| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| centering clay | 11/15/2009 |
Q: I have just begun throwing clay on the wheel. After one class session (two months) I developed ...
A: the height of the chair you sit at is important. I try to sit on a stool that is slightly higher ...
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| glazes | 11/11/2009 |
Q: My question is I am a college student and I use the clay and kiln that my school has. They only have ...
A: For that link..google 'Orton Ceramics' Bisquing is usually cone 06 to 04 or so. The Orton cone ...
|
| firing temperature | 11/9/2009 |
Q: I am using a transparent stoneware glaze for the first time and wondered what temperatures I should ...
A: There is a wide range of temperatures depending on how the glaze is formulated. The clay and the ...
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| Kiln Question - And Glaze Question | 11/7/2009 |
Q: I have a kiln that I use for glass firing, will ceramic firing work in the same kiln, or, will ...
A: should work fine...firing temps for clay are higher...so assuming your elements are in good ...
|
| clay shrinkage between bisque/ glaze firings | 11/4/2009 |
Q: Wondering if there's a formula for figuring our the amt. of shrinkage between a bisque firing (o4) ...
A: Clay bodies vary in their shrinkage. 9 to 13% is normal from thrown to glaze fired. I have not had ...
|
| Centering | 11/3/2009 |
Q: Another question occured to me as I was "surfing" the answers here. Is there a trick to centering ...
A: Get the clay into a ball put it on the wheel head and slowly rotate the wheel...slap the clay as it ...
|
| Prices | 11/3/2009 |
Q: Ric, I am a hobby potter who has finally gotten good enough not to be embarassed to give her ...
A: do some research...go to some craft galleries and poke around for similar works to yours...check out ...
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| kiln / oven | 10/23/2009 |
Q: im interested in making a few personal fixtures and some chilli bowls and coffee mugs and vases. i ...
A: sorry can't help you. A kiln goes to 1860 F up to 2300F. an oven goes to 500F. read THE KILN BOOK ...
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| low-fire kiln - safe materials question | 10/23/2009 |
Q: We have an art parent at elementary school who has produced a class clay project with no names on ...
A: use a cobalt ceramic pencil..and write the names...you can get one from a local ceramic supply ...
|
| Red iron oxide | 10/22/2009 |
Q: I bisqued a bottle to ^06 then gave it a good and dark wash with red iron oxide, then glazed it ...
A: I do see evidence of oxide....but not enough...and did you rub it with a damp sponge to push it into ...
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| Red iron oxide | 10/22/2009 |
Q: I bisqued a bottle to ^06 then gave it a good and dark wash with red iron oxide, then glazed it ...
A: good question...it should not have disappeared completely....you say it was applied in a dark wash ...
|
| kiln ventilating | 10/17/2009 |
Q: I live in a retirement community that has just accepted a clay kiln as a gift. It will be placed in ...
A: You can buy an electric kiln forced air ventilation to attach to the bottom of the kiln. I believe ...
|
| Glaze tinking??? | 10/13/2009 |
Q: I made a new glaze. When I pulled my test piece out of the kiln, it was tinking...there is some ...
A: Crackle glazes are common. It is a slight defect called crazing usually caused by an imbalance of ...
|
| oil paint on bisque | 10/9/2009 |
Q: I see one can paint on an item with oil paint, should something be done to it first, or just start ...
A: painting on a glazed ceramic surface is like painting on glass. On bisque it will work well.....but ...
|
| terra cotta | 10/6/2009 |
Q: what is the firing temp for terra cotta? Also, what is the appropriate glaze to use on terra cotta?
A: terracotta can be fired at a wide range of temperatures....depending on the formulation. It is ...
|
| Marks on white china plates | 10/5/2009 |
Q: I purchased a set of White Bone China and have discovered that the more I use it, the more light ...
A: Scotchbrite might help. But be careful..if the white glaze is soft, it might dull the glaze over ...
|
| glaze issues | 10/5/2009 |
Q: I use Duncan underglazes and glazes. On 03/04 bisque I paint entire piece with thin coat of white ...
A: Hard to know exactly that might be happening. Try removing the thin white undercoat where the spots ...
|
| re-firing | 10/5/2009 |
Q: When I re-fire..do I need to do anything to the pot..Do I just re-dip or re-brush??? I have been ...
A: Getting the to stick to an already high fired piece is difficult. warm the piece in your kiln....or ...
|
| Decorating Stoneware Mugs | 9/30/2009 |
Q: Our girl scout troop would like to decorate coffee mugs to give to patients at a veteran's hospital. ...
A: paint or anything put in the oven to fix the color will not last even one trip through a dishwasher. ...
|
| more Barium carb questions | 9/25/2009 |
Q: It was recently brought to my attention that Barium Carbonate is being added to the clay body I use ...
A: Monona knows a lot, but I fear she 'protests too much'....there is no proven and documented illness ...
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| barium carbonate | 9/24/2009 |
Q: It was recently brought to my attention that Barium Carbonate is being added to the clay body I use ...
A: Lots of talk about it, but substantiation of it's harm, unless you 'eat' Barium carbonate....a fair ...
|
| Bisque Firing Schedule | 9/21/2009 |
Q: We just set up a pottery studio in our home and will be firing our first cone 05 bisque (cone 5 ...
A: cooling for 24 hours is probably fine. I would roll a small piece of newsprint and stick it in the ...
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| metals and pottery | 9/21/2009 |
Q: Is there a metal that will fire in the electric kiln up to cone 10? If so where might I look for ...
A: Ni-chrome and Kanthal wire are used to support ceramic jewelry...They are metal wires that come in ...
|
| Bisque Firing Schedule | 9/19/2009 |
Q: We just set up a pottery studio in our home and will be firing our first cone 05 bisque (cone 5 ...
A: at first go very slowly ...ie overnight to drive out the H20 in thicker clay sections. In the ...
|
| Kiln coil | 9/17/2009 |
Q: I've recently bought a used (but in excellent condition) Skutt Electric Kiln. The previous owner had ...
A: Sorry... my internet connection was down for several days... The elements should be held in place ...
|
| Bisque Firing Schedule | 9/16/2009 |
Q: We just set up a pottery studio in our home and will be firing our first cone 05 bisque (cone 5 ...
A: Sorrry...my internet connection has been down for several days... Go slow....leave the door open ...
|
| Paint used for pottery | 9/16/2009 |
Q: I painted pottery at one of the local paint pottery studios where you pick a piece, paint it and ...
A: Sorry my internet connection has been down for several days... Not sure I understand the ...
|
| Glaze Rubbed Off and Consumed | 9/14/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased a set of glazed ceramic plates from a dept store (said they were dishwasher, ...
A: Sorry...my internet connection was lost for the past few days.... Return them to the store ...
|
| bat holes are too big | 9/10/2009 |
Q: Is there a way to make the holes on the plasti-bats smaller so they don't wobble on the bat pins or ...
A: Re-drilling is probably the best idea. Make a template that is exactly right in spacing mark for ...
|
| deflocculated slip for casting | 9/8/2009 |
Q: I've been given some casting slip [at least 20yrs old, factory closed down] but still in its plastic ...
A: i'm sorry I do not have such experience...old casting slip might loose some of it's defloc. ...
|
| reclaiming clay | 9/7/2009 |
Q: I haven't been able to do pottery for 4 years and I am having to move from one house to another, ...
A: Let it all dry completely...break the chunks into dust...sprinkle the clay into water and let it sit ...
|
| Glazing | 9/4/2009 |
Q: by accident we fired a bisque kiln to glaze temperature (1200 degrees C.). Is there any possibility ...
A: difficult to get the glaze to stick. Heat the pieces in your oven or atop a hot kiln....handle with ...
|
| baking terra cotta | 9/4/2009 |
Q: I want to make low fire terra cotta pots to bake bread in-- similar to store bought flower pots to ...
A: Interesting question. Millions around the world use low temp common earth clay...ie terra cotta ...
|
| Cone 3 Clay? | 9/3/2009 |
Q: how are you? Is there such a thing as a type of clay that can be fired to just cone 3 ? I heard of ...
A: Clays are usually formulated to fire best at a range of temperature. Some have a narrow range ans ...
|
| pottery wheel | 8/31/2009 |
Q: I bought a used Pacifica GT400 a few months ago. It has sat unused for at least 7 years. It worked ...
A: Guessing that Maybe someone sat on the wheel head and bent the shaft.? That happened to one of our ...
|
| arts | 8/30/2009 |
Q: 1. a piece of pottery hand made from a mold is it a art? 2. a piece of pottery made an sold to a ...
A: ah......... the age old question...debated endlessly among artists and craftspeople worldwide. I ...
|
| which pottery wheel to buy? | 8/30/2009 |
Q: I have become addicted to pottery and plan on buying my own wheel. I don't plan on becoming pro, but ...
A: I have a Brent CXC. Bought it in 1972. Never a problem and have thrown more than 100 lbs on it many ...
|
| Clay in Raku | 8/28/2009 |
Q: When Raku firing, do i need to use "raku" clay? or can I use white stoneware ^6. What ^ is best for ...
A: Any clay can be used for Raku....but, grogged clay that can take the heat shock is best. ie clays ...
|
| Plates | 8/26/2009 |
Q: While sitting in the pantry they seem to growm more mold and i have to thoroughly wash and dry them ...
A: Dishes put away wet ...in a dark place can grow mold. It is a very common problem and the rason ...
|
| black clay firing | 8/25/2009 |
Q: Is bad coal good clay? We in Eastern Montana have the bad lands full of clays. I have dug up some ...
A: I have heard of basalt clays that are black. Do not know what a "bad coal" is, however. Test a bit ...
|
| My French pottery smells | 8/16/2009 |
Q: While living in Europe, I purchased pottery from Soufflenheim, France. I was assured the pottery was ...
A: Is it terracotta ware? reddish color? rather porous? That would be a common problem. The porous ...
|
| composition of porcelain/china | 8/9/2009 |
Q: I have started to research composition of dinnerware. Is it correct that china and porcelain are one ...
A: The naturally formed, pure porcelain clay found a thousand years ago near JingDeZhen..at Gao Ling ...
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| composition of porcelain/china | 8/9/2009 |
Q: I have started to research composition of dinnerware. Is it correct that china and porcelain are one ...
A: www.clayart.org or potterybasics.com Alumina and silica are two of the most common elements on ...
