When you're getting ready to mix a Five Glaze dry batch for the first time, one of the most important decisions you've already made is how you plan to apply it — because brushing and dipping glazes are mixed a little differently, and it matters.
If you're dipping
This one's straightforward. Hydrate your glaze with the water amount for your batch size (see table below), mix well with an immersion blender until fully combined, then run it through a 60–80 mesh sieve before you start dipping. That's it — you're ready to go.
If you're brushing
This is where the extra step comes in — and it's worth getting right. When you select the brushing option on our website, your order includes a GUM packet. This is a blend of CMC gum and VeeGum T, and it's what gives your glaze the brushability it needs to flow on smoothly and stay put.
Here's how to mix it:
- Start with lukewarm water — this is important. Cold water won't activate the gum properly.
- Add the GUM packet to the water and agitate for 10–15 seconds with an immersion blender.
- Add your base glaze and colorant pack, then mix well with the immersion blender until fully combined.
- Run the finished glaze through a 60–80 mesh sieve before applying to your work.
How much water do I need?
| Base glaze size | Water to add | Dipping yield | Brushing yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| 280g | 475g (475ml) | 12 fl oz | 16 fl oz (with GUM packet) |
| 2.25kg (2,250g) | 2L (2000ml) | 1 gallon | N/A |
A couple of things to know
Don't over-hydrate the gum. If you let the gum sit too long in water before adding your glaze, it can turn gelatinous and won't incorporate well. Get that base glaze in there shortly after you've agitated.
Sieve well — both methods. Whether you're dipping or brushing, always pass your glaze through a 60–80 mesh sieve. For brushing glazes, any clumps of gum left in the mix can burn out in the kiln and leave pinholes.
The texture will change over a few days — and that's normal. As the gum bonds with the clay particles in the glaze, it will get noticeably smoother. If it feels a little rough right out of the mix, give it time.
That's really all there is to it. The GUM packet does the heavy lifting — you just have to give it the right conditions to work. Happy glazing.