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Creative Glazes
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Ceramics 101
Which Type of Paint should I use?
Glazes
General Guide to Using Glazes
Glazes are used almost exclusively on bisque.
Occasionally, with certain techniques, you may apply glaze to greenware, but
it is generally not done. The reason for this is that greenware should be
fired to cone 04 and glaze to cone 06. During a greenware firing moisture and
gases escape from the clay. If glaze is applied to greenware those gases and
the moisture can be trapped by the liquid glaze. When the gas and moisture try
to escape large bubbles, craters, etc. can be formed in the molten glaze,
leaving the surface of the piece unpleasant looking and completely useless.
Have patience and do the job right the first time. Fire your greenware to cone
04, apply 3 good coats of the glaze, then stilt and fire to cone 06. When your
piece turns out beautifully you will be glad to took the time to do it
right.
Never mix leaded and non-leaded glazes on the same
ceramic piece. The difference in these two types of glazes can cause your glaze
to crackle or your piece to shatter and break.
Note: Most
glazes require three coats for complete coverage whether you are using opaque
or semi-transparent glaze. Heavy glazers may get by with 2
coats.
Most American glaze manufacturers formulate their glazes
to be applied to cone 04 bisque, and fired to cone 06.
When
glazing with a non-toxic glaze you must be careful to apply each layer of glaze
in a smooth even fashion. Non-toxic glaze moves very little, if at all, so any
brush strokes and uneveness in the glaze will show up in your final firing.
Here are a few ideas to combat this problem. Apply first coat of paint smoothly
and allow to dry. Don't worry about minor flaws at this point. When dry, use
the tips of your fingers to gently sand away any high spots and give a general
smoothness to the entire painted area. Dust off any excess paint dust. Apply
the second coat, again trying to apply as smoothly as possible. When dry, again
sand away any ridges. Apply third coat and allow to dry thoroughly. If you are
a light glazer you might want to apply a fourth coat. When all glazing is done
use the same glaze brush to gently wash the outer layer of glaze with clean
water. Do not apply so much water that you create runs or drip, just enough to
smooth that final coat. When smooth quickly lift the brush so it doesn't leave
more marks or ridges. If the glaze gets too wet allow it todry, then smooth
with water. When dry, fire to cone 06.
Note: 1oz glaze covers approximately 30 square
inches.
One 6" x 6" tile uses less than 1oz underglaze and just a bit more
than one ounce glaze. One 8" x 8" tile uses almost 2oz glaze.
Page 3 - Ceramics 101
Simple, Secure, Convenient - Creative Glazes.
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