Best Ceramics Glazes of 2026

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2026

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Ceramic glazes are a popular way to add color and texture to pottery and other ceramics. These coatings are made from a mixture of minerals and other materials, which are applied to the surface of the ceramic object before it is fired in a kiln. The result is a durable, glossy finish that can be customized to suit any taste or style. Some glazes are designed to create a smooth, even surface, while others produce a more textured or mottled appearance. Ceramic glazes come in a wide range of colors, from bright and bold to subtle and earthy, and can be used to create intricate patterns and designs on the surface of the ceramic piece.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Penguin Pottery Mid Fire Specialty Series Set #2 Cover #TOP 1
Penguin Pottery Mid Fire Specialty Series Set #2
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Penguin Pottery Brushstroke Series Glaze Set Cover #TOP 2
Penguin Pottery Brushstroke Series Glaze Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sax True Flow Crystal Magic Glazes Cover #TOP 3
Sax True Flow Crystal Magic Glazes
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Ceramics Glazes

#TOP 1

Penguin Pottery Mid Fire Specialty Series Set #2

PP-GZ-MH-SET5
Penguin Pottery Mid Fire Specialty Series Set #2 Cover
Penguin Pottery - Specialty Series Variety Set #2 - Mid Fire Cones 5 & 6 - Includes 8 4oz Jars

The Penguin Pottery Specialty Set offers a variety of seven vibrant glaze colors plus a wax resist jar, giving you plenty of options to try out new looks. This sample set is perfect for mixing and layering glazes, allowing you to create unique effects and personalized designs on your pottery. Whether you're new to ceramics or have experience, this set helps you practice and improve your skills. The included wax resist adds another creative tool, letting you make patterns and add detail easily. Overall, this set encourages creativity and experimentation for every pottery enthusiast.

What We Like
Variety of glaze colors
Wax resist included
Encourages experimentation
Suitable for all skill levels
#TOP 2

Penguin Pottery Brushstroke Series Glaze Set

PP-GZ-BS-SET1
Penguin Pottery Brushstroke Series Glaze Set Cover
Penguin Pottery - Brushstroke Series - Variety Set of Wonderful Vibrant Glaze Colors - Wide Firing Range - Fire to Low or High Temperatures - Low Fire to Mid Fire - Mix to Create More Colors

The Penguin Brushstroke Glaze Set offers vibrant colors that bring your ceramic projects to life with bright, dynamic finishes. You can use each color on its own or mix them to create new shades, giving you plenty of creative freedom. These glazes work with a wide range of firing temperatures, from low to high, so you can easily fit them into your kiln setup. They also layer well and can be applied to different types of clay and bisque, allowing you to experiment with unique effects. Plus, a portion of your purchase supports school ceramics programs, helping future artists.

What We Like
Vibrant color options
Wide firing temperature range
Compatible with various clays
Supports ceramics education
Mixable for custom colors
#TOP 3

Sax True Flow Crystal Magic Glazes

Sax
248469
Assorted Colors
4 Ounces Each
Sax True Flow Crystal Magic Glazes Cover
Sax Crystal Magic Glazes for School and Arts and Crafts Use, Assorted Colors, 4 Ounce Jars, Set of 12

Sax Crystal Glazes is a set of 12 ceramic glazes that come in 4-ounce containers with assorted colors. This product features tiny crystals mixed with a speckled base that melt and move during firing, resulting in beautiful and unique colors. These crystalines fire at Cone 06, making them safe for younger students to use. Additionally, they are non-toxic, lead-free, and easy to use, which makes them perfect for middle school students. Although they are not recommended for dinnerware, this product serves as a fun art project or experiment for classes, summer camps, and beyond. You can create a unique masterpiece with Sax Crystal Glazes that kids can give as a gift or hang in their bedroom or activity room.

