AMACO Dry Dipping and Layering Glazes Cone 5/6

DL-01 Ebony - Dry Dipping and Layering Glaze MSRP: $165.00 Price: $99.00 You Save: $66.00 10 Lbs Dry Glaze	DL-11 Enamel White - Dry Dipping and Layering Glaze MSRP: $120.00 Price: $99.00 You Save: $21.00 10 Lbs Dry Glaze	DL-20 Floating Blue - Dry Dipping and Layering Glaze MSRP: $140.00 Price: $99.00 You Save: $41.00 10 Lbs Dry Glaze	DL-23 Ultramarine - Dry Dipping and Layering Glaze MSRP: $165.00 Price: $99.00 You Save: $66.00 10 Lbs Dry Glaze
DL-33 Low Tide - Dry Dipping and Layering Glaze MSRP: $140.00 Price: $99.00 You Save: $41.00 10 Lbs Dry Glaze	DL-42 River Moss - Dry Dipping and Layering Glaze MSRP: $140.00 Price: $99.00 You Save: $41.00 10 Lbs Dry Glaze	DL-60 Honeycomb - Dry Dipping and Layering Glaze MSRP: $165.00 Price: $99.00 You Save: $66.00 10 Lbs Dry Glaze	DL-70 Oxblood - Dry Dipping and Layering Glaze MSRP: $165.00 Price: $99.00 You Save: $66.00 10 Lbs Dry Glaze

HOW TO MIX AND TEST DRY
DIPPING AND LAYERING GLAZES

AMACO Dipping and Layering (DL) glazes are custom made to enable everyone to be successful at dipping and
layering their work. This means no more complex measuring, or calculations to achieve beautiful results. In other
words, more fun and less work for you!
The glazes will not hard-pan, crawl, or run, if mixed and applied correctly. Please follow the mixing and testing
instructions carefully for the best results.
Save the included Batch Code Tracker sheet to help keep track of batch numbers and ensure consistency!

STEP 1: MIXING THE GLAZE
MATERIALS
Make sure to assemble all the needed materials before mixing your glaze. The dry glaze is meant to be mixed all
at once, so instructions are for the entire bucket of glaze, not small quantities.
• Package of AMACO DL glaze powder
• PPE-NIOSH rated respirator for dust particles and safety glasses
• 1 gallon (3.8L) of distilled water
• Mixing container - 2-3 gallon plastic bucket
• Drill with mixing attachment
• Timer

MIXING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Gather powder package: AMACO DL glazes are formulated to utilize one gallon (3.8L) of distilled
water to a premeasured package of dry glaze powder. Gather your powder and set it aside.
2. Add Distilled Water: Pour most of your water into the mixing container (Retain about 1 cup/0.24L).
These glazes were designed to be used with distilled water. Other waters may lead to unwanted results.
3. Add Glaze Powder: Add powder to the water slowly to avoid raising dust.
4. Mixing Time: blend the mixture thoroughly until smooth without lumps (about 15 minutes).
5. Screen Glaze: Screen glaze through an 80 US standard (or similar) sieve. You should not see heavy
residue on the screen.

STEP 2: THE WAITING PERIOD
Patience is Key: Cover the mixing container with a lid, and let the glaze sit undisturbed for a minimum of 24
hours. This allows the glaze to fully absorb the water and reach its optimal consistency.

STEP 3: TEST DIPPING AND FIRING
1. Test Dip: After the waiting period, conduct a test dip by submerging a sample piece into the glaze
mixture for 1-3 seconds. This helps you assess the glaze’s thickness and compatibility with your
bisque materials. Always mix the glazes thoroughly between dipping, to ensure nothing has settled.
2. Firing Samples: Fire the test sample to pyrometric cone 5 to cone 6. This will reveal the final
appearance and characteristics of the glaze.

STEP 4: ADJUSTING THE GLAZE
1. Assess Thickness: If the glaze appears too thick on the test piece, you can increase the water content. Gradually
add the remaining amount of distilled water and remix until the desired consistency is achieved.
2. Further Adjustment: Some clay bodies, textures, or bisque firing cycles will create a surface that is more or less
absorbent. If you find the glaze thickness is too heavy, then it is recommended to add additional distilled water-
1 cup (0.24L) at a time. Conversely, if you find the glaze thickness too thin, allow it to settle for 24 hours. Then,
using a small measuring cup, remove 1 cup (0.24L) of water at a time to attain desired thickness.

TROUBLESHOOTING
1. Glaze crawl: Consider thinning the glaze application.
2. Agglomerates in the glaze:
a. Screen glaze through an 80 mesh (or similar) sieve.
b. Inspect the screen to be sure there are no holes in the mesh before use.
c. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bucket often to avoid dry glaze falling into your main
dipping glaze.
3. Glaze has “Hard-Panned”:
a. Always use distilled water for mixing.
b. Ensure glazes are thoroughly mixed each time you use them.

IMPORTANT TIPS
1. Test and Apply: Always test the final glaze on sample pieces before applying it to your main project.
This step allows you to fine-tune the glaze and ensures the best results for your application.
2. Keep track of your batch code; this will be used by customer service if you encounter any issues with
the DL glazes.
3. Use distilled water for consistency.
4. Keep a notebook of the glazes you use during layering and any adjustments made to those glazes.
5. Document your firing schedule for future reference.
6. Always test glazes and combinations for your application, in your kiln and on your clay body for your
application. This will ensure you have the best product to match the function of your ware.
7. Always wear appropriate safety gear and work in a well-ventilated area.
8. Always keep your dipping tools clean.
9. Scrape the sides and bottom of your bucket often.
10. Always mix the glazes thoroughly between dipping, to ensure nothing has settled.

Remember, achieving the perfect glaze requires patience and experimentation. By following these steps and
conducting thorough testing, you’ll be on your way to creating beautiful ceramic pieces with confidence.
While measuring the specific gravity is not required to initially mix the AMACO Dipping and Layering glazes, there
may be a time you need to know the tested specific gravity ranges for these glazes.
They are listed here below:

DL-1 1.53      DL-11 1.53      DL-20 1.52      DL-23 1.52    DL-33 1.54     DL-42 1.52     DL-60 1.53
DL-70 1.51    DL-12 1.52      DL-25 1.52      DL-27 1.54    DL-59 1.58     DL-63 1.60