What's the Difference from Mixing "Dry Glaze"? Why Fukaumi Shouten Delivers "Liquid Glaze"
Pottery glazes come in two types: "Dry (Powder)" that you mix with water yourself, and "Liquid" that comes pre-mixed.
"Dry glaze is cheaper, and I just have to add water, so isn't it the same?"
You might think so.
However, in fact, "Dry glaze mixed in a bucket" and "Fukaumi Shouten's Liquid Glaze" are physically completely different things.
This is because there is a difference in "Processing" unique to a factory, which can never be reproduced by manual work at home.
In this article, we explain the difference between dry and liquid glazes, and the secret why Fukaumi Shouten's liquid glazes are less prone to trouble.
[Conclusion] Why Liquid Glaze?
- Dry: Cheaper, but "clumps" and "coarse particles" tend to remain, causing pinholes and other defects.
- Liquid: Fully dispersed and particle-size controlled at the factory. Easy to adjust because there is a standard of "50° Baumé".
1. The Truth about Dry Glaze (Powder)
Dry glaze is simply raw materials mixed together.
Pros
- Cheaper Price: Shipping costs and container fees are lower because it does not contain water.
- Storability: It does not rot because it contains no water, allowing for long-term storage.
Cons (Here is the Risk!)
- "Clumps" tend to remain:
This is the biggest problem. Even if you stir it in a bucket by hand or with a drill, you cannot break down microscopic particle clumps (agglomerates). - Causes of Firing Troubles:
Undissolved clumps and insufficient dispersion are direct causes of "Pinholes (Bubbles)", "Uneven Color", and "Crawling" after firing.
2. The Truth about Liquid Glaze
This is what manufacturers sell pre-mixed with water and processed.
Pros
- Hassle-free: No heavy labor of measuring and stirring while wearing a mask in flying dust.
- Stable Quality: "Professional processing" described below has been applied.
Cons (We tell you honestly)
- Cost: It is slightly more expensive due to processing fees.
- Sedimentation:
Because natural minerals are used, ingredients settle to the bottom over time. You need to shake the bottle well before use.
3. Why Fukaumi Shouten's "Liquid Glaze" Fires Beautifully
The reason Fukaumi Shouten's liquid glaze is chosen is not just because "it contains water and is easy."
It is because the "state of particles" and "clear standards" are different.
① "Complete Dispersion" and "Particle Size Control" by Factory Equipment
This is the decisive difference.
At our factory, we use specialized machines (Ball Mills) to grind the glaze over time.
Furthermore, before shipping, we always perform strict particle size control by passing it through a "Sieve (Screen)".
- Manual Work (Dry): Clumps of particles and hard-to-melt "coarse particles" tend to remain mixed.
- Fukaumi Shouten (Liquid): Mechanically crushed and filtered through a sieve to select uniform particles.
This "fineness and uniformity of particles" is the biggest key to preventing firing troubles (pinholes and color unevenness).
"When I mix glaze myself, it feels rough, but Fukaumi Shouten's glaze fires smooth and beautiful."
The reason lies in this overwhelming difference in initial processing.
② Clear Starting Point: "50° Baumé"
The most troubling thing about adjusting glaze density is "having no standard."
Fukaumi Shouten's liquid glazes are basically adjusted and shipped at "50° Baumé density".
This means there is a "Ruler for Adjustment".
- "This glaze arrived at 50°, so I'll add a little water to make it 45°."
- "To get the same density as last time, I just need to match this number."
Unlike dissolving powder from scratch, there is a clear starting point, so fine-tuning to your preferred density becomes overwhelmingly easier. For details, please read the instruction manual included with delivery.
[Advice from Professionals]
Adding water by feel is fine, but for higher reproducibility, we strongly recommend measuring the numerical value using a "Baumé Hydrometer".
Managing with numbers like "Standard 50°" or "Thin application 45°" will drastically reduce failures and unevenness.
Summary: We did that "Extra Step" for you
Making glaze from powder is part of the fun of pottery, but if you want "No failures" and "Professional texture," please use Fukaumi Shouten's liquid glaze.
Ingredients may settle at the bottom of the container, but that is proof that rich ingredients are included.
Please shake the PET bottle firmly.
Just by doing that, the "best condition glaze" carefully dispersed and filtered by factory machines will be revived.
We have already done the troublesome "de-clumping," "crushing," and "sieving."
With a Baumé hydrometer in one hand, you can focus only on "glazing" that breathes life into your work.
Fukaumi Shouten Liquid Glaze Collection
Fully crushed and particle-controlled at the factory. Easy to adjust with 50° Baumé standard.
We deliver professional quality ready to use.
