Firing Raku Copper matts

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Firing Raku Copper matts

Copper matts are the most difficult raku glazes to fire consistently. To get the rainbow colors characteristic of copper matts, the glaze must first be reduced to metallic copper and then re-oxidized slightly. The final effect is similar to the halo created by heating a piece of copper with a torch. There are many different schemes for firing copper matts. The most common is to pull the piece from the kiln hot, smoke it as usual to reduce the copper, then let it re-oxidize while it cools in the container. When removed from the container, the piece is usually quenched in water to stop the re-oxidation.

   

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