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| Reglazing Pottery | 8/8/2009 |
Q: Is it possible to reglaze an old piece of pottery that is used for container gardening? Thank you.
A: Possible yes...easy-no. Getting glaze to stick to a glazed surface is like trying to apply glaze to ...
|
| Kiln and envirovent | 8/4/2009 |
Q: I have just purchased a used Olympic kiln which came with a Skutt Envirovent Model SE1. I keep my ...
A: It can help to even out the firing and remove combustibles during the bisque. Firing outside ir is ...
|
| Hairline cracks in planter | 8/1/2009 |
Q: Today I purchased a large glazed pottery planter, 30" in diamater, at a local nursery. It was in a ...
A: eventually it will fall apart...maybe 5 years/....or 50 years from now... epoxy will help to hold ...
|
| Glazing and clay differences | 7/30/2009 |
Q: If clay is bisque fired to its mature temp at ^10 is it then ok to glaze with a ^6 glaze? Thanks!
A: Yes you can do that. The problem will be getting the glaze to absorb into the clay body. You ...
|
| low-fire glazes fired over cone 6 | 7/27/2009 |
Q: I have a sculpture that has cone 6 glazes on it.I want to refire the piece with low-fire glazes ...
A: Yes. It is done all the time. Getting the low temp. glaze to stick will be the issue. Brush ...
|
| Pizza stone | 7/25/2009 |
Q: I am making a clay pizza stone to fit our grill. I intend to leave it unglazed (otherwise the pizza ...
A: mnO2 is not good...is there a LOT of it?..trace amounts are not to worry about.... It will not leach ...
|
| reduction fireing | 7/24/2009 |
Q: Now i have a larger two burner kiln burners come in from underneath and when i try to reduce by ...
A: Yes, it can be very frustrating to loose good work to a poor firing. Is this a commercailly built ...
|
| reduction fireing | 7/23/2009 |
Q: Now i have a larger two burner kiln burners come in from underneath and when i try to reduce by ...
A: Burners nedd primary and secondary air sources. The primary is under the orrifice and there should ...
|
| Firing Slip | 7/19/2009 |
Q: I want to make earrings about 1&1/2" in diameter using the slip method in a mold and I would like to ...
A: There is a type of clay that some jewelry makers use...I think the name is something like ...
|
| reusing old porcelain | 7/17/2009 |
Q: I am wanting to recycle old porcelain plates by painting them and glazing them. It's a craft project ...
A: yes, some are quite soft, but others are quite vibrant and solid in covering old colors. ...
|
| reusing old porcelain | 7/16/2009 |
Q: I am wanting to recycle old porcelain plates by painting them and glazing them. It's a craft project ...
A: That's called CHINA PAINTING and it's a popular hobby. Ceramic low temperature glazes are used but ...
|
| clay body | 7/16/2009 |
Q: I want to make small baking dishes for my niece's cafe. What clay body would be best for bake ware?
A: Best to use an open clay body...not too vitreous (glasslike) A clay body that is fired to a lower ...
|
| buying a used Olympic kiln | 7/16/2009 |
Q: I have an opportunity to buy a used Olympic 1823WHT kiln with 3 inch walls - fires to cone 10. The ...
A: Sounds good. You can test whether the elements work by simply turning the kiln on to high, waiting ...
|
| clay | 7/6/2009 |
Q: I live in N.Florida and have been offered local clay from an area in St. Augustine Fl. It is in a ...
A: first...what is a good result? What do you expect? it is plastic? can stretch? fire to a good ...
|
| Broken cones | 7/4/2009 |
Q: I have a small electric kiln that I got used, and have fired three times. The first two times I ...
A: Inspect the cone before you use it. Keep cones in a dry place. Age doesn't matter as long as the ...
|
| Making a large terra cotta status | 7/3/2009 |
Q: I am a docent at the Terra Cotta Warrior exhibit in Houston. I am looking for more detail on how ...
A: This is conjecture, but I believe it is the same way that life size and larger sculptures are still ...
|
| raku | 6/18/2009 |
Q: I am wondering if I can immerse a finished piece of raku in water for a period of 2 hours without ...
A: As long as it have at some point been bisque fired to the point were it has started to sinter (clay ...
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| Slip casting | 6/16/2009 |
Q: how are you.I am trying to find another method for slip casting.I fill the moulds,let the clay dry ...
A: different plaster types dry faster and cast faster than others...Pottery Plaster # 1 is porous and ...
|
| Tile making process questions | 6/14/2009 |
Q: I make handmade tiles, sometimes several hundred square feet at a time. I am looking for efficient ...
A: Drying them on squares of plaster wall board works well..You can get scraps of wall board from a ...
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| low fire vs high fire clay for elementary | 6/11/2009 |
Q: As an art teacher, I have only taught using high fire stoneware the past 20 years grades K-12 but ...
A: What is their reasoning? I think high fire is a better choice for all students. Maybe someone is ...
|
| Oxides | 6/9/2009 |
Q: I have just started pottery. I am making ceramic pendants. I do not understand oxides and how they ...
A: Yeah somewhat scientific...geology.... coloring oxides has certain properties....after firing in ...
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| Hanging glazed earrings in kiln & porcelain | 6/5/2009 |
Q: I wanted to make some earrings and glaze fire them. I've noticed the bead rack kiln furniture wire ...
A: Kanthal wire is normally used to suspend jewelry in the kiln. The thinner wire will probably not ...
|
| glazing pinch pots | 6/2/2009 |
Q: One of my special needs students painted the glaze over the entire pot. Even after washing/brushing ...
A: Not to worry...unless there is a LOT of glaze there....a small amount will not hurt. If you are ...
|
| 400 bricks with picture. oops ignore other. | 6/1/2009 |
Q: i really apreciate the input... and now a follow up. i do have fred olson´s kiln book. but the ...
A: your sprung arch will support a stack....In fact you could probably stand on it! but maybe not when ...
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| 400 brick kiln | 6/1/2009 |
Q: i really apreciate the input... and now a follow up. i do have fred olson´s kiln book. but the ...
A: Chimneys are reasons that fireplaces, woodstoves and kilns work well. There MUST be a draft to pull ...
|
| updraft wood kiln | 6/1/2009 |
Q: hey there experts! i live in the southern most tip of mexico, where pottery supplies are quite ...
A: Without a chimney stack, you might have some trouble drawing the flames up to the top reaches of the ...
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| Broken pieces | 5/25/2009 |
Q: I have a flat piece that was going to be a wall-hanging. It is textured and glazed and it is really ...
A: I don't understand when you say "second bisque firing" why would you bisque already glazed pieces? ...
|
| castable refractory | 5/22/2009 |
Q: I wan to build a kiln. Is it possible to cast the walls and crown of my kiln ? Are there recipes for ...
A: A cone ten clay with paper would not work, IMHO. Real risk of melt down and sagging...of the crown ...
|
| Placement of my kiln, and help using kiln | 5/21/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased a kiln from an old art teacher. It is a Skutt electric kiln. I was wanting to ...
A: Anna, First contact Skutt online and get a set of directions for use of your kiln. They are in ...
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| Low fire melt down | 5/15/2009 |
Q: I have a small skutt kiln, model k ks-818-3". I fire both low and high fire clay with a kiln sitter. ...
A: It sounds pretty bad. Chipping the pieces out and patching with kiln cement might be your only path. ...
|
| Fettling and sponging | 5/12/2009 |
Q: how are you.I have many small slabs approximately 22cm x 37cm and 1 cm thickness to fettle and ...
A: let them dry slowly and flip them so they do not warp. In San Antonio...We dried tiles on pieces of ...
|
| Terra Cotta Strawberry Planter | 5/11/2009 |
Q: I was given a terra cotta strawberry planter. I had planned to plant herbs in it. Dirty motor oil ...
A: Maybe clean it with isopropyl (rubbing)alcohol? I have not run into this problem before. I know ...
|
| How to high fire to cone 6 | 5/10/2009 |
Q: I am a new potter and have a small Duncan Teacher's kiln that I have been using for several years to ...
A: If you are letting your wares dry for 24 hours...no problem. I have seen people put freshly glazed ...
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| How to high fire to cone 6 | 5/10/2009 |
Q: I am a new potter and have a small Duncan Teacher's kiln that I have been using for several years to ...
A: Make sure the glaze is cleaned off the foot of each pieces...I use a small sponge. If there is any ...
|
| re-firing a glased bisque mug | 5/4/2009 |
Q: I own a craft store - we also do paint your own pottery. A customer painted a bisque mug with ...
A: just looking at it....it appears that the rim was glazed with a white glaze instead of a clear? I ...
|
| clay bodies and glazes | 5/1/2009 |
Q: I have not worked with clay for thirty years. I have a BS in art, with emphases in ceramics. I have ...
A: Pat, Sounds like a good direction to go. Using local brick clays is something I am doing in China ...
|
| Glaze | 4/30/2009 |
Q: How do I Airbrush ceramic glaze
A: Ceramic materials are very abrasive and will quickly wear out an airbrush nozzle. I use a simple ...
|
| underfired and crawling | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I have a kilnload of large, underglaze-painted pots underfired (aiming at 1100C) due to a power cut ...
A: no sure fire solution.(pun intended) I would set the pieces aside and fire a few....using ...
|
| Career in pottery. | 4/28/2009 |
Q: For a very long time I have been passionate about doing creative activities. I love painting over ...
A: Kajal, Big questions...many possible answers. 1.) seek out a successful local potter and ...
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| low fire clay/glaze | 4/24/2009 |
Q: I asked earlier question re flowers floating on low fire clay. At first I did not use anything to ...
A: If this is the first time this has happened in 15 years, SOMETHING has changed. We once had ...
|
| BEST KILN | 4/24/2009 |
Q: I am going to be buying a new kiln for my ceramics program and wonder if you could give my some ...
A: There are a lot of good kilns out there. Paragon makes fine kilns. Howard Arnold is the contact man ...
|
| mexican outdoor oven - pizza oven | 4/24/2009 |
Q: I hope u can help. I have one of the above and the oven is falling to bits. The bulb of the oven is ...
A: Those things are fragile and fired to very low temperatures. Pit fired in Mexico. You can try ...
|
| Making slabs of clay | 4/23/2009 |
Q: how are you.I make slabs approximately 20cm x 30cm and 2cm thick from clay.Then I engrave names on ...
