Gloss (Air-Dry) Guide

The Gloss (air-dry clear coat) lets you finish pottery without a kiln — a fast, low-stress way to seal and shine your work. It creates a clear, water-resistant, glossy surface that shows off underglaze work and eliminates the risk of kiln explosions. It doesn't replace a fired glaze: Glossed pieces remain more fragile, aren't vitrified (not dishwasher, microwave or food safe), and should be hand-wiped only. If you're deciding between routes, see the Gloss vs Glaze Guide for a full comparison.

Difficulty: Beginner

Time: 1–2h + 28d cure

Technique: Air-dry Finish

Quick Facts

Timeline: 10–14+ days drying (longer for thick pieces) → 1–2 hours application time → 28 day cure time for full effect.

What You Need

The 'Gloss' jar (gloss varnish)

Thick brush or soft foam

Damp sponge & clean water

Step-by-Step

Ensure Completely Dry

Wait to dry fully: After forming wait at least 10 days for typical pieces — thicker items often need multiple weeks. If underglazing at bone-dry wait 24h for underglaze to dry. Follow the Drying Guide. Unlike firing, there's no catastrophic risk if it's slightly damp — but Gloss adheres and cures best on bone-dry clay and applying too soon can cause cloudiness, tackiness, or uneven curing.
Prepare the Surface

Lightly dab: Using a barely damp sponge, gently dab the surface of your piece to remove any dust. Let dry for 5–10 mins. Dust is the enemy of a clear finish.
Prepare the Gloss

Stir gently: Stir the Gloss slowly for 30–60 seconds. Do not shake — shaking creates bubbles. If bubbles appear, let the Gloss sit a few minutes to dissipate.
Apply the First Coat

Load brush lightly: Dip brush halfway, press off excess on the jar edge. Loaded but not dripping.

Brush technique: Start at the top and work down in long, even strokes. Use light pressure and smooth motion — avoid going back over tacky areas.

Interior vs exterior: Use a small brush or foam brush for interiors (pouring is not required). Tilt/rotate the piece for full coverage.

Base: You may leave the base uncoated to prevent sliding; unlike fired glaze, Gloss won't fuse to shelves, but an uncoated base helps stability.

Appearance: First coat will look streaky — this is normal.
Dry Between Coats

Dry time: Let each coat dry 20–30 minutes (45–60 minutes in high humidity) until dry to the touch.

Don't rush: Applying the next coat too soon can lift or streak the layer beneath. Keep work in a dust-free spot while drying.
Build Layers (3–4 Total)

Second coat: Alternate between vertical and horizontal strokes to help reduce streaks.

Third coat: Apply same method; the finish should start to even out and shine.

Fourth coat (optional): For maximum durability and shine, add a fourth thin coat. Multiple thin coats are better than fewer thick ones.
Final Drying & 28d Cure

Initial handle time: After the final coat, wait 24 hours before light handling.

Full cure: Allow the piece to cure undisturbed for 28 days at room temperature (18-24°C | 65–75°F). During cure, avoid moisture, heavy handling, and direct sunlight.

After cure: The Gloss will be fully hard and water-resistant — suitable for hand-washing only, dishwasher, or microwave use.

Studio Secrets

→ Foam brushes win: They minimize brush marks and are cheap/disposable.

→ Work in sections: For large pieces, do quarters to avoid visible start/stop lines.

→ Wet edge technique: Keep a wet edge — overlap slightly into the previous wet area to blend.

→ Rotate the piece: Using a cake stand or banding wheel can help for consistent coverage.

→ Thin coats dry faster: Thin coats may need multiple layers but give a smoother finish than thick coats.

→ Test on a hidden spot: If nervous, test on the base or inside first.

→ Clean brushes immediately: Gloss dries fast in bristles — wash right away with warm soapy water.

→ Photo before Gloss: Take a photo before coating for records (helps with troubleshooting).

→ Patience is everything: Forget the piece for 28 days — rushing the cure is the #1 source of problems.

Helpful Fixes

Streaky finish / visible brush marks

Cause: Thick coats, over-brushing, or too few coats.
Fix: Add more thin coats; try a foam brush for a final coat; brush in perpendicular directions.

Cloudy or milky appearance

Cause: Applied to damp clay, high humidity, or over-brushing.
Fix: Follow our Drying Guide to ensure your piece is ready before applying gloss.

Bubbles in finish

Cause: Shaking bottle, vigorous brushing, or humid conditions.
Fix: Lightly sand the area after full dry and recoat. Prevent by stirring only and using gentle strokes.

Sticky/tacky finish that won't harden

Cause: Coats too thick, insufficient drying between coats, cold/humid environment, or full 28 days hasn't passed.
Fix: Move to a warmer, drier spot with airflow and wait. For future work, use thinner coats and longer dry times.

Gloss peeling or flaking

Cause: Surface was dusty/greasy or clay not fully dry.
Fix: Sand away peeling area, clean thoroughly, and reapply. Always start on a dust-free surface.

Fingerprints in finish

Cause: Handling before fully dry.
Fix: Sand and recoat. Wait full cure next time.

Dust stuck in finish

Cause: Dusty workspace.
Fix: Sand smooth, clean, and add another thin coat. Work in a cleaner area.

Uneven gloss (some areas dull)

Cause: Inconsistent coat thickness.
Fix: Apply additional thin coats to dull areas until even.

Wet piece before full cure

Cause: Used or cleaned too soon.
Fix: Pat dry and let finish cure the full remaining time. If clouding occurred, sand and recoat after drying.

Limitations & Safety Notes

Not food-safe for prolonged contact: Glossed pieces are best for dry foods, display, or decorative use. Do not rely on them for hot liquids or prolonged food contact.

Not dishwasher or microwave safe: Even after 28 days, hand-wash only.

More fragile than fired pottery: Expect more chipping/cracking if dropped — handle gently.

Natural clay colour remains: Unlike firing, the clay won't transform to a cream color — it will retain its original tone under the Gloss.

Quick Checklist

Piece fully dry (see Drying Guide)

Remove all dust with damp sponge

Gloss stirred gently (do not shake)

First coat: thin, even, top→bottom

Dry 20–30 mins between coats

Alternate between vertical and horizontal strokes to reduce streaks.

Final dry 24 hours before handling

Place in dust-free spot for 28 days

Encouragement & Decision Help

Gloss is a brilliant option when you want quick, reliable results with zero kiln stress. It's accessible for complete beginners and gives beautiful, glossy finishes for display and light use. If your goal is food-safe, dishwasher/microwave-proof ware, or the characteristic cream colour of fired earthenware, choose Glaze & Firing instead. Either route is valid — pick the one that fits your time, tools, and intended use.