Expert: Sam Kelly - 7/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: I don't like the glaze I applied to a cone 6 sculpture. Can I refire the same glaze a second time, also at cone 6?

Also, When I've not liked a glaze on cone 6 stoneware, I've occasionally refired using a cone 04 glaze. I want to keep these sculpture outdoors in extreme weathers. Will they still survive with a cone 04 glaze over a stoneware body that's already been fired?

Thanks so much for your advice.

ANSWER: Hi Alexis, no problem with re-firing, the only side effect is some clay bodies tend to crack, but not all.

Time is your only mearure for pots put to the elements, expansion and contraction over time will tell you if your clay/glazes are suited.

Sam

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Sam ,
Thanks so much for your reply. But could you clarify please?

When you said this: "no problem with re-firing, the only side effect is some clay bodies tend to crack, but not all."

Is it in reference to my first question or my second question?

Thanks again.
Alexis

Answer
You can re-fire the same glaze a second time or another glaze over the first and fire again, but sometimes repeated firings of some clay bodies can cause them to crack, not all clay bodies do this, only some.

For the second question as far as survive with a cone 04 glaze over a stoneware body that's already been fired in extreme weather conditions, only time will tell with repeated exposure to the elements if the pot will survive
Sam