A: dry them on an aborbant surface, like a piece of gypsum drywall...sheetrock...turn them periodically ...
|
| low fire clay/glaze | 4/23/2009 |
Q: I asked earlier question re flowers floating on low fire clay. At first I did not use anything to ...
A: You must 'attach' the pieces together...laying them on top does not attach them. Roughen the two ...
|
| clay/glaze problems | 4/23/2009 |
Q: I've been using a new Trinity low-fire clay. I've stuck small flowers to plates, fired at 03 to ...
A: how are you attaching the pieces? using slip? scratching the surfaces? using vinegar in the slip? ...
|
| firing stoneware | 4/20/2009 |
Q: If I am not going to glaze my finished stoneware piece, is it necessary to fire it in a cone 04 ...
A: Not necessary to bisque it first....but remember that this glaze firing must be started just as ...
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| Acrylic paint and Mid-fire clay | 4/18/2009 |
Q: I am unhappy with glazes on the outside of my work (too shiny, not consistent etc) and was told that ...
A: Possible yes. Valid as ceramic...no Why not use matt glazes that are not shiny? or use glaze stains ...
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| Oil painting on bisque | 4/17/2009 |
Q: I was wondering if you can paint directly on bisque ware with oil based paints or if you need to ...
A: Yes you can. It will not be as durable as glaze or china paints however. Ceramics should be fired ...
|
| Paragon A82B | 4/16/2009 |
Q: The bottom of my kiln is really messed up from overfiring and melting of clay. Can I just take it ...
A: My advice is to call Paragon in Texas and get their advice directly. They are very helpful. ...
|
| Firing in a Paragon A82B | 4/13/2009 |
Q: This is the second time I fired greenware to bisque and when I opened the kiln everything was ...
A: wrong clay? wrong temp? Just figure out the right temp. clays and glaze have optimum temps. ...
|
| painting corelle dinnerware | 4/11/2009 |
Q: can we paint on white plain corelle dinneware that was brought from store? can we paint on already ...
A: China paints are just low fire glazes...colorful...bright colors. Get them at any ceramic hobby ...
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| painting corelle dinnerware | 4/10/2009 |
Q: can we paint on white plain corelle dinneware that was brought from store? can we paint on already ...
A: corelle is a form of glass....mostly silica...very little if any alumina...like clays. Corning ...
|
| no clue what I'm doing | 4/10/2009 |
Q: I have a bowl that has been fired w/ no paint on it. I am painting it for a school project and was ...
A: Enamel or acrylic Paint will not survive the temperature of a kiln. Depending what minerals were ...
|
| cracking after glaze fire | 4/6/2009 |
Q: I am a functional potter from Montana. I recently did a firing where I accidentally fired to cone ...
A: There might be several explainations: That particular glaze, overfired slightly might be more ...
|
| Pottery Glaze | 3/28/2009 |
Q: Have old piece of pottery that glaze is flaking off,can glaze be completely removed or touched up?
A: Looks like maybe old low fired ware. Not much you can safely do. BUT you can try applying a low ...
|
| electric kiln glaze firing | 3/22/2009 |
Q: Could you pls help me out I have just started wheel throwing pottery after a relatively short ...
A: Stilts are usually used for low temperatures. cone 5 and above, potters usually remove all glaze ...
|
| Cracks | 3/21/2009 |
Q: Good Morning.........I am a little frustrated this morning and I am hoping you can help me. I am a ...
A: Firstly, how thick are the pieces? Are they of even thickness throughout? What clay body are you ...
|
| Imperfections in piece after final firing | 3/21/2009 |
Q: I recently made a platter with a 15 inch diameter in a slump mold. It was 3/8 of an inch thick. All ...
A: Some say that clay has "memory". Once it has been moved or scarred, the firing will help the clay ...
|
| low fire pieces and oven usage | 3/17/2009 |
Q: My students are using low fire clay and low fire glaze (06). They want to make pieces they can bake ...
A: The only real issue is heating and cooling the ceramics SLOWLY. Do not put the pie in a pre-heated ...
|
| Repainting Ceramic Cake Stands | 3/16/2009 |
Q: I'm interested in repainting porcelain department store cake stands but they still need to be food ...
A: Do you mean with paint? or glazes? Paint will not stick for long to a glazed ceramic surface...do ...
|
| firing air dry clay | 3/12/2009 |
Q: I have some very old clay that I am rehydrating. I am not sure but there may be about 10 to 15% air ...
A: If by air dry clay you mean plastaline? Clay mixed with oils....? If it has dried and it will even ...
|
| red raku glaze recipe | 3/9/2009 |
Q: I am searching for a red raku glaze recipe as the manufactured one I use from Scarva Pottery ...
A: sorry...all my raku recipes are in Atlanta...and I am in JingDeZhen, China. There should be other ...
|
| health issues in clay pots | 3/7/2009 |
Q: I am wanting to serve food out of a plain clay flower pot. Can this to your knowledge be a health ...
A: Many people around the world eat from plain terracotta wares. The clay will be quite porous and ...
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| Using cone 04 and 06 glazes | 2/26/2009 |
Q: I'm planning to paint a bisque teapot to match my china. I have a gold glaze that is supposed to be ...
A: If you re-fire a cone 06 glaze to cone 04 (which is about 70 degrees F. hotter,) it might affect ...
|
| cooperative design | 2/25/2009 |
Q: I have a pitcher and set of 8 mugs stamped cooperative design bennington vermont. Could this be an ...
A: David Gil did almost all the design work at Bennington Potters Inc....from 1947 till he died about 5 ...
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| Releasing molds | 2/25/2009 |
Q: I've recently been experimenting with making plaster press molds. The items I am making molds of ...
A: new molds never work well. Try a few more casts and the mold will probably improve and release ...
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| Plaster Casting Arms | 2/24/2009 |
Q: and i was wondering if you could give some tips and pointers on how to cast my arm. I'm trying to ...
A: Wow...big question. Are you going to slip cast ceramic arms in plaster molds? If so...I suggest you ...
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| Low Fire Glaze problem! | 2/23/2009 |
Q: I teach jr high art- I have 4 student sculptures that recently had glazing problems. Re-creating ...
A: Yes. Try a re-fire at a little hotter temperature. Clay can be re-fired countless times. If that ...
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| Wedging Clay | 2/21/2009 |
Q: Do you have to wedge clay that comes packaged from distributor. I've heard that it's not necessary, ...
A: Clay that has been run through a de-airing pug mill might need little kneading or wedging. ...
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| Bisque firing a ^6 clay | 2/21/2009 |
Q: I've thrown pottery for about 3 years and always had someone else fire it for me. I bought my own ...
A: You want the clay to be fired at a lower temperature than the glaze fire. The bisque should be easy ...
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| Ceramic and Glass | 2/20/2009 |
Q: I will be starting my student teaching very soon and I would really like to do a project where the ...
A: One idea might to have the students make ceramic wall pouches. You can make them any size. Make a ...
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| oxides | 2/19/2009 |
Q: I am a huge fan of using red iron oxide as a stain with carved pieces, without the use of a glaze on ...
A: Although they are more expensive than simple oxides like red iron oxide you might try body stains or ...
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| removing "wash" from a pot | 2/13/2009 |
Q: I just recieved a nice handthrown jar with a cover, all around the edge of the cover is a white ...
A: A stiff bristle brush will usually remove it...use some water with the brush. If it doesn't come ...
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| fireing of an ald kiln | 2/7/2009 |
Q: I pray you can help me, I do ceramics for a hobby and I was given an old kiln, it has "reward ...
A: First, GOOGLE Reward Kilns. You should be able to get kiln instructions on-line. use of Cones ...
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| Kiln location | 2/5/2009 |
Q: My dear Ric. I am hoping that you can help me. I have a blue diamond kiln that was given to me a ...
A: The size depends on what you need to comfortably work in that space loading and unloading the kiln. ...
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| Kiln location | 2/4/2009 |
Q: My dear Ric. I am hoping that you can help me. I have a blue diamond kiln that was given to me a ...
A: Wow. Lots of questions. I will try to help. Putting the kiln outside is a good idea because your ...
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| Brushing on glazes | 2/3/2009 |
Q: I am relatively new to this. I have read on a mfr's website about "brushing" glazes. I bought some ...
A: It does take practice to brush glazes on smoothly. Several thinner coats put on at diagonal ...
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| kiln temp | 2/1/2009 |
Q: do you know how I can find out if a American beauty kiln model AB will fire cone 6 for stoneware? ...
A: Contact the manufacturer through the internet and get their online instructions. If they are not in ...
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| plaster mold making | 2/1/2009 |
Q: I would like to make a plaster slip casting mold for dinner dishes. Can you tell me how to do that?
A: There is not an easy answer. I suggest you borrow a copy of 'Moldmaking for Ceramics', by Donald ...
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| Making Bucchero ware | 2/1/2009 |
Q: I'm interested in trying to re-create the ancient etruscan bucchero ware: black pottery made by ...
A: Reduction firing can be done in a kiln that burns fuel (not electric neutral atmosphere where heat ...
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| refiring | 1/27/2009 |
Q: I work with cone 6 stoneware/glazes. What is the best way to prepare the surface of a piece that has ...
A: Just make sure surface is clean...thicken the glaze by letting it settle and scoop some water off ...
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| Porcelain | 1/22/2009 |
Q: Please if you can tell me something about this item and if there is a market. Has been in my family ...
A: It looks quite old and in good shape....from the photo. I googled: 'Eking, English Porcelain' and ...
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| Clay Mask | 1/14/2009 |
Q: I am a properties artisan at a regional theatre, and we are making a replica of a Congo tribal mask. ...
A: Interesting question. The first rule of water based ceramic clay is that it shrinks when drying. ...
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| way overfired | 1/11/2009 |
Q: I used very white #10 clay (a low fire)...my kiln in 4 hours on high only got up to 1370 degrees ...
A: Yes you can and should clean up the mess. CAREFULLY use a chisel to chip the melted clay out...it ...
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| glazes | 1/8/2009 |
Q: is it possible to paint with different coloured glazes on the same plate, do the colours all meld ...
A: Yes. The glazes will melt together and blur the edges a bit. If you keep them carefully separated, ...
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| i need all info and instructions on how to use a kiln | 1/6/2009 |
Q: i got one but don't know how to use it i have lot's of paint's and pottery but how do i use the kiln ...
A: First, find out the brand of kiln. Then go to their website to get instruction booklet for that ...
