Glazing and Firing – The Final Touches in Pottery

Objective: To provide a comprehensive understanding of glazing and firing, including the different types of glaze and how to apply them, as well as the firing process and how it affects the final result.

Materials Needed:

Bisque-fired pottery pieces
Glaze
Brushes
Mixing bowls and spoons
Kiln

Introduction: Glazing and firing are the final steps in the pottery-making process, and they can greatly affect the final outcome of your pieces. In this lesson, we'll cover the basics of glazing and firing and provide you with the knowledge you need to create beautiful, functional pieces.

Types of Glaze: There are many different types of glaze, each with its own unique properties. Some common types of glaze include glossy, matte, and satin glazes, as well as opaque and translucent glazes. Each type of glaze can be applied in different ways, and the type of glaze you choose will depend on the desired outcome of your piece.
Applying Glaze: Applying glaze to your pieces is a delicate process that requires a steady hand and a good understanding of the properties of your glaze. Start by cleaning your bisque-fired pieces and then brush on a thin, even layer of glaze. Be sure to cover all areas of the piece, and avoid getting glaze on the bottom or on areas that will be in contact with other pieces in the kiln.
Firing: Firing is the process of heating your glazed pieces in a kiln, which can affect the final outcome of your pieces in a number of ways. Different firing temperatures and atmospheres can result in different effects on the glaze, so it's important to understand how your glaze will react to different firing conditions.

Example Glaze Recipe:

Water: 3785 grams (1 gallon)
Potash Feldspar: 2268 grams (5 pounds)
Kaolin: 1361 grams (3 pounds)
Ball Clay: 1361 grams (3 pounds)
Silica: 907 grams (2 pounds)
Borax: 453 grams (1 pound)

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until well mixed.
Slowly add water until the glaze reaches a thin, pourable consistency.
Store the glaze in a covered container until ready to use.

Conclusion: In conclusion, glazing and firing are the final steps in the pottery-making process, and they can greatly affect the final outcome of your pieces. With a solid understanding of the different types of glaze, how to apply them, and the firing process, you'll be able to create beautiful, functional pieces that you'll be proud to display and use.

Assignment 1: Practice Glazing The goal of this assignment is to gain experience in applying glaze to your pieces. Start by selecting a variety of bisque-fired pieces that you have made and clean them to remove any dust or debris. Then, choose one or more types of glaze and experiment with applying them to your pieces.

To apply the glaze, you can use a brush, sponge, or other tool. Start by mixing the glaze according to the manufacturer's instructions, and then apply a thin, even layer to each piece. Pay attention to the thickness of the glaze and how it drips or runs. You can also try different brush strokes to create different effects on the surface of your pieces.

After you have applied the glaze, let the pieces dry completely before firing them. When you are satisfied with the results, fire the pieces in your kiln according to the recommended firing conditions for the glaze you used.

Assignment 2: Experiment with Firing Conditions The goal of this assignment is to gain experience in firing and to understand how different firing conditions can affect the final outcome of your pieces. Start by selecting a series of glazed pieces that you have made and firing them in your kiln under different conditions.

For example, you could fire one series of pieces at a low temperature (around cone 04), another series at a medium temperature (around cone 6), and another series at a high temperature (around cone 10). You could also experiment with different firing atmospheres, such as oxidation, reduction, or neutral.

When the pieces are finished firing, examine them carefully and take note of any differences in color, surface texture, and overall appearance. Compare the results to the glaze samples and try to understand why the pieces look the way they do.

Assignment 3: Create Your Own Glaze Recipe The goal of this assignment is to develop your own unique glaze recipe and to gain a deeper understanding of how glaze ingredients interact with each other. Start by researching different types of glaze recipes and gather all of the ingredients you will need.

Begin by mixing small amounts of each ingredient and observing how they interact with each other. Try different ratios of ingredients and take note of the resulting color, texture, and other properties of the glaze.

As you work, be sure to record the ingredients and proportions you use, as well as any observations or notes about the results. Over time, you may be able to develop a glaze recipe that you are happy with, and that you can use for your own pieces.

Remember, the process of creating a glaze recipe is a long-term project, and it may take many iterations before you find a recipe that you are happy with. The key is to be patient and persistent, and to enjoy the process of discovery and experimentation.

$0.00 USD

Tax included.

{price}% OFF

Specifications

Height

Width

Volume

Register for a notification

Please feel free to get in touch if you would like to be notified when this product is back in stock.

Return Policies

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase. To start a return, you can contact us at stephen@authorceramics.com. If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted. You can always contact us for any return question at stephen@authorceramics.com.

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, like perishable goods (such as food, flowers, or plants), custom products (such as special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (such as beauty products). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item. Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.

Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.

Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.