glazing

Glazing is a broad term used in several crafts and trades to describe two primary concepts: the application of a glassy coating to a surface and the installation of glass panes in a structure. In a broader sense, it can also refer to the technique of applying transparent layers of paint in painting.

In architecture and construction, glazing refers to the use of glass in windows, doors, skylights, and curtain walls. It involves securing glass panes with frames and seals, applying glazing compounds or gasket systems, and sometimes using spacers for insulated glazing units (IGUs). Modern glazing often includes low-emissivity coatings, tinted or reflective glass, frits (ceramic patterns baked into the glass), and even smart glass that can change its properties. Safety considerations favor tempered or laminated glass, proper edge sealing, and appropriate framing to meet load and impact requirements. Energy efficiency, daylighting, acoustics, and weatherproofing are central goals of architectural glazing.

In ceramics, glaze denotes a vitreous coating fused to pottery or tiles during firing. Glazes are composed of silica, fluxes, and stabilizers, often with colorants. They can produce glossy, matte, or crystalline surfaces and may be applied by dipping, brushing, or spraying. Compatibility with the clay body is important to prevent defects such as crazing or peeling. Glazes are fired at specific temperatures (low, mid, or high fire), and modern formulations are typically lead-free for safety and environmental reasons.

In painting, glazing is a technique of applying transparent or semi-transparent layers of color over another paint layer to build depth and luminosity, commonly used in oil and acrylic media.