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Creative Glazes

Ceramics 101
Semantics in Ceramics
It has come to our attention that many new ceramists
are confused by some of the words in our 'ceramics language'. They think
applying a clear glaze over an underglaze is using an overglaze. Or they think
they need to apply clear glaze over a colored glaze to 'finish' it. We thought
we would try to help clear up the confusion and help everyone understand how
important it is to use the proper words when asking for help with a product.
Underglaze - Painted on greenware or bisque, this
product goes UNDER the glaze, hence the name underglaze. On greenware the piece
must be fired to cone 04 before glazing. On bisque, apply clear glaze over the
underglaze and fire to 06.
Glaze - Painted on bisque
either on its own or over an underglaze. This can be a colored glaze covering
an entire piece of bisque or a clear glaze covering an underglaze. After
application glaze is fired to cone 06. A clear glaze
which is applied over an underglaze is called clear glaze, not
overglaze! And, you do NOT need to apply a clear glaze over a GLAZE to
'finish' it.
Overglaze - This is a special
third fire product, which is applied OVER your fired glazed
ceramic item. You should not apply Mother of Pearl or fired Gold over unglazed
bisque. Overglazes fire to a cooler cone temperature than glazes. The cone used
varies with the product so be sure to read the instructions carefully before
beginning.
It is so simple once you know - underglaze goes under a
glaze, as the name implies. Glaze is applied to bisque. Overglaze is a special
product that is applied over your fired glaze then fired to a special lower
cone.
If you aren't sure about a product, read the label. It will say
if the product is a glaze or an underglaze, it will explain application and
even tell you what cone to use for firing.
If you have any questions
about other confusing ceramic words, or if this didn't clear it up for you,
please let us know and we'll include the explanation in a future newsletter.
Glossary - Ceramics
101
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