Question:
Can I use sand to stop glaze running onto shelves
Use sand to stop glaze running onto shelves
How to fire mid range stoneware (cone 6). kiln wash flakes and sometimes mars a piece in glaze firing. Therefore, use a layer of sand (the same kind that is sold in plastic bags at KMart for kids' sandboxes. Spread the layer very carefully on the shelf after it has been positioned, approximately 1/8 of an inch thick. If you suspect that the glaze will run then use a heavier layer. Since sand will not melt until cone 28 there is no problem. The benefits are that the sand will absorb any glaze which may run off the pot and therefore the piece can be removed from the shelf without damage to the shelf or the pot. Occasionally some sand adheres to the vessel this is easily hand ground with a stone or machine ground with my Makita grinder. It is important to remember to put the sand on the shelves after they are in the kiln and keep it 1/2 " away from the edge of the shelf in order to avoid contamination. I have not had any problems with sand particles getting in my glazed pieces and I do have a venting system. The secondary benefit is that pieces with large flat bottoms never warp! I also use the same technique for bisque firing all platters.
Saving Kiln shelves
„h To prevent glaze from running onto your kiln shelves, cut some slices of kiln brick and fire your pots on that. The brick will stop the glaze from running onto the shelf. Excess glaze can be removed with an angle grinder (use caution with this tool!) Shelves will last much longer, if not indefinitely!
Bat wash
Bat wash is a slurry of refractory material used to prevent kiln furniture from fusing together or pots fusing to shelves or to their lids when fired in position. The ideal wash is one which is relatively cheap and should be easy to make up into a wash which stays put during setting, and lastly it should easily wash off the foot rims, lids etc of the finished ware.
A mixture of aluminium hydrate two parts, china clay one part will be found excellent for most purposes both oxidized and reduced.
(Orton Standard)Temperature Chart
Pyrometric Cones (Orton Standard)
Temperature Equivalent Chart
For the entire Orton Temperature chart: (Orton Standard)Temperature Chart
To remove a stuck lid
If the lid of a teapot is stuck after firing, you can try this method: Fill the pot about 1/4 with water then put in the freezer. When the water has frozen, let it thaw slightly and then thump against the lid. If the lid is not fused, it may come off.
Ceramics Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions should I take in the studio?
How do I fire an electric kiln?
What are some stoneware glazes?
What Precautions when using dry ingredients?
How do I apply opaque stains ?
What should I keep in mind when designing my studio?
What tools do I need to start potting?
How do I best promote myself and my work?
What safety aspect should I keep in mind when working with glazes?
What should I remember when firing the kiln?
How do I best publicise my business?
How do I make a simple plaster mold?
How do I fire overglazes/lustres?
How do I create fine feature lines?
How and when sholuld I apply underglazes?
Are they Water or oil base stains?
Are any two kilns are exactly alike?
Can I use sand to stop glaze running onto shelves
Does greenware need to be dry before loading?
What is the history of the Potter´s Wheel?
What is The History of the Way of Tea
What is Celadon (Cheong-Ja) - the Stuff of Kings?
What is an overglaze marbleizer?
Is there a trick toThrowing Porcelain?
What are some stoneware glazes?
What are some good tools for decoration?
How do I apply texture to my piece?
Do I need kiln wash for bisque?
How do I refire a glazed piece ?
What must I remember when Raku firing?
How do I add decoration to my ceramics?
How do I care for my elements?
Does over firing produce poor colour in coloured glaze?s
What are some Black Firing Tips and Tricks?
What is the safest way to pack my ceramics?
How do I do a reduction firing?
automatic kiln sitter, should I trust it?
What are some tips for draining a mold?
What safety measures should I take with Raku Firing?
How do I attach a bat to the wheelhead?
What tools do I need for ceramics
What are suggested plate clay weights?
What do I need to get started?
What tools do I need to make a coil pot
How do I fire ceramic bisque ?
How do I recycle batches of clay quickly
What is the correct firing time?
How to I prepare and make slabs?
What materials are toxic in Ceramics?
Can Crackle glazes be used for food?
How do I avoid S cracks in wheel thrown ware
How do I get the press onside?
What are the Approx. firing times?
Ho do I avoid pitting and pinholes?
How do I decorate my ceramics?
How do I Bisque fire in an electric kiln?
How do I decorate my ceramics?
How do I apply crackle glazes ?
What effects can I achieve with a brush?
How do I Drain small pour holes?
How do I care for my new Kiln?
can I draw directly onto a piece?
How do I fire different bodies?
What is the humming in my new kiln?
What should I remember when firing a new kiln?
how do I get the best results in glazing?
How do I prevent dirt on my greenware?
How do I accomodate Clay Storage in my studio?
How do I prevent sagging during firing?
How do I load my brush for applying underglaze?
Why should I use pottery plaster?
How do I prevent glazes from settling ?
How do I create a woodtone effect?
What are some Doing well Quotes?
How do I care for my elements?
How do I store my throwing tools?
What is the history of Ceramics?
Why do I get black spots in my glaze?
How do I load my kiln for a glaze firing?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Patricia Walters-Fischer |
