Glazing Techniques in Ceramics: Spray Glazing vs. Dipping Glazing
Release time:
2025-10-23
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Abstract
Spray glazing and dipping glazing are two core glazing techniques in ceramic production, differing primarily in operation method, application scenario, and final effect.
Ⅰ. Overview of Core Differences
Dipping Glazing
It involves fully submerging a dried ceramic body into a glaze slurry tank. The glaze layer is adsorbed by the body’s water absorption, making it suitable for simple-structured, flat-surfaced wares (e.g., bowls, cups, plates) to ensure even glaze adsorption.
- Glaze surface effect: The glaze layer is uniform with controllable thickness, easily creating smooth "running glaze" (glaze drips).
- Limitation: Complex-shaped wares tend to have glaze accumulation or missing glaze.
Spray Glazing
It is the worker uses a spray gun to uniformly spray atomized glaze slurry onto the body’s surface. It is ideal for complex-shaped wares with hollowouts or embossed textures, as it can precisely cover detailed areas.
- Glaze surface effect: The glaze layer is thin and uniform, enabling artistic effects like gradient colors and color overlapping.
- Limitation:High technical requirements for workers
Ⅱ. Technical Details & Operational Difficulties
Aspect | Dipping Glazing | Spray Glazing |
Tools | Glaze slurry tank, holding tools | Spray gun, air compressor, dust-proof equipment |
Glaze Slurry Concentration | High concentration (high fluidity) | Low concentration (easy for atomization) |
Key Operation Points | Control of immersion speed and duration (affects glaze thickness) | Adjustment of spray distance, angle, and air pressure |
Common Issues | Glaze running, glaze accumulation, body cracking | Over-thin glaze layer, uneven spray spots, glaze waste |
Repair Difficulty | Hard to repair after drying | Local re-spraying is feasible |
Note!!!: Dipping glazing requires fast operation to prevent the ceramic body from softening; spray glazing demands protective measures to avoid inhaling glaze particles.
Ⅲ. Application Scenarios & Artistic Expression
Typical Applications of Dipping Glazing
- Traditional monochromatic glaze ceramics: Pursues pure glaze color and fluidity.
- Multi-color glazing: Achievable by repeated dipping from multiple angles (for color-blocked wares).
Creative Advantages of Spray Glazing
- Color overlapping: Creates gradient or mottled effects through repeated spraying.
- Local control: Glazes only specific areas, preserving the natural texture of the ceramic body.
- Combined process: Often used with dipping glazing (e.g., first dip for base glaze, then spray for surface decorative glaze).
Ⅳ. Practical Operation Precautions
Key Points for Dipping Glazing
1. The ceramic body must be fully dried to avoid cracking when absorbing glaze slurry.
2. Stir the glaze slurry regularly to prevent sedimentation; calibrate its concentration with a hydrometer.
Core Tips for Spray Glazing
1. Maintain a 20-30cm distance between the spray gun and the body; move the gun at a constant speed to avoid glaze accumulation.
2. Apply thin layers multiple times (dry each layer completely before spraying the next) to prevent glaze running or kiln explosion during firing.
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