What We Like
Safe for younger students
Non-toxic and lead-free
Easy to use
#TOP 4

Creative Hobbies Ceramic Underglaze Paint Set

MAY UGKIT-1
Jet Black
Creative Hobbies Ceramic Underglaze Paint Set Cover
Creative Hobbies Set of 10 Ceramic Underglaze Paint Colors for Clay, Greenware or Bisque, Assorted Colors in 2 ounce Jars with Free How to Paint Bisque Book

Introducing the Creative Hobbies Ceramic Underglaze Paint Set, a must-have for ceramic artists of all levels. This set includes 10 vibrant colors in 2 ounce jars, perfect for adding a pop of color to your clay creations. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, these underglazes are highly versatile and can be used for complete coverage or in intricate designs. Apply them to wet clay, greenware, or cone 04 bisque for stunning results. With firing options ranging from cone 04 to cone 6, you have the flexibility to achieve the desired effect. Plus, these underglazes are AP Certified Non-Toxic, ensuring your safety while you unleash your creativity. Made in the USA, this set also comes with a free How to Paint Bisque Book, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to explore the world of ceramic art.

What We Like
Vibrant colors
Highly versatile
Safe and non-toxic
#TOP 5

Mayco Elements EL-121 Copper Adventurine Glaze

407345
Copper Adventurine
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Mayco Elements EL-121 Copper Adventurine Glaze Cover
Mayco Elements Glaze, EL-121 Copper Adventurine, Opaque, Pint

The Mayco Copper Adventurine Glaze is a safe and reliable choice for your ceramic projects. It is designed to mature at cone 06/05, which means it works well in mid-range firing temperatures, giving you flexibility in your kiln use. This glaze is certified non-toxic, so you can feel confident that it won't harm you or others during handling or use. It's also lead-free, making it a safer option for both artists and end users. Additionally, the glaze meets ASTM D-4236 standards and carries the ACMI AP certification, ensuring it has been tested for safety and quality. With the Mayco Copper Adventurine Glaze, you get peace of mind and excellent performance for your ceramics.

What We Like
Mid-range firing temperature
Non-toxic formulation
Lead-free safety
Certified quality standards
#TOP 6

Mayco Element Glazes, 4 Ounces, Set of 12

ELKIT2
Assorted
Standard
Mayco Element Glazes, 4 Ounces, Set of 12 Cover
Mayco Elements Glaze Set, 4 Ounces, Assorted Colors, Set of 12

The Mayco Element Glazes are high-quality semi-opaque and opaque glazes that offer gorgeous, varied colors for any firing kiln ceramics project. These earth element-inspired pottery glazes are ideal for Cone 06/05 and can be used alone, with other glazes or as an accent to your design or art piece. The crystals in the glazes spread out during firing to give a burst of color for an authentic appearance. These non-toxic art glazes are made in the USA.

What We Like
Easy to apply and spread out during firing to give a burst of color
Variety of colors for any firing kiln ceramics project
Can be used in combination with other glazes, by themselves, or simply as an accent
#TOP 7

Speedball 004016 Pink Earthenware Glaze 16 oz

004016
Pink
16 Ounces
Speedball 004016 Pink Earthenware Glaze 16 oz Cover
Speedball 004016 Earthenware Glaze, Pink, 16 oz

The Speedball Pink Earthenware Glaze is perfect for artists looking to add vibrant color to their pottery. Its rich, intense pigment ensures your pieces will stand out with bright and consistent hues every time you fire them. This glaze is specially made for pottery clays that have been bisque-fired to Cone 04 and can be fired further to Cone 05-06, giving you flexibility in your firing process. For best results, apply two to three generous coats, which helps you achieve an even and striking finish on your ceramics. This glaze makes it easy to get professional-looking results with your art.

What We Like
Vibrant color
Consistent firing results
Compatible with Cone 04-06
Easy multiple coat application
#TOP 8

Aukney 100ML Air Dry Clay Varnish

Aukney
VNISH234
Colorless
100ML-Gloss
Aukney 100ML Air Dry Clay Varnish Cover
100ML Air Dry Clay Varnish, High Gloss Air Dry Clay Glaze, Sealant, Prevent Clay from Cracking, and Scratch Resistant, for Ceramics, Oil Paintings, Wood (Gloss)

The Aukney Clay Varnish Gloss offers a clear protective layer that safeguards your air dry clay projects from cracking and water damage, giving you peace of mind. It creates a shiny, high-gloss finish that not only enhances the look but also protects your work from scratches and scuffs, keeping it looking fresh for longer. Using it is simple: after your clay is dry, apply a white acrylic primer, then paint your desired color, and finally, coat with the varnish. This process ensures a durable, professional finish that dries within 24 hours. Plus, it works well on various materials like ceramics, wood, and plaster, making it versatile for many creative projects.

