![]() ![]() High firing is normally done in gas kilns. Partly because it draws so much electricity to do so. Electric kilns are not often used at the high firing range.There are also many mid fire commercial glazes available.This makes them good for functional purposes. Also, an advantage of these glazes is that they tend to be strong. However, as glazes have advanced, it is possible to achieve vivid colors in this range. In the past, mid fire and high fire glazes were used to create pottery with earthy more subdued colors.There are many low fire commercially produced glazes available.Low fire glazes can produce strong colors without needing as much power to fire.Choosing a Pottery Glaze According to Its Firing Temperature Range: Low Fire Glazes ![]() When choosing a pottery glaze you need to select one that fires at the same temperature your clay body. This will let you know what temperature range the glaze can be fired to. Like clay, glazes are categorized by the cone system. Temperatures between these two ends of the spectrum are given a different cone rating ascending from 022 to 10. There are cones that go above 10, but most commercial ranges go up to 10. The highest cone is 10, which melts at around 2381F (1305F). The lowest cone number is 022, which melts at a temperature of around 1112F (600C). Cones have different melting points and are numbered according to the temperature at which they bend and eventually collapse. Cones are small cone-shaped pieces of ceramic that are placed in the kiln. Often these different ranges are referenced by using the cone rating system. ‘High fire’ clays and glazes are in the higher temperature range. As the names suggest, ‘low fire’ is in the lower temperature range. Glazes need to reach a certain temperature to melt and bond properly to the ceramic it has been applied to.ĭifferent firing temperatures are referred to as low fire, mid fire, and high fire. Like clay, glazes are fired at different temperatures. So, let’s have a look at some of these practicalities… The Temperature You are Firing to Determines the Types of Ceramic Glaze You Can Use Choosing a Pottery Glaze – Some Practical ConsiderationsĪlthough thinking about the way your pottery will look is exciting, it is best to deal with the practicalities first. So, an understanding of the different types of ceramic glaze available is a great starting point. It’s a wonderful feeling to produce something that looks lovely. The artistic element of glazing your pottery can be very exciting and rewarding. So, choosing a pottery glaze involves practical and artistic considerations. Different types of ceramic glaze create very different finishes to pottery ware. Is your pottery going to be decorative or functional? Also, there are aesthetic questions. What temperature you are firing to and how do you want to use your ceramics. After all, you want to make sure you get beautiful results.Ĭhoosing a pottery glaze requires the following considerations. There are many different types of ceramic glaze and there are important considerations when you are choosing a pottery glaze. Simple, right? Well, it may not be as simple as it sounds. I recently came across Rustins clear glaze which I understand is for clay pieces which are then fired but I've heard it can be used on plaster as well.As the name suggests, glazing your pottery basically means you are covering it in glass. On occasions I've also been able to pick the varnish off once dry. If done incorrectly, you end up with a milky patch that doesn't dry clear and you end up ruining the whole piece. The best I've come across is Decoart (duraclear varnish), but this is an American product with very few resellers in the UK. They don't stop scuffs and light scratches. These seem to be more useful for protecting artwork than ceramics. ![]() I've tried a number of varnishes on the market but have had poor results. I've been looking for gloss varnishes or something similar that can give a hard shell finish, and that is safe to use and don't contain any harmful toxins as most of my work is done indoors at home. If acrylic painting over it then scratches are even more noticeable. Whilst the plaster itself is very hard, it can scratch fairly easily, so I have to sell my pieces with a warning to look after with care. The issue I have had for a long time is finding a hard glaze or varnish so as to stop the item from scratching. ![]() I currently work with gypsum plaster (Crystacal R) creating ceramic pieces for the home such as vases (to be used with artificial flowers). ![]()
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