GLAZE
ORIGINS OF GLAZE Glaze was originally discovered by the Egyptians. They discovered it when they accidentally combined sand and salt to create glass. When they added clay to the mixture they got glaze.
ORIGINS OF GLAZE Glaze can have many characteristics Matt Glossy Transparent completely see through Translucent light can come through but not details Opaque Rough Smooth Metallic
ORIGINS OF GLAZE Glaze can provide many things Decoration Impervious surface Durability Easy cleaning Acid and bacteria resistance
WHAT IS GLAZES MADE OF? Glaze is composed of 3 main ingredents Flint Flux Clay Forms the glass in the glaze Controls the melting temperature of the glaze Helps the glaze stick and bond to the vessel
THREE TYPES OF DECORATING MEDIUMS Acrylic Paint can only be applied to bisque ware. The piece does not need to be fired after the acrylic paint is applied. Acrylic paint is kept on the counters. The paint brushes that are kept by the paint are the brushes you should use for the paint. NEVER put paint into the glass palates. Use the plates/plastic palates/cups by the paint. Glaze can be applied to bisque ware. The piece does need to be fired after the glaze is applied. Glaze is kept in the kiln room. The paint brushes in the middle cabinet above the sink are for glazes. NEVER put glaze into the glass palates. Glaze from the container or a clean cup. Under glaze can be applied to green ware and bisque ware. The piece does need to be fired after the under glaze is applied. Clear glaze is then applied over the fired under glaze to seal it and make it shiny. Under glaze is in the cabinet above the sink on the right. The paint brushes in the middle cabinet above the sink are for glazes. You may put under glaze into the glass palates. Only take what you use.
APPLYING GLAZES Glazes can only be applied to BISQUEWARE! Glaze cannot come into contact with the kiln shelf When glaze melts it turns into glass as it cools it will cause your work to stick to the shelf. If it sticks to the shelf LOVE YA BUT the project gets broken off.
HOW CAN I PREVENT THAT FROM HAPPENING?!?! Three ways stilts to raise the project off of the shelf Wipe off the bottom Wax resist A liquid that may be painted onto the surface of a vessel where glaze is not wanted. If glaze comes into contact with the wax it can just be wiped off. Once wax is on it is there it can only come off by firing
GLAZE METHODS Dipping dipping the bisqueware directly into the glaze Pouring pouring the glaze over the bisqueware Painting Using a paint brush to apply the glaze You need to apply 2-3 coats Let coats dry in-between. You want to layer not just move it around.
WHAT DETERMINES WHAT METHOD TO USE? The size and shape of the clay piece will determine the best way to glaze it.
GLAZE FAULTS If your glaze is applied too thick it will run This will cause your piece to stick to the shelf We all know what happens then. If your glaze is applied too thin it will be streaky Be sure you do your 2-3 coats If your bisqueware as oil or grease on it (including hand lotion) the glaze will crawl. The glaze will pull away from the area.
CAN I EAT OR DRINK FROM MY GLAZE PIECE? YES! Most of our glazes are non-toxic and lead free. Check your glaze first it you see this symbol you are good. If there is no symbol it is not safe to use for eating or drinking. All of our glazes are dishwasher, oven and microwave safe!
TYPES OF GLAZE There are 2 types of glazes High fire Melts at about 2150 degrees Low fire Melts at about 1830 degrees
THINGS TO REMEMBER Always record the glazes you use in your sketchbook. You might find you really like. You cannot mix glazes to make a color you will always get brown. Brush hair and brush strokes will not show after firing Never use the same brush for waxing and glazing Glaze is expensive DO NOT WASTE IT! If a glaze seems too thick ask me before adding water. The color you see in the jar is not the color it will be after it is fired Always check the test tiles
NOW GO BE CREATIVE!!!!