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volcanic ash glazes--for mel

updated fri 31 oct 97

 

Sandra Dwiggins on tue 28 oct 97

Mel--
I just came across my 1970's copy of Glaze Projects by Richard
Behrens. He has several Volcanic Ash/Gerstley glazes. These are so
simple to make, compared to many other mid-range oxidation glazes, that
I would really to get a group of these together for my use...Do you have
any recomendations for Cone 6 ratios and additives, i.e, bentonite,
zircopax, etc.? Also, do you have any recommendations for % of
colorant and stain additives that I could try?

Also, I'm really interested in cratering, too---so if one can get a decent
crater glaze by using this simple formula--that would be great!

TIA,
Sandy in Maryland

Lori Leary on thu 30 oct 97

Hi Sandy,

If you don't mind, I'll jump in on this post. I have been using the
volcanic ash glazes extensively since mel got me started on them when he
was down here last spring. Besides looking great, I have found these
glazes to be very convenient and relatively inexpensive, especially for
classes. I started out with a 60/40 volcanic ash/gerstley mix firing to
^6 ox and a 20/80 mix for raku. Right now, we are using a 65/35 mix to
which I add 20% EPK and 10% Superpax. This results in a satin white
which we use as our base glaze. (I found the 60/40 a little too glossy
and fluid at ^6 for my tastes). I am looking forward to trying them out
in out in the miniature MFT we will be building here soon. I have come
up with some glazes and overglazes which I would be happy to share with
you and any interested parties. The only thing...I am a bit busy with
Steven Branfman's raku workshop coming up this weekend. So if you don't
mind waiting a bit, I will try to get them posted within the next week
or so.

If you have not already, read mel's article on volcanic ash glazes
in the Nov/Dec 96 Claytimes.

Hope this helps,
Lori L.
Pawleys Island, SC
lleary@sccoast.net
looking forward to meeting fellow Clayarters in person this weekend.....


Sandra Dwiggins wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Mel--
> I just came across my 1970's copy of Glaze Projects by Richard
> Behrens. He has several Volcanic Ash/Gerstley glazes. These are so
> simple to make, compared to many other mid-range oxidation glazes, that
> I would really to get a group of these together for my use...Do you have
> any recomendations for Cone 6 ratios and additives, i.e, bentonite,
> zircopax, etc.? Also, do you have any recommendations for % of
> colorant and stain additives that I could try?
>
> Also, I'm really interested in cratering, too---so if one can get a decent
> crater glaze by using this simple formula--that would be great!
>
> TIA,
> Sandy in Maryland