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| kiln repair | 1/6/2009 |
Q: I'm actually a glass fuser sneaking in here with a kiln question. I have an Evenheat Kiln that has ...
A: Yes, soak the piece in water for a second...sponge the area where you will repair...with water. Use ...
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| kiln doesn't heat up | 1/3/2009 |
Q: I have a second hand Cress FX27 kiln. I had the wiring checked when I got it, and the electrician ...
A: Turn the kiln on....with the door open and watch the elements. They should start to glow on hot ...
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| earthenware underglaze on stoneware clay body | 12/30/2008 |
Q: Ric: Middle School Visual Arts teacher here (: We traditionally work with an earthenware clay body ...
A: You are right to want to test first.....but I see no reason that what you propose wouldn't work. ...
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| glazing | 12/24/2008 |
Q: I just mistakenly fired a "bisque" load to cone 5. I always fire to 04, glaze and then glaze fire ...
A: The problem becomes getting a thick eough coat of glaze to stick to the pots. It will take some ...
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| Too Risky To Fire In Kiln | 12/14/2008 |
Q: I've been trying to work on a clay sculpture (A "piggy" bank in the shape of a cat) but I'm too ...
A: Janessa, I'd use a heavily grogged/sandy clay that is OPEN and will dry well. Scupture clay or raku ...
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| Glaze and Firing | 12/13/2008 |
Q: I purchased Laguna Dynasty Glazes (C-5)and there are not instructions on jar as to how many coats to ...
A: FIRST: Make sure the glaze is well mixed....glaze tends to sttle with heavy materials packing in the ...
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| firing | 12/11/2008 |
Q: i am making x-mas ornaments and have some red clay they are now dry and i want to fire them but i ...
A: Even a low fire is at least 1000 F. Take the pieces to a local ceramics shop (look in the yellow ...
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| repair a ceramic item made at school | 12/10/2008 |
Q: my jr high school son made a sign and a bowl in his ceramics class and the sign broke in half and i ...
A: If it is not yet fired, fire it then use two part epoxy to glue the broken pieces together. If not ...
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| glazing greenware | 12/10/2008 |
Q: We have an electric kiln at our elementary school. We always use low fire clay. We also glaze our ...
A: The wax will burn off at glaze temp and leave little evidence of it ever being there. It is smelly ...
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| Repairing glaze on ceramic table top | 12/9/2008 |
Q: I have a Danish design table with ceramic tiles on top which has been outside in the garden for some ...
A: Interesting problem. Exposure may have damaged the actual surface of the glaze. Abrasive cleaners, ...
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| natural gas supply for kiln | 12/9/2008 |
Q: I am getting a used gas kiln about 9 cu.ft. It is set up to fire on natural gas. My gas company ...
A: One pound of pressure should be enough. My 24 foot Olsen Kiln used less than half a pound of ...
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| cracked greenware bowl | 12/8/2008 |
Q: Is there any way to repair a fully dry greenware bowl that split on the mold. I could not remove ...
A: You should remove pieces from the mold when they are still moist....they will crack if left in the ...
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| Glaze Crawling | 12/7/2008 |
Q: I am having a huge problem with glaze crawling around the rims. I work with porcelain and have been ...
A: Three things occur to me. 1.) dust on the rim can cause crawling. Sponge off the ware before ...
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| Clear glaze | 12/4/2008 |
Q: I am using Amaco's Sahara Dry Clear Hf-10 glaze over underglaze and everything worked out fine in ...
A: Sounds under-fired. Try firing again at the proper temp? You can re-fire until it works. It might ...
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| pit holes | 12/3/2008 |
Q: I was wondering if you dipped the bisqued stoneware pot and still got the pitting or pin holes is ...
A: rub the same glaze into the pinholes and re-fire. It usually works....you can re-fire as many times ...
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| kiln capabilities | 12/2/2008 |
Q: If I fire a cone 5 glaze at cone 6, would the color be lost or made less vivid? Or, if I fire a ...
A: Of course it depends on the glaze. Some colorant oxides are very sensitive....most are not that ...
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| Glaze crazing | 12/2/2008 |
Q: I just unloaded a glaze kiln (cone 10 reduction on grolleg porcelain) and alot of my glazes are ...
A: Sounds like a quick cool to me. You can re-fire the pieces and cool them more slowly this time. ...
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| kiln wash | 12/2/2008 |
Q: We are firing to cone 10 in reductions and using silicon carbide shelves. Every time we fire a ...
A: Kiln washes vary in composition and formulae. I used 50 percent silica (Flint) and 45 percent ...
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| Glazes and clays | 11/30/2008 |
Q: Can I use a medium (Cone 6) glaze on stoneware/high fire clay? Thank you Debby
A: yes, usually that will work fine. Of course some glazes will work better than others. Can you do ...
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| Porcelain buttons | 11/30/2008 |
Q: I would like to find a source for porcelain that would be suitable to make buttons. I have a kiln, ...
A: Nearly any porcelain made for wheel throwing or handbuilding should work well for making buttons. ...
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| Lattice work | 11/29/2008 |
Q: I made a lattice plate that came out stunningly. I have tried to repeat the exercise a few times ...
A: It sounds like the clay is a bit dry. Try wrapping the clay in a wet towel and put it in a plastic ...
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| slip as glaze | 11/28/2008 |
Q: I teach 7 & 8th grade art as well as painting and drawing 9-12. I have had to learn to do pottery to ...
A: Just water down some white/ or porcelain clay into a slip...that will take some work, but it's a ...
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| Firing electric kiln | 11/25/2008 |
Q: I recently bought a 2nd hand kiln (Estrin)and am doing a trial run: I put a cone plaque in with 3 ...
A: I had not heard of the kiln before, but there are folks who know how to repair them or replace the ...
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| Firing electric kiln | 11/24/2008 |
Q: I recently bought a 2nd hand kiln (Estrin)and am doing a trial run: I put a cone plaque in with 3 ...
A: Debby, ...first of all I am not sure your electric kiln will go to cone 9. If you want to fire to ...
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| Function of Pottery | 11/20/2008 |
Q: I have a peice of pottery that I need to identify and research for a final project in a class. I ...
A: I can't tell the size...but maybe a covered cheese or butter dish. A Brie cheese round would fit ...
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| I need to harden work and kiln is broken! | 11/17/2008 |
Q: Help! I am a first year teacher who ran a class on ceramic kilns. My entire class made them, then ...
A: Pit fire. The ancient method. Dry the pieces well, build a bonfire in a dug pit about 2 feet deep, ...
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| firing cone 10 clay with cone 5 glaze | 11/14/2008 |
Q: I have a pot made of cone 10 soldate fired to 08 bisque, can I use a cone 10 glze under a cone 5 ...
A: If you have had success before, just do it the same way. Cone ten clay should be fired to cone ten, ...
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| Glaze problem | 11/13/2008 |
Q: I recently mixed a batch of glaze but made it too runny which resulted in a very poor finish. The ...
A: Easy to fix the thin glaze. Just let it sit stil for several days and the glaze solids will sink ...
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| Glaze problem | 11/12/2008 |
Q: I recently mixed a batch of glaze but made it too runny which resulted in a very poor finish. The ...
A: You say the glaze was too runny. Do you mean it was applied too thinnly? or that you formulated it ...
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| kiln location | 11/12/2008 |
Q: i must move my kiln out of its current home (my basement). i'd like to fire it in the garage-no ...
A: I lived in Alaska for 25 years. IMHO freezing won't hurt the kiln or your wares either. Raw Clay ...
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| clay work with my grde 3 class | 11/10/2008 |
Q: What's involved in firing tiles? Can I reglaze already,glazed tiles? (eg. colour on white tiles.)
A: Yes that can be done. Stay with low temperature glazes. Commercial tiles are usually fired at a ...
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| terra cotta chimenea | 11/5/2008 |
Q: I have an outdoor terra cotta chimenea that I never have had a chance to use so far this year. It ...
A: You can try furnace cement. It is available at most hardware stores. It will take the heat and if ...
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| kiln firing | 11/4/2008 |
Q: I recently acquired a used manual kiln. It is a Gare Model 9 with a Dawson kiln sitter. I have ...
A: there are only about 36 degrees difference between cones at that temp. The large and small cones ...
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| transfers | 11/3/2008 |
Q: Do you know where I can order or purchase a farmal tractor decal to put on a pottery peice for my ...
A: I'm not sure, but you can try Heinrich Ceramic decals in Worcester, Mass. You can reach them ...
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| stoneware mugs leak | 11/1/2008 |
Q: I recently started using Cone 5 stoneware clay to make mugs, bowls, etc. I bisque fired to Cone 05 ...
A: If the water you put into the cups is a different temperature than the surrounding air...steaming ...
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| porcelite | 10/30/2008 |
Q: Ric you ansewered the question about porcelite wrong as the substance you are refering to is for ...
A: so what is a porcelain bathtub made from? Steel? You are obviously not in tune with the ceramics ...
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| propane firing | 10/29/2008 |
Q: I have a an Olympic Torchbearer Kiln and I am having trouble with my propane tank freezing when I ...
A: This is always a problem with propane....and especially in cold weather and/or the demand is high. ...
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| what kinds of clay can be compatible with the Duncan and Mayco (USA) hobby glazes | 10/29/2008 |
Q: It's my first time to ask questions here. I'm new to this industry. I have relized that bisque/glaze ...
A: you should get a basic book about clay and study it. There is too much information you ned to know. ...
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| firing | 10/28/2008 |
Q: I have a kiln that you program, you do not use the little cones in it. We are firing bisque that has ...
A: The glaze container should have the cone number wrtten on it. ie. cone 06 or whatever. That cone ...
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| kilns | 10/24/2008 |
Q: I want to open a small pottery studio but I don't know how big,what kind of kiln and what other ...
A: WOW Big questions.... maybe start with an electric kiln. Suitable size. Like Paragon, or ...
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| glaze | 10/23/2008 |
Q: My students have made an "impression" piece. I have fired the slab pots with the shells, leaves, so ...
A: Yes....just use your current glazes and rub them into the impressions. Water them down..... You will ...
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| glaze | 10/22/2008 |
Q: My students have made an "impression" piece. I have fired the slab pots with the shells, leaves, so ...
A: you can stain the impressed areas with colorants like the oxides or glaze stains that give glazes ...
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| removing was resist | 10/19/2008 |
Q: I'm a beginner at this. Goofed today and got wax resist on the side of two mugs. Can I sand it off ...
