Englaze

Englaze is a term used in ceramics, pottery, and tile production to describe the act of applying a glaze to a ceramic surface, typically after initial firing or as part of a reglazing process. The word can refer to applying glaze over an unfired, or bisque-fired, piece to develop a glassy surface, or to adding a new glaze layer over an existing glaze to repair defects, deepen color, or adjust sheen. In some craft contexts, englazing is used interchangeably with reglazing, though some practitioners reserve englaze for the initial glaze application.

Process and methods: preparation is important and usually includes cleaning the surface, inspecting for pinholes, cracks, or crazing, and smoothing any irregularities. The glaze is prepared to the desired viscosity and applied by dipping, pouring, spraying, or brushing. After application, the piece is allowed to dry before being fired in a kiln to the glaze’s maturation temperature. The exact temperature depends on glaze chemistry and the type of ceramic body, often ranging from low to high fire (for example, cone 06 to cone 10 in common ceramic practice). The firing causes the glaze to melt and fuse with the ceramic surface, creating a protective and decorative glassy coating.

In tile production, englazing refers to firing a glaze layer onto tile bodies to create a uniform finished surface with color and gloss. The term appears more frequently in historical or craft contexts, while contemporary production more often uses “glaze” or “re-glaze” to describe the same process.