Glazing (redirected from Glazing in architecture)

Glazing

The application of finely ground glass, or glass-forming materials, or a mixture of both, to a ceramic body and heating (firing) to a temperature where the material or materials melt, forming a coating of glass on the surface of the ware. Glazes are used to decorate the ware, to protect against moisture absorption, to give an easily cleaned sanitary surface, and to hide a poor body color.

Glazes are classified and described by the following characteristics: surface—glossy or matte; optical properties—transparent or opaque; method of preparation—fritted or raw; composition—such as lead, tin, or boron; maturing temperature; and color. Opaque glazes contain small crystals embedded in the glass, but special glazes in which a few crystals grow to recognizable size are called crystalline glazes. See Ceramics, Glass