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7/27/2019 clayandglaze-121027140750-phpapp02

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Introduction to Clay & Glaze


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Rules in the Clay Studio

1. Clay and glazes contain silica, which is not good for you.

Work carefully to avoid disturbing dust.

2. Clay must be kept moist while you are working on a project.

You are solely responsible for keeping your clay projects

covered with plastic.

3. Clay clogs the drain! When you are done working for the

day, you must clean your tools and your hands in rinse

buckets.

4. You must also wipe your tables with a damp rag. This

minimizes dust, and leaves the studio clean for other artists.


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The Tools1) Clay basically dirt & water

2) Kiln a device used to cook all moisture out of clay; there are manytypes, but we will use an electric kiln. Clay must be fired (heated in a kiln)in order to become permanently formed.

3) Modelling tool anything that helps to shape clay (a spoon, a

smooth stone); we have specially designed wood modelling tools.

4) Ribs metal or wood; can be smooth or serrated (toothed); serrated

ribs are good for scoring.


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The Tools

5) Ribbons metal loops that function as carving tools; come in various

shapes & sizes.

6) Pin tool a metal pin or a toothpick; useful for putting ventilation

holes in a piece

7) Glaze silica-based colourant; glazes must also be fired in a kiln to

become permanent; makes pottery food safe.


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Clay Stages1) Greenware clay that has not been fired

2) Slip watery clay (like milk); used as glue when joining piece of clay.

3) Leather-hard clay that has partially dried; it holds up its own form,

but can still be manipulated.

4) Bone dry clay that cannot lose anymore moisture without beingfired; it looks off-white. Clay must always be bone dry before firing, or itwill explode!

5) Bisque ware clay that has been fired but not glazed; it is white.

6) Glaze ware clay that has been glazed


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Important Processes

1) Wedging also called kneading; pushing & pulling the clay to get it to

a homogenous state (even moisture, no air bubbles).

2) Scoring creating rough texture where two pieces of clay will be

joined; slip must be applied to the scored area before welding theclay.

3) Welding blending two pieces of clay together, after scoring &slipping.


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Crucial Things to Remember!

Maintain even thickness (0.5 in / 1cm) to avoidcracks

Dry evenly (cover work in plastic)

Eliminate air bubbles and contained air (or

your piece will explode in the kiln).


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Glazing

Glaze is a clay-based colourant.

Glazes must be fired in a kiln to become

permanent.


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Glazing

Important things to remember:

1. Glaze makes clay food safe.

2. Glazes change theirappearance after

being fired.

3. Glaze fuses to anything it touches in the kiln. Keep the

bottom of your work clean up to 0.5 inch/ 1cm from the

bottom.

4. Mix the glaze before applying it. Apply 3 even coats of

glaze.


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Glazing Techniques

1) Dipping immersing the entire clay piece into glaze; after dipping

you MUST remove all glaze from the bottom with a wet rag.

2) Pouring pouring glaze onto your clay piece; again you MUST

remove all glaze from the bottom with a wet rag.

3) Brushing painting the glaze onto the clay piece using paint

brushes; since glaze is a thick, sandy material, it is crucial that you clean

your brushes with soap so that no glaze is left in the bristles.

4) Overlapping mixing glazes in a separate container or on the clay

piece can provide very interesting results.


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Glazing Techniques5) Masking glaze will not stick to areas of the clay that have been

covered with masking tape; you can use tape to create patterns on your

work and then remove the tape before firing.

6) Sgraffito scratching through a layer of glaze to create patterns of

unglazed clay

7) Mishima putting glaze in carved designs, and wiping away the

excess. The glaze only stays in the carved areas.

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