Demystifying Ceramic Glazes: Reading the Seger Formula

Working with ceramic glazes can feel like magic, but relying on guesswork often leads to unexpected kiln disasters. If you want to understand how glazes behave without drowning in complex chemical equations, you need a clear, practical starting point. This written course bridges the gap between commercial glaze use and advanced glaze chemistry. You will learn the fundamental components of glazes, understand how they melt and interact, and master the art of reading the Seger formula—the universal language of glaze calculation. What you'll learn: Understand the fundamental roles of glass formers, fluxes, and stabilizers in a glaze; Read and interpret the Seger unity molecular formula to predict glaze maturity and surface texture; Identify common glaze defects like crazing, shivering, and pinholing through written troubleshooting guides; Analyze glaze recipes using modern digital database concepts; Apply safe studio practices when handling raw glaze materials and mixing commercial glazes. The course begins with foundational definitions of glaze ingredients and their roles in the firing process. You will then progress to step-by-step written explanations of the Seger formula, learning how to analyze recipes and troubleshoot surface results through clear, practical examples. This course is designed for beginner to intermediate ceramicists, potters, and hobbyists who want to understand their glazes better without prior chemistry experience. Start reading today to unlock the secrets behind your glaze recipes and take control of your kiln results.