I fire in a community/studio kiln…will my clays and glazes
be okay if I fire to Cone 6?

Yes, that’s perfectly fine, our clays and glazes do great fired to Cone 6.

Here are some exceptions:

Certain glazes like our Crystal Blossoms do have a specific firing schedule to adhere to in order to achieve optimal results, they can be found here.

 Just certain clays such as B-Mix with Speckles WC-408, #50 WC606, or ^5 Half and Half WC402 should only be fired to Cone 5 as they if will bloat if fired hotter.

 

Are Laguna Glazes Food Safe?

Yes, all Laguna Glazes are food safe! Our glazes are
formulated without lead or cadmium, aligning with food safety standards.

To further ensure a glaze is appropriate for dinnerware, please ensure to properly fire your pieces to full maturity. Firing Schedules can be found here.

A smooth, defect-free surface free from crazing, pinholes, or rough textures is essential to prevent bacterial growth or leaching of other materials. Matte or textured glazes, depending on their fired surface, may not always be the best choice for direct food contact.

I just opened my glaze pint and it’s pretty thick, is
this okay to use?

Yes, Laguna Glaze can be thicker than other companies! That is good for the consumer as you will find more value in each bottle. There are two steps to take when opening a Laguna glaze.

1. Shake very well. Materials settle giving a very think consistency. This will help you even out the consistency.
2. Add water to thin to your particular desire, realizing that that color of the glaze will not be effected. You may need an extra coat if very thin.

 

Do I need to bisque fire before glazing?

Yes, unless you're working with a single-fire technique. Bisque firing helps clay become porous and durable enough to absorb glaze without collapsing or cracking in the glaze firing.

What temp should I bisque my ware to?

Hotter or cooler bisque temps can affect glaze application, but in general, Cone 04 is recommended. Firing Schedules can be found here.

What cone should I fire my glaze to?

Always refer to the label. Laguna glazes are formulated for specific temperature ranges (e.g., Cone 06, Cone 5, Cone 10). Firing outside that range can cause defects like pinholing, crawling, or running. Firing Schedules are here.

 

Why is my glaze crawling or not sticking?

This can happen if your bisque ware is too dusty, the glaze is applied too thick, or it wasn't mixed thoroughly. Always wipe bisque with a damp sponge before glazing and stir glazes well before use.



Can I layer Laguna glazes with other glazes?

Yes, many Laguna glazes can be layered creatively—but always test first! Some combinations can run, change color, or produce unexpected results depending on the chemistry.

 

Why do some glazes look different after firing than they
do in the bottle?

Glaze chemistry changes during firing, raw colors often bear no resemblance to the final finish. Always refer to fired sample tiles or test on your own pieces before full application.

What clay body do you recommend for outdoor sculpture in
cold climates?

Most clay bodies with less than 1% absorption will survive cold winter temps, but it is always a good idea to test your own fired work for freeze and thaw durability. Also, the design of sculptures for outdoor cold climates can affect their durability. Avoid work that can easily trap water such as bottle and open forms.