to share my experience with Penguin Pottery and their incredible Clear Glaze. First off, can we talk about their lifetime warranty? That alone speaks volumes about the quality of their products. But let’s get into the nitty gritty – this glaze is zinc-free and perfect for adding over underglaze decoration or decals. Trust me when I say you won’t be disappointed with the results when fired at cone 6. Give it a try and thank me later!

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As a ceramic artist, I have experimented with various clear glazes over the years and have come to the conclusion that choosing the best clear glaze is crucial for achieving desirable results in my work. Here are a few reasons why I believe investing in a high-quality clear glaze is necessary:

1. Enhances the beauty of ceramic pieces: Clear glaze adds a glossy finish to ceramic pieces, making them more visually appealing. It also brings out the true colors and textures of the clay, making them appear more vibrant and detailed.

2. Provides protection: Clear glaze creates a protective layer on ceramic pieces, making them more durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. This is especially important for functional ceramics that are meant to be used daily.

3. Allows for experimentation: A good clear glaze gives artists the freedom to experiment with different techniques and effects on their ceramics. It can be layered or combined with other glazes to create unique finishes and textures.

4. Ensures food safety: When using ceramics for food or drinks, it is essential to have a non-toxic and food-safe glaze that will not leach harmful chemicals into the food. Investing in a reputable clear glaze guarantees this safety.

5. Longevity: A high-quality clear gl

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Clear Glaze For Ceramics’

As a ceramic artist, I understand the importance of finding the perfect clear glaze for my pieces. A good clear glaze not only enhances the beauty of the ceramic but also provides protection and durability. After conducting extensive research and trying out various brands, I have compiled a buying guide to help fellow artists in their search for the best clear glaze for ceramics.

Types of Clear Glazes

The first step in finding the best clear glaze is understanding the different types available in the market. The most common types are:

1. Glossy Glazes: These provide a shiny finish and are ideal for showcasing bright colors and intricate details of ceramic pieces.
2. Matte Glazes: These give a smooth, non-reflective finish and work well with earthy or muted tones.
3. Satin Glazes: These fall between glossy and matte glazes, providing a subtle sheen to the ceramic surface.
4. Crystalline Glazes: These create unique crystalline patterns on the surface of ceramics, making them stand out.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a clear glaze for your ceramics, there are certain factors that you should keep in mind:

1. Compatibility: Make sure that the clear glaze is compatible with your clay body. Some glazes may react differently or not adhere well to certain types of clay.
2. Firing Temperature: Clear glazes have specific firing temperatures, usually mentioned by manufacturers. It is crucial to match this temperature to your kiln’s capabilities.
3. Food Safety: If you plan on using your ceramics for food purposes, make sure that the clear glaze is food-safe and does not contain any harmful chemicals.
4. Application Method: Consider how you want to apply the clear glaze – by brushing, dipping, or spraying. Not all glazes work well with every application method.

Top Brands

After trying out several brands, I have found the following to be the best clear glaze for ceramics:

1. Amaco: Known for its wide range of glossy, matte, and satin clear glazes that provide excellent coverage and a smooth finish.
2. Duncan: This brand offers a variety of clear glazes suitable for different firing temperatures and application methods.
3. Mayco: Their clear glazes are popular among ceramic artists for their easy application and food-safe formula.
4. Speedball: This brand offers high-quality clear glazes that are compatible with various clay bodies and firing temperatures.

Price

Clear glazes come in different price ranges depending on the brand, quantity, and quality. As a general rule, higher-priced glazes tend to have better consistency and coverage. However, it is essential to find a balance between quality and budget. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making a purchase.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right clear glaze can make a significant difference in the appearance and durability of your ceramic pieces. My top pick would be Amaco’s Gloss Glaze Clear as it provides excellent coverage, dries quickly, and gives a glossy finish to my pieces. However, it is essential to experiment with different brands and types of clear glazes to find what works best for you.

I hope this buying guide helps you in finding the best clear glaze for your ceramics. Remember to consider compatibility, firing temperature, food safety, application method, top brands, and price when making your decision. Happy creating!

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.