The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors

Techniques, Recipes, and Inspiration for Low-Temperature Firing with Big Results

Ben Carter author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc

Published:26th Sep '24

Should be back in stock very soon

The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors cover

Explore the creative possibilities of this incredibly versatile range of glazes with this comprehensive guide for ceramic artists of all levels.

Unlock the world of low-fire glazes with The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors. Potter, podcaster, and author of Mastering the Potter’s Wheel, Ben Carter, challenges the belief that serious artists work exclusively with high-temperature materials, sharing years of research on crafting exquisite low-fire pots and glazes. Delve into the benefits of firing at lower temperatures, explore the visual nuances of low-fire glazes, and witness renowned artists thriving in this temperature range.

Illustrated with stunning photography of work by Carter and other artists, this visually captivating resource covers:

  • Insights into the benefits and visual attributes of low-fire glazes
  • Guidance on setting up a glaze lab
  • An explanation of how glaze is formulated
  • Troubleshooting tips for common glaze faults
  • Designing and making test tiles
  • Techniques for layering, using glaze as form, integrating decals, atmospheric firing, and more
  • Tried-and-true glaze recipes—from gloss to satin, matte, and tin—for varied finishes and color creation


Whether you are new to the world of ceramic glazes or looking to expand your knowledge of low-fire glazes, The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes is your path through a world of artistic possibilities.

The Mastering Ceramics series is for artists who never stop learning. With compelling projects, expert insight, step-by-step photos, and galleries of work from today’s top artists, these books are the perfect studio companions.

Also available from the series: Amazing Glaze, Amazing Glaze Recipes and Combinations, Mastering Sculpture: The Figure in Clay, Mastering Kilns and Firing, Mastering Hand Building, and Mastering the Potter’s Wheel.

“A complete, comprehensive, and 'user friendly' course of instruction in the art and craft of low-temperature glazing, whether you are new to the world of ceramic glazes or looking to expand your knowledge of low-fire glazes.”

* Midwest Book Review *

“Ben Carter provides a clear and valuable understanding of one of the more complex aspects of glazes. This book is a must-own for anyone looking to take control of their low-temperature glazes.”

-- Matt Katz, cofounder of the Ceramic Materials Workshop

“This firing range and its materials are a fertile place for creativity and artmaking that has often been ignored, glossed-over, or even vilified. I’m so glad Ben is sharing his love for and knowledge of low-fire glazes.”

-- Linda Arbuckle, Professor Emerita of Art (Ceramics), University of Florida

“This book would be useful for anyone, novice or expert, who is looking for proven low-fire recipes from successful artists. I know that this book will have a place on my bookshelf, and it’s definitely one that I will use and lend to my students.”

-- Pete Pinnell, Professor of Art (Ceramics), University of Nebraska-Lin

ISBN: 9780760385845

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 907g

176 pages