Some colors are difficult or impossible to achieve with crystalline glazes alone. One method to create these colors is to use a “refractory slip”. A refractory slip contains less than 50% clay and is applied to dry or bisque fired pots. Stains are added to this “slip” to create colored backgrounds, over which crystalline glazes are applied.
Refractory Slip
EPK – 30
Silica – 30
Potash feldspar – 30
Alumina Hydrate – 10
(By Tony Laverick, published in Macro-Crystalline Glazes, The Challenge of Crystals by Peter Ilsley)
Add stains – 5% - 15%
15% Red inclusion stain should be used.
This slip is applied on bisque fired pots.
I get the best results with spray application.
One can brush on, apply a couple coats and sand with 320/400 grit sandpaper after firing.
After application, the slip needs to be fired on the pot to 2100F (1150C)
Glazes with small amounts of added colorants are applied.
Suggested colorants:
Cobalt carbonate - .1 - .25%
Copper carbonate - .25 - .50%
Nickel oxide - .25 - .50%
Iron oxide - .50 – 3%
Titanium – 1 – 3% (will yellow glaze slightly) |