Luster mug by @picklepottery
Luster Firing
We're planning a special luster firing for November 12th! This will be a fun learning experience, so please join us! You can purchase firing tickets at $4 per pot to participate in this opportunity. Open Studio Members get 1 free ticket for the luster firing upon request and can purchase additional tickets at $4 per pot ( This opportunity is also open to other experienced potters in our community. Price for non members is $20 flat fee plus $4 per piece. Non-members should contact us for an appointment to participate.)
What is luster? Its liquid gold, silver, or another precious metal that can be applied to already finished ceramic surfaces (so already glaze fired) After painting a piece with luster it is fired a 3rd time to a very low temp (cone 018).
How can I use it? Paint on with a brush at the studio! We will have a small selection of lusters available to use (October 26th- November 12th) by request in the glaze room. (Must be applied outside due to fumes) Apply small amounts of luster on top of your finished glaze to add a bit of sparkle. 💖 Luster takes on the surface it's applied to and looks best on top of a glossy glaze. For more info about luster: Check out this video: Jessica Punam- Phillips luster video
Luster is great on functional work but is not dishwasher friendly or microwave safe. If you apply it to food wear its best applied to the areas where the food will touch the surface such as the outside of a mug or the rim of a bowl. It's really nice on sculptural work and decorative items. So start thinking about what you want to put luster on and give it a try!
I’m into it! How do I get in on this?!
First you need to make the pieces that you want to apply the luster on. These pieces need to be already glaze fired for the luster to work. In a few weeks we will send out an email to let you know when the lusters are available to use. You will need to ask a staff member during open studio hours to check out the luster kit and purchase your luster tickets. The luster kit will have instructions about how to use the lusters. You will need to wear a N95 mask and work outside due to fumes in the luster.