Test tiles

Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Glazes and other Ceramics topics.

How do I remember the finished result of a glaze?

Test tiles

You can make your own test tile chart for home use. I suggest test tiles be made and fired before glazing any piece with that glaze.
Simply cut rectangles approx. 4"X2", you can texture with lines carved into the clay, (This will give you an indication of the glaze flow). Bisque.
When applying your glaze, brush on in order 1 coat, 2 coats, 3 coats (this helps you gauge desired thickness).
Of course you can apply slips or underglazes to unbisqued tiles for further tests. I suggest using a variety of clays for each test, as the body can radically affect the glaze results.
Put holes in the corners of each tile, for hanging. Clearly mark the back of each tile eg C/W twe. (the clay body), Copper Red 1(Glaze used), the date can also be a handy reference to your notes.
Also keep detailed writen or computerised notes on all tiles. To the full recipe, add the firing details, description of the finished glaze and conclusion to these notes, you will find them invaluable in the future, so keep them safe.
A great Book for the experimentation of glazes is:
GLAZES And Glazing Techniques by Greg Daly. Kangaroo Press. ISBN:0-86417-502-7

   

Comments

10/4/2006 9:00:22 AM
keramir said:

A very good book indeed




Name:


URL: (optional)


Comment:


Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Ceramics Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Carma Spence-Pothitt