A: there are several ways to remove wax resist... chemically....by acetone.....nail polish ...
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| Hard Clay | 10/13/2008 |
Q: I have about a thousand pounds of clay that is in plastic bags. The clay is a couple of years old ...
A: Is it completely dried out? If so....take it out of the bags, let it dry to bone dry, break it into ...
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| buying an electric kiln | 10/12/2008 |
Q: i am going to purchase a kiln soon. i'm looking at the olympic oval model 2518. it's 7.93 cu ft ...
A: Susan, Yes good quality and value for the money. I have dealt with Olympic several times on their ...
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| How to stick handles to mugs. | 10/9/2008 |
Q: I have problems sticking handles to casting mugs.Small cracks develop at the sticking place after ...
A: Use a dulled chopstick to PEG the moist slip....push it into the joint...maybe even use a little ...
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| low fire glazes | 10/8/2008 |
Q: I am an old high fire stoneware potter who is looking to make a few low fire mugs in reds and ...
A: Mayco, Amaco,and Coyote all sell low fire glazes, in dry and liquid forms. You could try a ...
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| spongeware pitcher mark | 10/6/2008 |
Q: Good evening. I was wondering if you could help me with a trademark symbol. I can't seem to find ...
A: sorry, not my expertese. Spongeware was made a lot in England....then early in Bennington,VT and ...
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| Old pottery vase ID help needed | 10/5/2008 |
Q: It has a mork I can't find anything about. Here is a pic I have more but I can't post them here
A: It looks beautiful. The plain clay, unglazed brown color tell me it is probably recent....within the ...
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| Pottery wheel conversion? | 10/2/2008 |
Q: Firstly, thanks for taking this email. I purchased a kick wheel for my girlfriend about a year ago. ...
A: I have used lathes a little and potter's wheels a lot. wheel is Vertical shaft...lathe is ...
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| Cleaning oven to table ware | 9/26/2008 |
Q: The China we have is an over to table ware. It is very thick pottery like set. We have recently ...
A: If it is just dirt, a dishwasher should take off the stains...dishwasher soap is quite caustic and ...
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| Propane burners | 9/25/2008 |
Q: I have been teaching at my high school for 9yrs. For 9yrs I have been trying to get a what I thought ...
A: The orifice at the end of the burners.....where the gas comes out will be smaller for propane ...
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| reglazing pottery | 9/21/2008 |
Q: I have some old hull china that has been in the family for a long time and was wondering if there ...
A: You can try just re-firing the pottery. No need to reglaze, unless the existing glaze is actually ...
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| earthenware with high fire glaze? | 9/19/2008 |
Q: when i went to the store to buy glaze, i told the guy i had stoneware so he suggested cone 05 for ...
A: If the clay you have is an earthenware and should be fired at ^06 (1900 F.) and you glaze it with ...
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| low fire clay and high fire glaze | 9/14/2008 |
Q: Can I use a high fire glaze on low fire clay (125) with decent results
A: NO! do not do that. You can use LOW fire glazes on high fire clay, but not the opposite. and low ...
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| Raku kiln | 9/12/2008 |
Q: I am getting ready to purchase an older Olympic raku kiln 18" (about 8 years old but in good shape) ...
A: The only difference is the size of the tiny 'orifice' tip of the burner. A propane orifice is ...
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| firing low fire high | 9/8/2008 |
Q: My question is simple...what happens when you fire cone 3 glazes to cone 5 temps. I guess i am ...
A: Of course it depends entirely on the make-up of the glaze. Glazes are a combination of minerals, ...
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| mixing ash into clay? | 9/8/2008 |
Q: i scuplt mostly using sculpy. my 5 year old friend's dog willy died and she asked me (with big ...
A: To make a more permanent sculpture....make the shape of stoneware clay...bisque fire it somewhere in ...
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| problem with wheel head? | 9/5/2008 |
Q: I bought a used wheel a year ago. I always had problems with it, but it sat outside on a ...
A: My first idea is that maybe someone sat on the wheel head at some point and maybe the shaft is ...
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| dug clay | 9/2/2008 |
Q: I dug some clay from my property; mixed it with water to a slurry then screened it to remove chunks ...
A: kaolin is also a type of clay. Usually it is quite high in feldspar. In the raw state it is quite ...
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| dug clay | 9/2/2008 |
Q: I dug some clay from my property; mixed it with water to a slurry then screened it to remove chunks ...
A: particle size of materials for clays are all-important. Is it a calcined kaolin? that can help. ...
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| missing pottery chip | 9/1/2008 |
Q: How can I repair a platter that is chipped on the upper side? it is a painted serving platter that ...
A: difficult to make it 100 percent again. Cosmetically you can try acyric paint...Build up some white ...
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| Porcelain | 9/1/2008 |
Q: Ric, is there any paint(enamel?) that I can use on fired porcelain, (in this case a freestanding ...
A: Epoxy paint might be the answer. Maybe the kind used to paint garage floors. There are marine ...
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| stoneware glaze | 8/28/2008 |
Q: I am a novice potter and have been using a low fire red clay (bisque 04) and glaze (06). The store I ...
A: For a cone six clay body, common practice would be to bisque at cone 06 (1830 F.)...apply a cone ...
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| stoneware glaze | 8/27/2008 |
Q: I am a novice potter and have been using a low fire red clay (bisque 04) and glaze (06). The store I ...
A: The lower temp. glazes will work. BUT, The body will be a little soft (ie not as vitrified and ...
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| Raku color | 8/26/2008 |
Q: how are you? I've been firing Raku since this year.I read that unless the piece is submerged in ...
A: Theories vary on the best ways to secure the colors. After reduction I have usually quenched them ...
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| Kiln repair | 8/25/2008 |
Q: Can you recommend someone who can repair my kiln.... I think it needs new heating coils. It just ...
A: No, not in Anchorage....I visited there in Jan.-Feb but back in JingDeZhen, China, teaching again. ...
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| Bennington Pottery Agate | 8/21/2008 |
Q: I just inherited a set of the Agate pattern in the cobalt blue and tan. I love it, but can you tell ...
A: There are numbers and letter on the bottoms of all pieces. YA = Yuske Aieda, Japanese designer who ...
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| glaze formulas | 8/19/2008 |
Q: I am looking for a food safe ^6 glaze in the lavender or wisteria, periwinkle shades of purple. I ...
A: Easier to find those shades at lower temps but try Meagn at Kickwheel Pottery Supply in Atlanta, or ...
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| leak in pottery mug | 8/15/2008 |
Q: How can I safely fix a pottery mug that has a slow leak in the bottom. I tried sealant but it did ...
A: You can try a two part epoxy and apply it to the bottom of the piece, where the leak is. This may ...
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| Raku Firing | 8/14/2008 |
Q: I want to raku fire pieces such as vases but would like for them to be used and hold water. I ...
A: Raku is inherently weak in my opinion. With a lot of trial and error you may have luck. Some ...
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| rolling/pressing clay | 8/13/2008 |
Q: I have purchased white earthenware clay, I am trying to roll it to make round discs. It is sticking ...
A: Cloth. Many use a light canvas material to cover their work table. If you have an old bed sheet, ...
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| Unfired Pottery | 8/13/2008 |
Q: have a rather large vase that I'd like to paint but it hasn't been fired. When you run your hand ...
A: You really should fire it first, but if that is not possible, just lightly sponge the surface to ...
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| cone 5 clear matt glaze,tile casting | 8/9/2008 |
Q: question 1. why cant we find a cone 5/6 clear matt glaze--and we had one once -but it turned milky ...
A: I am quite sure such glazes are available in commercial form. Have you contacted Mayco, Amaco, or ...
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| porcelian firing tempertures for bisque// and glaze? | 8/7/2008 |
Q: I am a glassblower ...someone renting our house broke a lid from a canister set so I have recreated ...
A: marcie, I think one of the major differences about clay and glass...in production, is that clay ...
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| scratches on pottery dinnerware | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I recently purchase some hand-crafted pottery dinnerware from a local artisan's shop. It is not ...
A: Laurene, Are the marks grey in color? If so it is metal coming off the knives while people are ...
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| paint on 70 yr old clay pot | 7/30/2008 |
Q: I have an 18" tall clay flower pot that sat on parents porch many years. It is approximately 65 ...
A: Carol, Clean the surface and give it a thin coat of oil based paint. Paint does weather after that ...
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| paint old fired pottery | 7/29/2008 |
Q: I have some figurines that are about 25 years old. They were painted when new with a white shiny ...
A: Bob, As with all painting, you should sand and remove all chips and flakes. Remove the dust from ...
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| firing cone 10 clay at cone 6 | 7/26/2008 |
Q: I am new to the pottery realm and bought cone 10 clay for my first batch of bowls and plates. I ...
A: Kelly, You can do that. The results will depend on the glazes you choose. The cone ten body will ...
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| Kiln maintenaince and care | 7/22/2008 |
Q: I have done pottery in teaching studios off and on for many years. I don't have access to one where ...
A: You don't say the brand of kiln you bought. The manufacturer no doubt has instructions and ...
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| once firing at cone 6 | 7/15/2008 |
Q: I would like to save on energy. Can I glaze and fire at cone 6 in my electric kiln if I ramp up ...
A: Some glazes will work well for once firing. Usually CMC Gum (carboxy-methyl -cellulose....the same ...
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| selecting clay for pottery | 7/13/2008 |
Q: I am not doing pottery, per se, but I am writing a short story about a potter and I was wondering if ...
A: Common surface clays are avalilble thoughout the world. Brick clay is common every where....... Clay ...
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| Opinion on kiln | 7/9/2008 |
Q: I am new to working with clay. I am hand building objects and experimenting with slab building. I ...
A: Of course I can't see it from here....but it sounds like a good deal. If you get it, have it wired ...
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| What is the wire used that can be fired in clay? | 7/2/2008 |
Q: I am making some small jewellery items and require to fire a wire loop in the pieces. I have seen ...
A: I believe there are two names that you can search for in your local ceramics supply store. ...
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| Fireclay | 6/27/2008 |
Q: I have a fireclay sink that is white. I has a chip in it and needs to be repaired to the point of ...
A: It will be difficult to get the glaze to stick to the shiney glazed surface. I have never done this ...
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| Fireclay | 6/27/2008 |
Q: I have a fireclay sink that is white. I has a chip in it and needs to be repaired to the point of ...
