If you want your matte glaze to be satin, or only slightly glossy, just add a small amount of Silica. This will move the dot only slightly to the right on the Stull chart. Typically a SiO2:Al2O3 ratio between 5 and 6 will give you a satin glaze. If it's too matte, add some Silica.
Since something becomes shiny due to the reflection of light on a very smooth surface, the first thing you need to make a proper mirror glaze, is a very smooth surface to pour the glaze on. If the surface is very uneven it cannot spread out properly and become reflective.
In order to make your own ceramic glaze, simply mix a glaze powder with water. It is a relatively simple process. The overall process involves measuring out water, mixing the glaze powder into the water, sieving, adjusting viscosity or density, and letting the glaze sit before it is applied to your bisque-ware.
Epsom salt additions can be invaluable for glazes, its enables creating a thixotropic (gelled) slurry that applies evenly, holds in place and goes on in the right thickness on porous or dense bisque ware. When the slurry has a sympathetic specific gravity, about 2g per gallon of epsom salts should gel it.
All you need to do is mix the gloss medium into the paint on the palette, and then paint as normal. The paint should dry to a glossy finish. To achieve even more gloss, apply a high gloss varnish once the painting is finished and the paint is dry.
Could be the combination, could be on too thin, or it could be you need to soak the glaze at the maturing temperature. You could try using a ^7 is you have a cone setter. If it looks too thin, try adding more glaze. If you think you got it on thick enough, just refire it hotter or soak at ^6 for 30 minutes or so.
Fluid melt glazes will run off ware if applied too thick. Glazes having a thermal expansion lower than the body, and thickly applied on the inside of vessels, can fracture the piece during kiln cooling. Those having a higher expansion than the body will often craze if applied too thick.
Typically, three coats are applied. Each dries slowly, hardening as it does so (the glazes contain binders). This provides a stable base for the next one.
*Does Glaze Effects Require Topcoat? Absolutely. All stains and glazes require a sealant. Think of the stain or glaze as the color and the topcoat as protection.
It should require less than approximately one teaspoon of Epsom salt solution per gallon of glaze.
Pottery can be reglazed and refried multiple times. Most pottery glazes need to be applied in 1-3 layers. Pottery that has already been fired with a glaze can be re-glazed and fired 2 times.
Can I rehydrate my glaze if it is dried out? Yes, just add water and give it a little while to hydrate and then stir. Once mixed to smooth consistency it is ready to use again. It is ideal to run it through a screen or sieve, but not required.
You want to gently brush on 2 to 3 thin layers of Clear Glaze over your pottery. If you apply too much glaze on top of the underglaze, your glaze will turn out milky over the underglaze. I get the best results with two coats of Clear Glaze.
ANSWER: Yes! GF recommends sealing Glaze Effects with High Performance Top Coat. Even though General Finishes Milk Paint does not require a top coat for light to medium wear, once Glaze Effects is added GF recommends sealing the piece with High Performance.
Ammonia-water solution
Ammonia is one of the best floor cleaners with remarkable result in removing floor stains and restoring the shine on floor tiles. You can add a few drops of ammonia into warm water in a mop bucket and mix well.
This can be achieved by using an enhancing sealer, which will add some shine to the tile flooring and maintain its wet look. There are both solvent- and water-based enhancers, but the solvent-based enhancers are recommended because they are easier to apply and soak into the stone better.
Brush a coat of high gloss polyurethane gloss onto the painted surface using a foam brush if you want even more of a shine. Polyurethane is basically a clear sealant that provides extra gloss to the surface.
A brush with soft, 2-inch bristles will minimize brush strokes in gloss paint. Gloss paint produces a shiny glass-like finish for furniture and woodwork which is highly light-reflective, magnifying imperfections such as brush strokes.
CMC gum is a ceramic glaze additive that can be used to help improve brushability in glazes that are mixed for dipping. Not only can CMC gum help improve brushability, but it can also help potters get better results when stamping glazes.
Not only does salt glazing seal the ware, but it creates a distinctive orange-peel texture that has become a desirable decorative trait of salt glazed ware.