Ceramics
Practical advice for documenting glaze experiments visually and numerically to accelerate repeatable studio outcomes.
A practical guide for potters and ceramicists to record glaze experiments with careful visual notes, precise measurements, and repeatable steps that streamline studio workflows and improve success rates.
July 18, 2025 - 3 min Read
Ceramic glaze testing thrives on consistent method and clear record keeping. Start with a simple baseline recipe and a standardized quad of variables: glaze thickness, kiln temperature, soak time, and glaze application method. Photograph each test from multiple angles with neutral lighting to capture color shifts and surface texture. Create a labeled run sheet that maps each test to a unique code, including the date, batch number, and the operator. As you proceed, cultivate a habit of noting anomalies—puddling, crawling, pinholing, or blistering—so patterns emerge rather than isolated misfires. A well-documented series provides a reliable reference when you need to reproduce or adjust results later.
In addition to visuals, numerical data anchors your glaze work. Build a simple spreadsheet to track recipe weights, additions, and water content, plus firing parameters like ramp rate, peak temperature, and hold duration. Record outcome scores for glaze performance: color quality, gloss level, film uniformity, and any glaze defects observed after cooling. Use a numeric scale for each category to ease comparison across tests. Regularly back up your data and store it in a cloud folder synchronized with photos and notes. A disciplined data approach reduces guesswork, highlights reliable variables, and speeds up the iteration cycle toward a stable glaze.
Pair precise measurements with thoughtful observations for robust data.
A visual log without numbers can mislead you during analysis, so pair photographs with precise measurements. Include a scale reference in each image, note the glaze thickness as a decimal millimeter value, and document substrate color and texture. When you change a variable such as glaze viscosity, capture both a photo and the exact measurement in seconds of stirring time or spatula lift. Consistency in camera type, lens, and white balance is essential to ensure your images tell a trustworthy story. Over months, this synergy between visuals and metrics becomes a powerful map for repeatability and predictable outcomes.
To keep records usable, design a lightweight naming convention that travels across files and platforms. For example: glazecode_potterydate_batch_operator_thickness.png and glazecode_summary.csv. Create a “before” and “after” annotation grid on each image to flag notable results. In your notes, reference the recipe code, the exact batch weight, and any substitutions, such as alternative feldspars or colorants. Regularly prune duplicate tests and consolidate related experiments into clusters. A tidy archive makes it easy to retrieve an exemplar test when developing new formulations or teaching students in the studio.
Documenting color, texture, and glaze chemistry clarifies decisions.
When you measure glaze behavior, aim for repeatable procedures that can be described in a single paragraph. For example, a standard test might specify glaze brush thickness, firing soak, and cooling rate. Document environmental conditions in the studio as they influence glaze response: humidity, airflow, and kiln ventilation can subtly alter results. Record the angle of application and the number of coats, noting any variations that occur with different brush types or sponges. The more consistently you capture these factors, the more you reveal about why a glaze behaves the way it does under real studio conditions.
A well-structured data sheet should feature a legend that decodes color values and material names. Include a column for batch notes, where you summarize what worked well and where trouble arose. As you accumulate data, start building a trend line for each glaze by plotting outcome scores against a single variable such as temperature or viscosity. This visual trend helps you anticipate shifts in color or clarity before you run the next series. Over time, patterns emerge that guide you toward robust, repeatable glazes rather than ad hoc improvisation.
Create a studio-wide system that scales with your practice.
Color interpretation in firing is tricky; capture the moment when a glaze shows its truest hue by photographing under standardized illumination. Use a daylight-balanced light source and a neutral backdrop to minimize color distortion. Include a color card in at least one shot per batch to calibrate hues post-production. Pair photographs with qualitative notes about gloss presence, crackle formation, and the feel of the surface to help you translate color shifts into tangible formulation changes. This holistic approach marries what you see with what you measure, creating a dependable frame for future experiments.
Chemistry-minded potters benefit from linking glaze formulas to their visual results. Keep a readable glossary of functional terms—flux, glass former, opacifier—so everyone in the studio can follow decisions. When you adjust a component, document the rationale, the exact supplier and lot number, and any substitutions. Maintain a running list of experiments with cross-referenced codes, so later tests can be traced to the precise materials and processes used. A transparent chain of custody for every glaze encourages thoughtful refinement and minimizes misinterpretation across projects.
Turning data into repeatable studio outcomes takes steady practice.
Introduce a centralized notebook or digital log where all glaze experiments converge. Each entry should include dates, operator initials, recipe details, and firing profiles. Encourage collaborators to add observations and questions, creating a living document that evolves with the studio’s learning. Implement controls to prevent overwriting essential data: keep original entries intact and append new notes. A shared framework reduces conflicting memories and accelerates collective problem solving. As your log grows, it becomes a valuable training resource for apprentices and visiting makers who want to understand your glaze language.
Regular audits of your glaze archive help maintain quality over time. Schedule quarterly reviews to re-evaluate tested formulations against current studio practices, including kiln calibration and glaze preparation methods. During audits, extract representative samples and compare with recent results to validate consistency. Update your documentation with any corrections or clarifications, and archive obsolete entries with clear rationale. A routine, disciplined review ensures that old tests continue to inform present work rather than sit unused in dormant folders.
Once your documentation habits mature, you’ll notice how small, consistent adjustments compound into reliable glazes. Rely on the collective data to guide decisions, rather than ephemeral impressions, when expanding into new color families or specialized surfaces. Translate findings into practical studio rules: when viscosity rises above a threshold, or when a particular silica source behaves differently, you know exactly how to adjust. The goal is a living, teachable archive that supports ongoing experimentation while preserving the integrity of proven formulas.
Finally, foster a culture of sharing and critique around glaze records. Invite peers to review entries, question interpretations, and propose alternative approaches. Publicly posting a few representative test results can spark collaborative improvements and invite external perspectives. By inviting constructive feedback, you turn solitary glass-making into a collaborative craft, increasing the studio’s capability to reproduce favorable outcomes under varying conditions. A robust documentation habit not only saves time; it expands the creative possibilities you can safely pursue.