What We Like
Waterproof protection
High-gloss finish
Scratch resistant
Easy multi-step use
Versatile surface application
#TOP 9

Penguin Pottery Celadon Series Amethyst Glaze

PP-GZ-MH-266
Penguin Pottery Celadon Series Amethyst Glaze Cover
Penguin Pottery - Celadon Series - Glossy Translucent Amethyst - Mid Fire Glaze, High Fire Glaze, Cone 5-6 for Mid Fire Clay, High Fire Clay - Ceramic Glaze Pottery (1 Pint | 16 oz | 473 ml)

The Penguin Pottery Amethyst Glaze offers a beautiful glossy purple finish with a smooth and reflective surface that highlights rich lavender and violet shades. This glaze is lead-free, non-toxic, and safe for food use, giving you peace of mind when creating pottery for everyday use. Made in Vermont, USA, it is designed for mid-fire and high-fire clays, ensuring vibrant colors and durable results you won’t find in low-fire glazes. To get the best outcome, be sure to fire your pieces in a calibrated kiln at the recommended temperature, avoiding ovens to prevent damage or uneven finishes.

What We Like
Glossy vibrant purple finish
Lead-free and food-safe
Made in USA
For mid and high-fire clays
#TOP 10

Speedball Stoneware Glaze

002000
Clear
16 Ounces
Speedball Stoneware Glaze Cover
Speedball 002000 Stoneware Glaze, Clear, 16 oz

Speedball Clear Glaze is a ceramic glaze developed for mid-range temperatures firing, which can also be used successfully at higher temperatures. The glaze is formulated to provide consistent and striking results when fired as directed. It is user-friendly both in application and firing, and can be used for dinnerware as it is lead-free and safe when used and fired as directed. To achieve the best results, apply 2-3 liberal coats of the glaze. The clear finish it provides after firing is the standout feature of this product, making it a great choice for artists looking for a glaze that provides a transparent finish to their ceramic pieces.

What We Like
Consistent and striking results
User-friendly application and firing
Clear finish when fired
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the main types of glazes?

There are four main types of glazes used in ceramics: feldspathic, lead, tin, and salt. These glazes have different properties and are used for various effects in pottery.

2. How do I choose a glaze color?

When choosing a glaze color for ceramics, it is important to consider more than just your favorite color. Factors such as the finish, variation, and clay body should also be taken into account. These details will help you select a glaze color that complements your ceramic piece and enhances its overall appearance.

3. Can you glaze pottery without a kiln?

Yes, it is possible to glaze pottery without using a kiln. One versatile method is to use spray paint. Spray paint offers vibrant colors and easy application. Simply cover your pottery project with a few coats or experiment with layers and metallics to achieve the desired glaze effect.

4. How many layers of glaze should be applied?

Typically, it is recommended to apply three coats of glaze. Each coat should be allowed to dry slowly and harden before applying the next one. This gradual process helps create a stable base for the glaze and ensures a smooth and even application.

5. Which glaze is best for clay?

To make clay water-resistant, it is recommended to use a clear polyurethane varnish or an acrylic sealer. Both options create a non-porous transparent layer that seals the clay project. These can be brushed or sprayed on and come in different finishes, such as matte, satin, or gloss.

6. Do you glaze or paint first?

When working with glazing and painting on ceramics, it is important to allow the glaze to set for at least 7-14 days before priming and painting. Ensure that the glazing is clean and free from any oils. The paint should flow onto a small part of the glaze to create a weather-tight seal.

Editor's Notes

During our ceramics glaze research, we found 24 ceramics glaze products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,035 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ceramics glazes list. We found that most customers choose ceramics glazes with an average price of $32.90.

The ceramics glazes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ceramics glazes, including Penguin Pottery, Sax, Creative Hobbies, Mayco, Speedball. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 68 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.