Luster Firing Workshop (Winter 2025)

*THIS DEMO IS FOR CURRENTLY ENROLLED STUDENTS ONLY.*

Take part in an end-of-quarter luster firing to add a little extra flair to your finished pieces. Respirators must be supplied by the student or purchased separately in the student store. Luster must be supplied by the student. This opportunity is only for currently enrolled students and studio access members. Feel free to drop in at any time between 12:00PM and 2:30PM to prepare your pieces for the firing.

What is luster?
Luster is an overglaze consisting of precious metals suspended in a liquid medium. The most common type of ceramic luster is gold luster. The luster firing is a third, lower temperature firing that happens after the bisque and glaze firings are complete. During the luster firing, the organic materials in the liquid medium are fired away and the precious metals are melted and fired directly onto the piece.

What’s included:

• Supervised time and space to work with luster outdoors for proper ventilation
• General guidance and tips on how to apply luster successfully
• Gloves for skin protection
• A Δ018 luster firing, to be loaded by studio staff that evening

What to bring:

• Finished pieces to apply luster to.
• Luster! Please check the bottle to ensure that the firing temperature is Δ018.
• Respirator mask that protects against toxic chemical vapors,  OR purchase a mask from the student store.
• Note: N95 masks and surgical masks DO NOT protect against chemical vapors and are not acceptable for use when applying luster.
• Your own brushes OR use brushes provided by the studio.
• This workshop will take place outside in the parking lot. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Organic vapor masks are available for purchase in our online student store. All items purchased from the store can be picked up onsite the day of the workshop.

Please Note:

Important details to know about ceramic lusters before deciding to apply them to your work:

• Precious metal lusters should not be used on surfaces that will come into contact with food or drink.
• Luster is NOT food safe, NOT dishwasher safe, and NOT microwavable.
• Precious metal lusters are toxic to work with and should not be touched with bare skin or the vapors inhaled without a mask.