GUM SOLUTION PINT (41371N)

Maybe you’ve heard people refer to AMACO Gum Solution, or suggest it for your peeling glaze. Why? What does it do? And how do you use it?

In the mixing process, Gum Solution is added to make your AMACO glazes brush smoothly, and increase suspension. It acts like a glue, helping bind the glaze together and adhere the glaze to the ware.

Gum Solution has a shelf life, and as it degrades, you may notice changes in your glaze. 

Using fresh Gum Solution in older glazes helps keep them working as they should. If you notice cracking from your older jar of glaze when you’re applying it, or if it crawls in firing, it may be time to add a little fresh Gum Solution.

Use Gum Solution to reinvigorate dried-out or thickened glazes and underglazes. It’s super easy!  Add up to 1 tablespoon of Gum Solution to a full pint of glaze or underglaze, and blend thoroughly with an immersion blender, whisk, or fork. Add distilled water as needed. We recommend distilled water, as tap water may contain bacteria and minerals that can accelerate the degradation of the Gum Solution.

Gum Solution can do more!

Gum Solution can be used as a base coat to help Amaco Crawls glazes adhere to raw bisque or underglazed surfaces before firing, when the glaze is fragile and can fall off. Learn more by watching our Crawls Tips & Tricks video!

Use Gum Solution on top of unfired LM-11 Opaque White Low-fire matte or SM-11 White Satin Matte for cone 5, and use ceramic chalks or underglaze pencils on top of the glaze without damaging the unfired surface. Fire to the appropriate cone for the glaze. Watch our video tutorial here!

For the classroom: Keep a squirt bottle of distilled water and Gum Solution to add to thicker glazes (like Oatmeal) to make them a little more brushable. Watch our video on how we added gum solution to PC-31 Oatmeal.

Like any studio staple, materials work best when they’re at their best. Knowing the signs that your Gum Solution has expired—and when it’s time for a fresh one—can help you avoid frustration and get more consistent results. Gum Solution should be thick, gloopy, and clear. If it’s brownish or watery, it’s no longer good and should be discarded.