GLAZING
- Allow enough time to glaze. Don't expect to glaze 3 pots on 15 minutes.
- Unless you are using glazes you have experience with take time to decide what you like and what would fit the piece. Look at other people's work on the shelves, ask teachers, talk to other students.
- Think about glazing multiple pieces at a time vs. one here , one there etc.
- Before you glaze - inspect your pot- checking for any burrs or edges that need smoothing. Use one of the sanding tools for a light touch up. It's much easier to it now than when they are fired with glaze.
- Remove any dust- a damp clean sponge does the job. If you "wash" the pot, you must allow time for it to fully dry, as glaze will not adhere to the pot very well.
- The bottom of your piece (where it sits on the kiln shelf) cannot have any glaze or it will stick the kiln shelf and ruin our shelves and your pot. Apply - apply wax resist to areas that will not have glaze. Select a clean brush of an appropriate size and rinse the brush afterwards.
- Select your glazes carefully. Does it run? Is it matt or glossy, is there a test piece I can look at? Ask a teacher, we have experience and want to share it.
- Check your glaze to see if it needs better mixing or needs to be thinned. Only teachers can add water to glazes please. Nothing worse than dipping a pot only to find out that the glaze has chunks, and it's now all over your pot. Most glazes will have a lump free creamy like consistency. If the bucket looks like thick pancake batter - find a teacher.
- Take the time to pour the glaze into a bowl or container that will allow you to glaze your piece easily.
- You can Dip, Paint, Sponge or Spray glaze onto a pot.
- For dipping , use tongs to dip your pot.
- Things take longer to dry before you can second dip. Be patient! You will not only ruin your piece if its still wet before the next dip, but you will contaminate the glaze for others.
- After you have dipped or painted - WAIT and let it all dry. The glaze will become like a powder finish, and that is when it is safe to touch.
- Clean the bottoms using a clean sponge, leaving a small band unglazed near the bottom. 1/8th to 1/4 of an inch will create a safe area should your glaze run a bit.
- Clean up the area, wash your tongs, brushes and bowls.
- The phrase I hear often is "Oh, I thought I would remember what colors I used..." Write it down in a notebook - A over B, 2x dip, light dip, painted on etc. Be descriptive about what you did. If you love it , you will want to replicate it.
- Put your ready to be fired work on the correct shelf in the kiln room or outside the room with a note if the door is locked.
- Lastly, leave a note for an instructor if there are any uncertainties or concerns about the piece. If your piece needs to be stilted , leave a note to that effect. If your glaze job looks questionable leave a note and ask the teacher.
