Artists meticulously test new glaze formulas before applying them to finished porcelain sculptures to ensure color, texture, and durability meet their vision. The process typically begins with small-scale trials on test tiles or spare ceramic pieces, allowing adjustments without risking a completed artwork.

Key testing methods include:

1. Test Tiles: Glazes are applied to flat or curved sample tiles to observe how they interact with the clay body and fire at different temperatures.

2. Kiln Variations: Artists experiment with firing schedules—adjusting temperature, hold time, and cooling rates—to see how these factors affect glaze outcomes.

3. Layering Tests: Combining multiple glazes in thin layers helps predict how colors and textures will blend on a finished piece.

4. Visual & Chemical Analysis: Post-firing, artists examine glaze surfaces under varying light conditions and may conduct acid resistance or scratch tests for durability.

This systematic approach minimizes surprises, ensuring each glaze enhances the porcelain sculpture’s aesthetic and structural integrity.