Understanding Your Glazes
When you join us at our heritage workshop in central Bendigo, we provide all the high-quality glazes you need to finish your pieces. While pottery is a deeply relaxing craft, working with raw glaze materials requires a few simple, sensible precautions to keep our studio environment safe for everyone.
The Golden Rule: No Eating or Drinking
The most important rule in any pottery studio is simple: keep food and drinks away from your workspace. Glaze dust can settle on surfaces, and even if you can’t see it, residue can linger. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after a session, especially before heading out for a coffee on View Street.
Dust Management
Glazes are essentially minerals and metal oxides. While they are stable once fired, dry glaze powder can be harmful if inhaled. At Kiln & Clay, we mix our glazes in a controlled environment and keep surfaces damp-wiped to prevent dust from becoming airborne. We ask that you never sand dry, unfired pots inside the studio. If you have questions about finishing your work, just ask one of our instructors—we are always happy to help.
Protective Gear
While most of our studio glazes are non-toxic, it’s good practice to avoid direct skin contact for long periods. If you have sensitive skin, feel free to wear gloves while glazing your pots. We provide aprons for all students, which helps keep your clothes clean and ensures you don't carry any clay or glaze dust home with you.
Kiln Safety
Our electric kilns do the heavy lifting, transforming your work into durable ceramics. Please remember that only trained staff operate the kilns. Never touch the kilns during a firing cycle, as they reach extremely high temperatures. If you are an outside maker using our firing services, please ensure your pieces are clearly labelled and that you have consulted our guidelines on glaze thickness to avoid damage to our kiln shelves.
By following these basic safety habits, you ensure that Kiln & Clay remains a welcoming, healthy, and creative hub for our entire Bendigo community. Ready to get your hands dirty? Book a casual open-studio session or join one of our six-week courses today.