A: Porcelain, or vitreous china for sinks, toilets, etc. is usually high fired to about 2380 F. Then ...
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| Gas or Electric? | 6/26/2008 |
Q: My sister and I have taken a few years worth of pottery classes at our local community college. We ...
A: When I built my studio in Anchorage, I started with an electric Skutt kiln....and worked at cone ...
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| Repairing Stoneware | 6/20/2008 |
Q: We dropped a stoneware cookie sheet from Pampered Chef this morning and there is a clean break ...
A: sorry...I have never had any luck with glue when it has to go in the oven. I have tried epoxy but ...
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| Question about Tonala Pottery | 6/19/2008 |
Q: I found a few pieces of this pottery in my basement when I moved in. It doesn't look old, but there ...
A: Not my area of expertese..... It is folk pottery from Mexico, no doubt. Common and sold widely. ...
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| pinging | 6/13/2008 |
Q: I am an impatient pottery and cool my kiln quickly by venting the lid about 8-12 hours after shut ...
A: I have heard of pots dunting months later....never happened to me, but.... pinging can continue ...
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| pinging | 6/12/2008 |
Q: I am an impatient pottery and cool my kiln quickly by venting the lid about 8-12 hours after shut ...
A: The pinging is probably the glaze crazing.....you may not see it....but it's the quick cooling ...
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| Making Tiles | 6/9/2008 |
Q: I've started trying to make my own tiles with some success. However, I am confused about ...
A: they will shink a little more in bisque fire and quite a bit in glaze fire. The shrinkage of course ...
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| pottery | 6/5/2008 |
Q: ihave a pair of figurines of a boy and girl covered in fruits cream coloured and gold guilt edging , ...
A: I found 380 references to "klm staffordshire earthenware ceramics" on GOOGLE just now. The more ...
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| Slip Casting and Jolleying | 6/2/2008 |
Q: i'm a student and was wondering if you could help me out with a project i have to do. i wanted to ...
A: Production people are usually semi-skilled folks...off the street. Any one can be trained to do ...
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| Slip Casting and Jolleying | 6/1/2008 |
Q: i'm a student and was wondering if you could help me out with a project i have to do. i wanted to ...
A: Other than the fact that both production systems use plaster molds, the two are very different. ...
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| blue lady | 5/30/2008 |
Q: My mother inherited a figurine - we call it the blue lady. We were trying to figure out how old and ...
A: Sorry, most of my knowledge is pretty practical. I do know that htere are reference books available ...
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| Reglazing toilet tanks | 5/26/2008 |
Q: I have several salvaged ceramic toilet tanks in wonderful pastel colors that I use as flower pots ...
A: Yes, possible. Of course you have to have a kiln big enough and shelves srong enough to support ...
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| ceramic figuerines | 5/24/2008 |
Q: I have a pair of book ends one a lady and one a gentleman dressed in top hat and crinoline. They ...
A: Usually there is a maker's mark on the bottom. That will help you ID the maker. You can contact a ...
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| Repairing Stoneware | 5/21/2008 |
Q: My mom recently shipped me four Iron Mountain Stoneware mugs. Two of them were damaged during ...
A: only one real chance. Use a low fire glaze....attach the pieces with just a tiny bit of epoxy....to ...
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| bisque firing with low fire glaze | 5/19/2008 |
Q: After being part of a clay co-op and taking classes in another city, I decided to jump in and bought ...
A: Yes you can do that. It is quite common to do once firing. Just make sure you leave the foot of ...
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| Breakage in gold firings | 5/18/2008 |
Q: Recently, I have experienced almost total breakage in my gold firings. My only change in firing is ...
A: If you didn't have problems before....and now you do have problems...it is likely that anything that ...
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| Unmarked Pottery Vase | 5/18/2008 |
Q: I am looking for some information on a a lovely pottery vase I recently acquired. The vase measures ...
A: Without a maker's mark, it is difficult to know the origin and value. All manufacturers use a ...
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| Need a little help | 5/14/2008 |
Q: I found this old looks like clay pot it is pretty just don't know if its something worth looking ...
A: There is usually a maker's mark under the foot (bottom outside) Clean the foot with a stiff brush ...
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| Re-Firing plates for glaze fire | 5/11/2008 |
Q: I fired about 12 plates last night and unloaded the kiln this morning to find dull colored matte ...
A: Did the pieces warp or distort in shape at all? That would indicate svere over fire. If not ...
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| pottery | 5/6/2008 |
Q: I seem to be having a problem with "s" cracks in the bottom of my pots. Someone said it was the ...
A: A common problem. Some believe wedging more will help. Wedging and kneading are of course ...
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| Name for a type of pot | 5/4/2008 |
Q: I am looking for the name of a pot which has three handles. I had a very large pot like this in ...
A: Interesting question. It made me curious! I just GOOGLED "Three handled pottery" and got 530,000 ...
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| Shivering | 4/29/2008 |
Q: I am using a Gare White Satin Finish glaze on my 04 White Earthenware bisque and it is shivering ...
A: some glazes just won't work on that clay body apparently....you will have to use a fdifferent clay ...
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| Glaze Recipe & Burnishing | 4/29/2008 |
Q: Two questions Looking for high fire 1, black glassy glaze, 2, white glassy glaze, 3, crystaline, ...
A: Go to the internet to find glazes recipes. There are thousnads in books and on-line. Unfortunately ...
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| refire | 4/26/2008 |
Q: I had a senior moment and fired my greenware to 06 instead of 04. Can I just refire it? Can I fire ...
A: Yes, you can refire the load as is...if you want to. only about 75 degrees difference I think. ...
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| what type of clay for art tile | 4/25/2008 |
Q: I am trying to learn to make art tile. Someone is making a mold for me of a relief design that I ...
A: Cone 10 is about the highest temp clay available at most places. We use cone 13 porcelain here in ...
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| Custom Tableware | 4/22/2008 |
Q: I am an MFA printmaking candidate at Indiana University and I am interested in getting a dinnerware ...
A: There are many manufacturers of such decal materials and capable of doing that work. Some are in ...
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| Duncan dipping glaze CN2000D | 4/15/2008 |
Q: I am using the lead free duncan dipping glaze. I have noticed black specs on my bisque after I dip ...
A: If it a glaze that has some speckles in it....then it's ok. If not then just put the glaze through ...
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| pottery to outside masonary/stucco wall | 4/14/2008 |
Q: I have several pieces of pottery I wish to attach to the wall of an outside fireplace which is ...
A: Mastic.... and then cement type grout to seal the edges might be best. The kind of mastic used to ...
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| kiln time-cone number? | 4/13/2008 |
Q: I have a very old paragon kiln. The only temp that works is high. The cone bar is broken so I have ...
A: spend a few dollars to have the kiln setter fixed...or replaced... It will help you determine ...
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| pottery that cracked | 4/7/2008 |
Q: I just emptied my kiln and I had several pieces that began to crack, then broke at the rims and ...
A: sounds like dunting from too rapid cooling....but maybe some other problem with the clay body or ...
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| Chromium oxides | 4/5/2008 |
Q: Chromium oxide. I use it quite often as a finish instead of glaze for carved vessels. I like the ...
A: Mason stains are very good. They have a wide color range. I would still be cautious with any dusty ...
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| Chromium oxides | 4/5/2008 |
Q: Chromium oxide. I use it quite often as a finish instead of glaze for carved vessels. I like the ...
A: according to what I have read and heard...you should be cautious with chromium oxide.....wear rubber ...
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| raw clay?? | 4/4/2008 |
Q: I found a clay deposit while enjoying the outdoors. i brought some home to see what i could do. when ...
A: It's unusual that a raw clay all by itself would be suitable for pot making. It may now be plastic ...
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| Kiln firing times | 3/30/2008 |
Q: I have a cress model # B-18-H Kiln with two peephole plugs, 240 AC 23 amps, a top and bottom timer ...
A: Melody about 5-6 hours should be enough on high for a bisque to 1830 F. That may vary with the age ...
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| Glaze Firing Schedule | 3/27/2008 |
Q: I have my pieces bisque fired. I have low-fire glazes for the pieces. I have looked all over for ...
A: Diana, It might be best to contact CRESS on-line and get the manual for firing. It is pages long ...
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| tacky glue in the kiln | 3/27/2008 |
Q: HELP! A student of mine put tacky glue on his fired piece because it had a few cracks on it, so he ...
A: Well....the glue will burn out and smell bad. It woun't help keep the piece "glued" together during ...
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| single fire | 3/26/2008 |
Q: I am an elementary art teacher and in the past did a single firing with greenware and a clear glaze ...
A: fire slowly....what does the clay box say about the firing temperature? It will say the firing ...
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| reglazing pottery | 3/25/2008 |
Q: I have a pitcher that I love, but the glaze on the bottom of the inside is worn to the point that it ...
A: Try coating the underside of the outside bare clay surface with a two part epoxy glue. I think the ...
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| pottery | 3/25/2008 |
Q: what is the best way to make a clay hand print that stands out in relief from a clay impression?
A: make a half hand (either the palm or back of the hand) mold from plaster of paris and when it is ...
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| Raku Clay Firing | 3/25/2008 |
Q: I am a glass artist - I have hand built a "slumping" form from Raku Clay over which I will "slump" ...
A: If the clay form is quite thick you should dry it for at least a week...then bisques fire it to 1830 ...
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| Glaze | 3/24/2008 |
Q: I wonder if you have ever come upon this problem and if you have I'd appreciate a solution. I have ...
A: If it is acting differently this time I would be suspicious that maybe something was left out. ...
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| Coffee pot..mugs | 3/18/2008 |
Q: I have an idea for a particular art work that I want used for a range of tableware that I want to ...
A: Stoke-on-Trent is the place to go in England I think. Historically there are the most choices ...
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| Coffee pot..mugs | 3/17/2008 |
Q: I have an idea for a particular art work that I want used for a range of tableware that I want to ...
A: maybe best to start with a local potter to make prototypes. Then you will have an idea of how well ...
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| clay/glaze compatibility | 3/17/2008 |
Q: Swenson, We are in the midst of firing close to 200 hand made tiles. Our clay is the red majolica ...
A: YES...it is indeed possible. If the clay body is cone 04 and the glaze temp is cone 6 that is a ...
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| mason stains | 3/16/2008 |
Q: I recently saw Elizabeth MacDonald's wall tiles in which she pressed powdered stains onto the clay ...
