The Frozen Pond Glazing Technique is one of the most recognizable glaze layering methods used by Cone 5–6 potters. Developed by ceramic artist Kathy McGuire, the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique is celebrated for its unique and beautiful finishes.

The effect is achieved by placing small amounts of a highly mobile glaze beneath another glaze layer. As the kiln reaches temperature, the lighter glaze begins to melt, spread, and interact with the surrounding colors, creating soft transitions, luminous highlights, and organic movement that cannot be fully controlled or duplicated.

How the Frozen Pond Technique Works

The Frozen Pond Technique is built around a simple but important layering sequence.

A darker background glaze is applied first. Small dots or spots of Spectrum Running Hot Chowder (RHC) are then added across the surface. Finally, a top glaze is applied over the entire piece.

During firing, the Running Hot Chowder becomes highly active and begins to move beneath the upper glaze layer. These localized areas of movement create the characteristic floating pools, soft edges, and light-colored islands that give the technique its Frozen Pond appearance.

The Frozen Pond Glazing Technique produces stunning visual results and is best experienced through practice..

The small RHC dots are often the key ingredient behind the effect. Without them, the distinctive floating “ponds” and organic movement are much less likely to develop.

What Makes the Frozen Pond Technique Special?

Share your results using the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique with others.

The small RHC spots are often the source of the visual magic. As they melt and interact with the surrounding glazes, they create effects that are difficult to predict and impossible to reproduce exactly. No two Frozen Pond pieces ever develop in quite the same way.

While Spectrum Running Hot Chowder is the glaze most commonly associated with the Frozen Pond Technique, it may not be the only option. Other highly mobile glazes, such as AMACO Oatmeal, BOTZ Plus, or similar fluid glazes, may be capable of producing related effects under the right conditions. This remains an exciting area for experimentation, and we encourage potters to explore their own variations.

Have you discovered a successful Frozen Pond alternative? Feel free to share your experiments with the GlazeCombo community.

Materials

To create the effect, you will need:

• A bisque-fired Cone 5–6 pottery piece
• A darker base glaze –
• Spectrum Running Hot Chowder
• A compatible top glaze
• Brush, sponge, or squeeze bottle
• Kiln shelf protection or catch plate for safety

Potters cherish the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique for its ability to create mesmerizing visuals.

Dark blue, black, brown, and deep green base glazes often provide the strongest contrast and help the lighter floating areas stand out.

How to Apply the Technique

To achieve the best results with the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique, practice is key.

Step 1 – Apply the Base Glaze

Achieving success with the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique requires patience.

Begin by glazing the piece with your chosen base glaze.

Apply it evenly and allow it to dry completely before moving to the next stage.

The base glaze serves as the background that will frame and highlight the floating effects created later.

Step 2 – Add Running Hot Chowder

Using a small brush, sponge, or squeeze bottle, apply Running Hot Chowder in selected areas.

Many potters concentrate the glaze near the upper portion of the piece, though placement can vary depending on the desired design.

The final results of the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique can be breathtaking.

Small dots, irregular patches, short lines, or clusters often work better than large solid areas.

At this stage, less is usually more.

The Frozen Pond Glazing Technique thrives on experimentation and individual expression.

Mastering the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique can transform your artistic practice.

Step 3 – Cover with a Top Glaze

Once the Running Hot Chowder has dried, apply the final glaze layer.

This top glaze helps unify the surface and influences how the floating areas develop during firing.

Different top glazes can dramatically change the final appearance, making experimentation one of the most enjoyable parts of the technique.

Step 4 – Fire to Cone 5–6

Fire according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for your clay and glazes.

Because Running Hot Chowder is known for significant movement, always consider potential glaze flow when designing your piece.

Test tiles are strongly recommended before applying the technique to larger work.

Tips for Success

Start Small

The most common mistake is applying too much Running Hot Chowder.

A small amount can travel surprisingly far during firing.

The Frozen Pond Glazing Technique is not just a method; it’s a journey of discovery.

Test Your Combinations

Every glaze combination behaves differently.

Explore the potential of the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique in your next project.

Practicing the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique can lead to personal growth.

Even a slight change in the base glaze, top glaze, clay body, or firing schedule can produce noticeably different results.

The Frozen Pond Glazing Technique is a favorite among ceramic artists.

Every potter has a unique approach to the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique.

Consider Surface Texture

Join the community of artists who love the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique.

The Frozen Pond Technique often becomes even more dramatic on textured surfaces.

Recesses can collect glaze while raised areas encourage breaking and movement.

Embrace Variation

Part of the appeal lies in the unpredictability.

The kiln becomes an active participant in the design process, creating subtle effects that cannot be fully replicated by hand.

Why Potters Love the Frozen Pond Technique

The Frozen Pond Technique combines movement, depth, and color variation in a way that feels both controlled and spontaneous.

Whether used on mugs, bowls, vases, or sculptural work, it creates surfaces that invite closer inspection and reveal new details from different angles.

Let the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique inspire your creative journey.

With a simple layering process and endless possibilities for experimentation, it remains one of the most exciting glazing techniques available to Cone 5–6 potters.

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Frozen ponds with AMACO Obsidian as a base

Through the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique, potters can create pieces that tell a story.

The very first example might be the flower made by Leah Ann

The second one I would like to mention is the Grapefruit made by

The next one is the stunning sunset by

With each application of the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique, the results can vary beautifully.

Join the community of potters who embrace the Frozen Pond Glazing Technique for its endless possibilities.