Lily Krakowski on fri 8 nov 02
To mix your glaze: gently lower the weighed out materials into warm water.
Let them sink and leaves them alone overnight. They will absorb the
water--be sure there is plenty of it--and sieve the glaze after it has
rested. Some people consider overnight too little. Let it settle out again
and syphon off excess water UNLESS YOU ARE USING WATER SOLUBLE MATERIALS IN
WHICH CASE YOU NEED TO LET THE WATER EVAPORATE. I think it from reading Mel
that I learned to mix bentonite and water in a big jug, add it to my glaze
when it is ready to go. I add a bit of calcium chloride at the same time.
I do both by "feel" as predetermined amounts do not work equally well with
all glazes--i.e high clay glazes need little bentonite, high feldspar /frit
ones need more.
In a cold room almost bone dry can make one think a pot is bone dry. Take a
pot you feel sure IS bone dry, bring it into a warm place, set it on a piece
of mirror and let it get good and warm. If it leaves not trace on the glass
it IS bone dry. But if it leaves the tiniest mist, it is not, and it needs
to be in a freeze proof place.
I have had truly dry greenware freeze....and been ok. I hope some expert
answers because now I wonder if the type of clay--dense porcelain vs pretty
open mid-range would matter...
Lili Krakowski
P.O. Box #1
Constableville, N.Y.
(315) 942-5916/ 397-2389
Be of good courage....
| |
|
