| Ceramic glazing is a coating or layers applied to | | | | American art clay because it does not contain |
| clay creations and fired in a kiln to make them | | | | New York State talc for maximum safety in |
| durable and usable. Glaze makes ceramics strong | | | | classrooms and studios. Children should use |
| and waterproof. Without glazing, ceramics would | | | | talc-free clay or clay make with Texas talc |
| remain porous and would remain unsuitable for | | | | approved by the Art & Craft Materials |
| holding liquids. Special glazing processes are used | | | | Institute (ACMI). |
| to make dinnerware, porcelain and stoneware | | | | ACMI sets industry standards for the safe |
| beautiful. | | | | manufacturing and labeling of lead-free glazes for |
| The glazing process is also used on building | | | | ceramics. Often you will find Amaco glaze used in |
| materials so they can withstand the elements. An | | | | a classroom setting because they currently make |
| ancient example of glazed building materials is | | | | more than 600 lead-free glazes, giving educators |
| found in China. Glazed bricks were used to create | | | | more creative teaching options. Using a |
| the Iron Pagoda in 1049 CE. | | | | combination of toxic-free clay and glaze ensures |
| A concern when choosing ceramic glazes is the | | | | the safest possible experience for children learning |
| toxicity, especially when working with children. | | | | about pottery. |
| Most schools schools non-toxic brands such as | | | | Ceramic glazes may be in a dry or liquid form. |
| Amaco glazes to ensure children are safe when | | | | Dry glaze is applied over the entire surface of the |
| they work with clay. Glazes should be lead-free | | | | clay body by dry dusting. When using liquid glaze, |
| and comply with all FDA guidelines. Usually glazing | | | | the pieces can be dipped right into the glaze. |
| techniques are taught to older children in grades 7 | | | | Other options with liquid glaze include pouring the |
| to 12 with the strict supervision of an experienced | | | | glaze over the creation, brushing it onto the piece |
| adult. Younger children can be easily harmed when | | | | or spraying it on with an airbrush or other similar |
| they work with glazes and firing so these | | | | tool. |
| techniques are typically reserved for children over | | | | When you decorate the piece under the ceramic |
| 11 years old. | | | | glazing, it is referred to as underglaze. The blue |
| Another worry for educators and parents is the | | | | and white porcelain made in China, Japan, England |
| type of clay used in a school setting. Children of all | | | | and the Netherlands are examples of underglazing. |
| ages can learn about pottery by working with | | | | When you decorate a piece on top of a layer of |
| clay in their hands but even clay can contain | | | | glazing, it is called overglaze. Artists use |
| certain toxic elements. Schools prefer to use | | | | overglazing to create glassy, decorative pieces. |