A: Don't know her work. I have not tried that, but assume she just dusted or pressed some body stain ...
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| clay/glaze compatibility | 3/15/2008 |
Q: Swenson, We are in the midst of firing close to 200 hand made tiles. Our clay is the red majolica ...
A: you can re-fire ceramics countless times......heat up slowly and cool slowly for best results. If ...
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| crazing | 3/15/2008 |
Q: I would like to purposefully craze an older piece of pottery and give it that tan hue of an aged ...
A: heat it in the oven..to about 250-300 F......then quench it in cold water. That might crackle the ...
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| reglazing | 3/13/2008 |
Q: How can I get an even coat of glaze using a brush? I find the first coat gets removed when I apply ...
A: add a litle karo syrup to you glaze...apply with a brush, let it dry and the second coat should go ...
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| changing or adding art | 3/13/2008 |
Q: I have a large quantity of dolomite decorative mugs that have 2007 painted and fired on them. Is ...
A: I guess maybe 20 %. Heat and cool slowly....they will be subject to heat shock in heating up AND in ...
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| changing or adding art | 3/12/2008 |
Q: I have a large quantity of dolomite decorative mugs that have 2007 painted and fired on them. Is ...
A: You might just use some darker glaze and paint the 7 over to make it an 8.? Refire to a similar ...
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| re-glaze due to becoming porous | 3/12/2008 |
Q: I have a water storage jug that has become porous. Is there any way of re-sealing or such that I can ...
A: 'Thompson's water seal' will probaly work but I don't know how it might affect the taste of water ...
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| can I paint a "fired clay elf" ? | 3/8/2008 |
Q: I purchased an 18inch tall "fired clay" elf, made in Vietnam, from a bargain outlet. He's all one ...
A: Yes you can. The kind of paint you use will determine how long the paint stays on the clay. Epoxy ...
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| firing temperatures | 3/2/2008 |
Q: i have aquired a pottery craft P50909 top loader with a kiln sitter, but i wish to fuse glass i have ...
A: slumping of glass is done in ceramic kilns, ( like s t r e t c h i n g - a coke bottle...or ...
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| Glazing | 2/29/2008 |
Q: Can I use regular acrylic paints that I use for painting and fire them under a ceramic clear glaze? ...
A: Although I have not tried that....everything I know tells me it would probably NOT work. Maybe some ...
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| hooking up propane fuel source | 2/29/2008 |
Q: I am seeking information regarding gas hook-up for my wifes new Pottery Kiln. She ordered her Kiln ...
A: If I understand your question correctly, what you need is a reducer. I would call the propane ...
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| firing clay | 2/28/2008 |
Q: I am a new teacher at a school with a kiln. I have no experience firing clay. I have gotten the hang ...
A: Does the kiln have a cone setter device?....like a Dawson kiln setter? or are you just relying on ...
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| Cone 5 Glaze | 2/27/2008 |
Q: After a bisque firing at cone 5, I glazed (using cone 5 glazes) and fired some plates I made in our ...
A: Usually bisque fire will be lower temp than glaze firing. Do you find it difficult to get the glaze ...
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| poisonous glaze dust? | 2/25/2008 |
Q: My husband teaches high school ceramics, and he just came home sick as anything. He was grinding ...
A: Just to be safe, he should go the doctor and have heavy metals testing....Call the doctor first and ...
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| old glazes | 2/24/2008 |
Q: can dried up glazes be rehydrated & used ? some are still semi moist while others are pretty dry
A: Yes. Re-Mix with water. Easier said than done however. I use a mixer (an old Waring high speed ...
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| High fire clay/ midrange glaze | 2/22/2008 |
Q: I will be firing stoneware clay to maturation at cone 7. At this time I only have midrange glazes ...
A: Yes that can work nicely....many dinnerwares are fired that way....it's done all the time. It may ...
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| Iron Oxide | 2/22/2008 |
Q: I am relatively new to this, some left over memories from high school are standing me in good stead. ...
A: Having some problems with connections from China right now....I hope this gets to you.... The color ...
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| Old dinnerware markings | 2/20/2008 |
Q: Ric - I know this isn't really your area, but I hope you can steer me in the right direction. I ...
A: I have seen old repairs done with wire...that looks like staples...I believe they drilled small ...
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| plaster mold | 2/18/2008 |
Q: I made a plaster of paris mold in a bowl that I first put liquid soap in, but it is stuck..any tips ...
A: Well....if the bowl is already broken....just carefully bust the plaster free and trim any crack ...
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| Need to know how to work kiln | 2/17/2008 |
Q: I was left an amaco excel select fire kiln with no manual. The kiln is in great shape and was ...
A: AMACO...American Art Clay Company has a website...where I am quite sure you can get the manual.... ...
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| Cone 06 Glaze Firing | 2/15/2008 |
Q: I am using cone 06 white earthenware as my clay body, I have bisqued it to cone 04 and now I am ...
A: Well...you should use pyrometric cones to measure temperature in the kiln.....There is usually a ...
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| Bennington Pottery 45 piece set | 2/10/2008 |
Q: I just recently purchased some Bennington pottery dishes and accessories from an estate sale where I ...
A: This is called Classic Bennington....designed in 1960s by Uskai Ieda a Japanese designer that David ...
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| broken plaster mold | 2/10/2008 |
Q: I have a broken mold (of a sculpture) that means a lot to me and would like to repair it. What can I ...
A: Try epoxy glue....'Devcon 5 minute epoxy' or the like....but use as little as possible....just in ...
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| making ornaments on a slab roller | 2/9/2008 |
Q: I am self taught in ceramics, 10 yrs., using molds firing .02 bisque and .06 commercial glazes. I ...
A: I did try to answer this question...it apparently failed to go through to you. Sorry if it didn't ...
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| Ceramic clay dust hazards | 2/8/2008 |
Q: What are the hazards from "clay clouds" in the Middle School art class? My daughter needs to do a ...
A: The main danger is to the teacher who breaths this stuff for years. Of course students don't need ...
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| Decorating Greenware | 2/7/2008 |
Q: I painted Vinegar onto a Dry Earthenware Paper Clay bowl and it produced a volcanic effect, however, ...
A: It could be the timing. Choosing the right time in the drying of the clay to apply the vinegar can ...
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| can you paint over a glazed ceramic pot? | 2/6/2008 |
Q: At a pottery sale I bought some ceramic saucers but they have a shiny, green finish on the outside. ...
A: You can do so, yes. Paint won't last forever over a glaze. A latex paint will NOT work well. Use ...
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| potters paper | 2/5/2008 |
Q: I am looking for a paper that was/is called potters paper-maybe slip paper. It is a tissue type and ...
A: If I understand your question ...you are looking for ceramic transfers....decals? Heinrich Decal in ...
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| glaze | 2/5/2008 |
Q: I have some cone 10 procelain clay items that I have bisque fired at cone 6. Can I glaze and fire ...
A: yes and no... Yes you can fire them to cone 6. No problem.... except that there may be some ...
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| using tempera paint on bisque | 1/31/2008 |
Q: after i bisque fire my student's pottery, can we use regular tempera paint, or tempera cakes ...
A: tempra paints won't work in a kiln. It will burn out and probably glaze won't stick to it anyway. ...
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| Barium Carbonate | 1/29/2008 |
Q: Is it or is it NOT safe to use. I fire cone 9 reduction is is safe to put on my pots where food ...
A: Opinions vary on the exact amount of toxicity involved cause no one has done a BIG study...yet. Err ...
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| antique bowl or large charger | 1/28/2008 |
Q: I'm trying to date an antique bowl.It has ash marks on the back (I've sold 18th century Japanese ...
A: My best advice is to go to a local antique dealer and ask to look through their POTTERS MARKS texts. ...
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| bisque fire | 1/25/2008 |
Q: I am using a stoneware clay from JingDeZhen. A lot of grey smoke develops during bisque firing at ...
A: organics sometimes burn out at higher temperatures than we imagine. Acrid smell is sulfurous ...
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| Porcelain glazes/paint | 1/22/2008 |
Q: I just fired some old doll porcelain to cone 6. Can I paint them with some type of porcelain paint ...
A: You can use acrylic or even oil paints....but it will not be nearly as durable as fired glaze would ...
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| Used kiln | 1/21/2008 |
Q: I am considering a used kiln. It is a Cress fx23F. 240 v. I am not sure of the cubic feet but it is ...
A: buyer beware. I wouldn't do it....but I can't see the kiln and judge it well from Seldovia, Alaska ...
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| firing | 1/21/2008 |
Q: I fire my bisque on which I have applied underglaze and glaze to cone 06. I want to start ...
A: If the clay can be fired to higher temperatures that's ok. BUT if it is formulated to be vitreous ...
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| Help, Ceramic Molds and Kiln Operation | 1/21/2008 |
Q: I was given a ceramic business, the owner passed away approx. ten years ago and everything has been ...
A: You need to find someone nearby with experience. Too much to learn from me in a few e-mails. Go ...
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| ceramic molds | 1/21/2008 |
Q: Can ceramic molds be placed in a kiln with temperatures up to 1500F? If not, what will happen to ...
A: I think it might work....but I don't know for sure how many times you can do it with a ...
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| ceramic molds | 1/18/2008 |
Q: Can ceramic molds be placed in a kiln with temperatures up to 1500F? If not, what will happen to ...
A: Plaster when heated to that temperature will revert to LUDO (LUTO) and if you then grind it to a ...
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| Testing retro ceramic mugs | 1/17/2008 |
Q: I have two treasured mugs I got from eBay. They are from another decade and won't tip over due to ...
A: I believe you can buy lead test kits at Lowes/Home Depot. You can leach any lead out by filling the ...
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| Clay Masks | 1/16/2008 |
Q: My Daughter sent me two clay masks from Peru, about face size. They have been broken in transit. ...
A: Use five minute epoxy. Mix the two parts...apply CAREFULLY a little epoxy near the back side of the ...
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| firing | 1/15/2008 |
Q: I recenty had a test question about firing different materials and wasnt sure if i answered it ...
A: The raw clay, dried clay gets 'bisque' fired at about 1860 F. That goes for most clay ...
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| high fire clay body / low fire glaze | 1/13/2008 |
Q: I have been slip casting porcelain footed platters, and firing underglaze and glaze to cone 5/6. ...
A: Support with kanthal pins supports while firing might solve the problem. You can buy them at ...
