search  current discussion  categories  techniques - stains 

single firing underglazed greenware?

updated thu 9 aug 07

 

Michell Follett on sat 28 jul 07


I'm teaching at a clay camp and time is an issue when developing projects.

I'm considering having the kids use underglazes on some greenware tiles,
speed drying the pieces and then applying clear glaze and firing to ^05. Ie
- I'm hoping to omit the bisque firing.

I've never tried this - is it possible and recommended?

I don't want to break the kids' precious work (and hearts).

Thank you for any advice!

David Woof on sun 29 jul 07


Michael, most likely some of the kids will slop on the underglaze until
the clay slakes into a deformed sodden mess and cracks on redrying or during
fireing unless the clay is still in it's plastic state when they apply the
wet materials.

And what is your definition of speed drying? Is that like a "quick bisque"?

With time against you there may be no time to acquire paper clay or an open
body suitable for the punishment you may intend to subject it to.

So could you have the kids sculpt bas relief tiles and post fire paint
rather than glaze.

Or go to the local ceramics supply for inexpensive bisqued tiles, or better
still in some applications, buy those budget Home Depot doityerself already
glaze fired tiles which will take 04 glaze/underglaze drawings and
splashing/sploppings. Because they are glaze fired they do not absorb, so
work well with finger painting slips, engobes, glazes.

Remember to apply a good thick kiln washing to the shelves and elevate each
tile from the shelf surface while firing.

On the other hand, art happens when risk is taken and the process should be
more gratifying than the finished result........Explain the risks and why
they must be taken and go for it. Kids are not as fragile as we would
imagine and the ones who grow to enjoy a full creative life understand and
accept the reality of risk and consequences.


David
_________________________________
_________________________________
David Woof Studio
Clarkdale, Arizona
Ph. 928-821-3747
________________________________
________________________________
peering over the edge, reverently taking an irreverent look at everything.

_________________________________________________________________
http://liveearth.msn.com

Curtis Adkins on tue 7 aug 07


Hey Mitchell,

Paper Clay may be the answer to this...It lends itself to speed drying very well...I don't have
any experience with under glazes or low firing but I raw glaze and single fire nearly everything I
do...brushing on a minimal amount of glazes do to possible pitting, blistering, and shivering but,
you only have to fire once for about 20 hours in a small electric kiln like mine. With mine I go
slow btw room temp and 1945f and then on up fairly quickly until I reach about 2165 or ^5. After
that, cooling, I have read should be 150f per hr or slower for best results especially for matte
or satin finishes.

Hope this helps,

Curtis Adkins
--- Michell Follett wrote:

> I'm teaching at a clay camp and time is an issue when developing projects.
>
> I'm considering having the kids use underglazes on some greenware tiles,
> speed drying the pieces and then applying clear glaze and firing to ^05. Ie
> - I'm hoping to omit the bisque firing.
>
> I've never tried this - is it possible and recommended?
>
> I don't want to break the kids' precious work (and hearts).
>
> Thank you for any advice!
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
>


See Monk's Hovel Ceramics @ yessy.com (search for Curtis Adkins)
http://www.yessy.com/lostkid1967/gallery.html