Glaze vs. Pigment: Which Should You Choose for Your Ceramic Pieces?

Hand-painted ceramics is an art that combines creativity and technique. Yet one of the most common dilemmas for those who work with ceramics is choosing between glaze and pigment. Both techniques offer unique finishes, but understanding their differences and applications can help you make the right decisions for each piece. In this article, we take an in-depth look at their advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose the most suitable option according to the style and functionality of your creations. We will also point out the ones we use most at Kinara Ceramics to craft one-of-a-kind pieces.

What is glaze in ceramics?

Ceramic glaze is a glassy layer applied over the surface of pieces to protect them and enhance their appearance. It is obtained from a mixture of silica, fluxes and metallic oxides which, when subjected to high temperatures (between 900 and 1300 °C), melt to form a smooth, glossy and durable film.

Glaze not only adds colour, but also provides a waterproof barrier, preventing liquids from penetrating the clay. This makes it an ideal choice for functional pieces such as mugs, plates and bowls.

At Kinara Ceramics, we apply glossy glazes in two coats to ensure an even, long-lasting finish. This type of glaze reflects up to 80% of the light, making pieces look fresher and more vibrant.

Types of ceramic glaze: glossy, matte and opaque

• Glossy glaze: Its luminous finish reflects light and enhances colours, making pieces look fresh and vibrant. It is common on tableware thanks to how easy it is to clean. At Kinara Ceramics we use this type of glaze in the final step to bathe the piece and achieve a glossy, long-lasting finish.
• Matte glaze: Offers a sophisticated, natural look, absorbing light rather than reflecting it. However, it can be more prone to staining. It is ideal for decorative pieces.
• Opaque glaze: Completely covers the natural colour of the clay and allows for intense, uniform tones. It is usually used for more modern, minimalist designs. This is the one we at Kinara Ceramics normally use to give a piece a vibrant colour, turning it into a one-of-a-kind piece.

Advantages of glaze:

• Durability: Resistant to scratches, stains and high temperatures.
• Professional finish: Allows you to achieve smooth, even surfaces.
• Variety: A wide range of colours and effects (crackle, crystallisation, among others). At Kinara Ceramics we strive to create designs that are unique in the market, and glaze offers us endless possibilities to do so.

Disadvantages of glaze:

• Complex process: Requires technical knowledge and precise temperature control.
• Incompatibility: Not all glazes work well with all clays.

At Kinara Ceramics we encourage you to find your own style; we combine glaze and pigment on the same piece to achieve something truly unique.

What is pigment in ceramics?

Ceramic pigments are coloured compounds, generally based on metallic oxides, used to add colour to both the clay and the glazes. Unlike glaze, pigment does not create a glassy layer; instead it dyes the surface directly or is blended into the ceramic body.

Using pigments allows for precise, personalised detail, ideal for techniques such as cuerda seca, sgraffito or majolica. Pigments are particularly useful for artists who want to control every aspect of colour and design in their pieces.

One trick we use at Kinara Ceramics is to slightly dilute the pigment to create watercolour-like effects. Experiment with this technique!

Types of pigments:

• Metallic oxides: Iron oxide; reddish and brown tones. Copper oxide; green and turquoise tones. Cobalt oxide: deep blue tones.
• Ceramic stains: Pre-mixed blends that guarantee predictable, stable results at different firing temperatures.

At Kinara Ceramics we recommend using the brand “Prodesco”, created in Spain, which we use ourselves. It offers oxides ready-mixed or in powder form; for beginners we recommend the ready-mixed ones for easy application.

In our experience, Prodesco pigments offer excellent colour stability even at high temperatures.

Advantages of pigment:

• Precision: Ideal for fine designs and intricate detail.
• Versatility: Allows for diverse techniques such as direct painting, stamping or washing.
• Colour control: The resulting tones are more predictable and consistent.

Disadvantages of pigment:

• Lower resistance: It needs to be protected with a clear glaze if the piece will come into contact with food or liquids.
• Less depth: Unlike glaze, pigment does not create a glassy finish, which can affect how the piece is perceived.

Key differences between glaze and pigment:

Visual appearance:

• Glaze: Provides a glossy, deep, glassy finish, ideal for pieces that aim for a polished, professional look.
• Pigment: Offers flatter, more matte colours, allowing for precise detail and more controlled artistic effects.

Durability and resistance:

• Glaze: Its glassy layer makes it waterproof and more resistant to knocks and stains, ideal for tableware and containers.
• Pigment: As it does not form a protective layer, it is more vulnerable to abrasion and must be covered with glaze for functional pieces.

Application and firing process:

• Glaze: Requires firing at high temperatures for the minerals to fuse correctly. Application is usually even, using techniques such as pouring, brushing or dipping.
• Pigment: Can be applied before or after the first firing (bisque). It also allows for more artistic techniques such as sgraffito, stencilling and direct painting.

Which to choose according to the style of your pieces?

The choice between glaze and pigment depends on both the use and the style of the piece. Here are a few tips:

For functional pieces, glaze is essential to guarantee water resistance and durability, especially for tableware, mugs and bowls. Opt for clear glazes if you want to show off the natural colour of the clay or the applied pigments.

For decorative pieces, however, pigments make it possible to create intricate detail and control tones better. Techniques such as sgraffito or cuerda seca are perfect for vases, decorative plates and murals.

For example, we would use glaze for a set of everyday plates with a glossy, hard-wearing finish. For a decorative vase with detailed floral motifs applied by brush, however, we would use pigment.

Conclusion: find your own unique style

At Kinara Ceramics we encourage you to seek a style that is truly your own and unique. Ceramics is an art full of possibilities, and the choice between glaze and pigment is fundamental to defining the style of your pieces. Both techniques offer unique advantages, from the resistance and shine of glaze to the precision and detail of pigment.

Exploring, testing and combining both options can open up a world of creative possibilities. Experiment with different finishes and discover which one best reflects your artistic vision!

Every piece tells a unique story, and at Kinara Ceramics we believe that combining techniques is the best way to express that story. Keep experimenting and creating one-of-a-kind works!

Has this technique inspired you? Discover how we combine glaze and pigment in each of our unique hand-painted ceramic pieces, and in the tableware of our Raíces Collection.