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| stoneware cone 6 to 10 | 1/12/2008 |
Q: I am doing small sculptures using a stoneware clay that is cone 6 to cone 10. It will be fired in ...
A: Bob, Yes. but...Electric fire won't give you a very dark color in the bisque. Gas reduction fire ...
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| decals that can be fired | 1/8/2008 |
Q: I am a high school art teacher. Our art club does a ceramic bowl auction to raise money for ...
A: There is a process that uses special inks and is doable with a printer. Unfortuately I do not know ...
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| clay percentage in delved clay | 1/8/2008 |
Q: How do I determine the clay % in delved clay ANSWER: I don't understand your question. What is ...
A: The only way I know to find the exact numbers of elements and minerals in a surface clay would be to ...
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| Renewing Old Stoneware | 1/1/2008 |
Q: I've been reading articles about a few designers that have been renewing old dinnerware. I have a ...
A: If you are careful it can be done. You can use china paints and handpaint a design and then re-fire ...
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| kiln firing | 12/16/2007 |
Q: I have an old Gare kiln that my husband re-wired years ago and it's always worked fine. A switch ...
A: Cones should bend....not crack. Could be old cones that have lost their ability to function? Do ...
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| Identifying a vase | 12/16/2007 |
Q: I have a large vase that I am trying to identify. It says made in mexico on the bottom but has a ...
A: I suggest you take it to a local antiques dealer....they usually have books that can help you look ...
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| how do i | 12/15/2007 |
Q: My glazed clay mug has a leak.Is there a safe way to still have food/beverage in it?
A: If you know what temp. it was fired to originally you can reglaze the inside with a safe glaze and ...
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| bennington pottery fish plate | 12/9/2007 |
Q: I am trying to ID a Fish plate/platter made by Bennington Potters. It is cobalt blue in color, in ...
A: I was the plant manager there from 1982-95....That sounds like a piece from the 1950-60s...David Gil ...
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| clay for a glass kiln? | 12/9/2007 |
Q: ..) and recently came into a glass kiln. I'd like very much to try some pottery because- well- why ...
A: glass is mostly silica based and ceramic glazes are alumina-silica based....so flux temps will ...
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| glaz firing | 12/8/2007 |
Q: This is my first time firing glaze and I did 2hr. low, 2hr. med. and 1hr high. But when I took out ...
A: yes...leave it loaded and re-fire...it obviously did not reach temperature. Heat work is a ...
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| mexican clay figure | 12/7/2007 |
Q: I have a question about repairing two figures made from Mexican clay. The figures in question were ...
A: just do not do anything that cannot be reversed...use elmer's at first and if that works...okay.... ...
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| re: purposely getting cracked pottery | 12/6/2007 |
Q: I am making a casting out of concrete. Its a small sculpture. I want to get the effect on it like ...
A: they will be surface cracks...when the liquid sodium silicate dries it shrinks and pulls the surface ...
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| manganese in clay | 12/6/2007 |
Q: After seeing a comment you wrote about black glaze containing manganese I am now concerned with a ...
A: probably the brown flecks are granular illmenite. Not to worry. That's not as toxic as manganese at ...
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| glazing over fired bisqued ware | 11/21/2007 |
Q: I accidentally overfired my bisque load and now the pieces are not very porous. I know I can apply a ...
A: heat the pieces up....in the kiln on low heat or even in your oven...and dip them in the glaze when ...
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| glaze firing | 11/19/2007 |
Q: My classes just glazes their bisque pots and now I need to fire them. I am using low fire one stroke ...
A: Probably just wax burning off....or...maybe a student left a piece of paper in a sculpture? It is ...
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| using stains to emphasize texture. | 11/18/2007 |
Q: I am working on some really nice, textured, hand built pieces and I am sick of just using glazes. I ...
A: First of all the black stain is MANGANESE not magnesium....big difference...and you do not want to ...
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| Stoneware from Pottery Barn | 11/11/2007 |
Q: Purchased a line of stoneware plates, bowls, etc.. from Pottery Barn. But the glazed surface ...
A: Some glazes are soft and will mar easily. Best bet might be to get some emery cloth and wet sand ...
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| matte glaze | 11/9/2007 |
Q: I have begun making scul,pture using high fire ceramic clay. I need to locate flat non shiny glaze. ...
A: Jim, Yes there are just as many matte, semi-gloss,dry looking glazes as there are shiney, bright ...
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| kiln care | 11/6/2007 |
Q: i have two electric kilns and have them stored in a shed and would like to set them up on the ...
A: Sounds good. Keep electric 18 inches from any wood surface...even if metal clad...heat eventually ...
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| Using high fire glazes on low fire bisqueware | 11/5/2007 |
Q: Hey! I have been working with stoneware clay on my wheel, but have purchased a bunch of bisqueware ...
A: sorry...glad you know not to fire low temp clays at high temp. Most cone 6 glazes will be very ...
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| Using high fire glazes on low fire bisqueware | 11/4/2007 |
Q: Hey! I have been working with stoneware clay on my wheel, but have purchased a bunch of bisqueware ...
A: NO it's NOT okay!! Do NOT fire 03 clay to cone 6....it will turn into a melted down terrible mess ...
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| firing high fire clay at lower temps | 10/25/2007 |
Q: I have stoneware (cone 6-8) and have been firing it to bisque cone 06, I was given a bunch of low ...
A: the glazes will still be food safe. The body will be a bit underfired and the glazes may look ...
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| highfire time too short? | 10/20/2007 |
Q: I started my first high firing today, for cone 10. (I bisqued my pieces a few weeks ago which turned ...
A: The results will tell you. If the glazes are smooth it's not too fast. I have fired from cold to ...
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| buying electric kiln | 10/18/2007 |
Q: I live in the uk and am looking to purchase a new electric kiln, i have a small workshop in my ...
A: First, I am from USA, so my knowledge of UK brands is not great. Secondly, I have been in China for ...
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| hi-[fire stains | 10/16/2007 |
Q: Are there any stains that will keep their color when fired in reduction to Cone 10? Will it help to ...
A: blacks,blues and greens do best at cone ten. other colors are somewhat fugitive. all work best in a ...
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| How to Fix Shivering Glazes | 10/11/2007 |
Q: My students' pots just formed shivers. In twenty years of teaching this is the third time it ...
A: some glazes shiver off the lips and rims of pieces because the clay shinks more than the glaze in ...
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| water slide decals | 9/27/2007 |
Q: No matter how much pressing, rolling and flattening I do on decals that are fined and fused to ...
A: contact the manufacturer...they have some liquid that you brush on that can help adhere the decal ...
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| Shards re-fired | 9/22/2007 |
Q: Can previously glazed and fired shards be put in new clay , the new clay dried, and the piece ...
A: raw clay shrinks as it dries... shards of bisque or glaze fired clay has already shrunk 10-12 ...
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| help with our kiln | 9/21/2007 |
Q: I am a senior in high school, we have a new teacher this year and a new kiln. We have tried glaze ...
A: It could be the kiln temperature, or it could be the fault of the glaze. Is it a commercially ...
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| Pottery/Ceramics ??? | 9/19/2007 |
Q: I am just getting started in Pottery for a hobby and I have to admit I am intrigued but I don't know ...
A: there are many basic books. A POTTER'S BOOK by Bernard Leach...PIONEER POTTERY by Michael ...
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| Hanging platter on tile above stove | 9/17/2007 |
Q: I would like to know if there is a way to hang a very heavy platter on my tile back splash behind my ...
A: you can use a masonry bit to drill a small hole for a screw....drill into the grout between the ...
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| Raku Kiln/Slip Casting Equipment | 9/7/2007 |
Q: I am in a very lucky position, but I need some serious guidance. I have the funding available to add ...
A: raku is only done in a gas kiln as far as I have seen in 40 years of doing it. (maybe I don't know ...
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| firing directions | 8/30/2007 |
Q: I'm new to using my own kiln. I have one I bought from a local school. It works fine but I'm a real ...
A: my best advice is to go to the web site of the manufacturer of your kiln for guidance. I think all ...
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| Kylemore Abbey Pottery | 8/25/2007 |
Q: I bought an entire set of twelve dinner plates, salad plates, bowls and mugs from Kylemore Abbey in ...
A: Wow...that is a problem. Nothing I know of can make them dishwasher safe. Dishwasher soap is very ...
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| High Pressure Regulator for Propane Raku Kiln? | 8/24/2007 |
Q: I recently got the Easy Fire Raku Kiln from Ceramic Services,in it's Instructions it says that one ...
A: so with a small tank...you should make sure you have enough pressure and volume to complete a ...
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| High Pressure Regulator for Propane Raku Kiln? | 8/19/2007 |
Q: I recently got the Easy Fire Raku Kiln from Ceramic Services,in it's Instructions it says that one ...
A: for safety, I would go with the high pressure regulator. There are some variables....ie., what is ...
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| chalky glaze | 8/17/2007 |
Q: I am new at firing and am having a problem with my glaze. I ordered some matt glazes that fire at ...
A: Sounds like the glaze is missing some flux... ...or maybe you are not mixing the glaze up enough. ...
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| Broken Ceramic lamp | 8/11/2007 |
Q: My son broke a Indian ceramic lamp. The exterior is not glazed it is more like stucco, lumpy so you ...
A: Use a two part five minute epoxy. Devcon makes a good one. You can get it at any hardware store. ...
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| kilns natural gas to propane | 8/11/2007 |
Q: I am thinking of purchasing a gas kiln. The kiln i looked at is set up for natural gas can i fire ...
A: The size of the holes in the burners (orifices) makes the difference. If you try to fire a natural ...
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| THROWING ON A MOLD | 8/11/2007 |
Q: I've been potting for years. Handbuilding as well as throwing and feel real stupid about something ...
A: well...you learned the first rule of clay....'clay shrinks when it dries.' It is always a challenge ...
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| how to operate kiln properly | 8/10/2007 |
Q: I have a Vulcan LT3, very old kiln with 5 switches on the side. My ex husband did the firing of ...
A: You can look online for Vucan and they will send you the instruction book. Google Vulcan Kilns. ...
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| oaxacan pottery | 8/5/2007 |
Q: I have a piece of pottery that appears to be quite old. It is mostly black with engraved lines. It ...
A: I suggest you 'google' the words 'oaxacan pottery' (whistle or flute?) Another suggestion is to ...
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| virginia red clay | 8/4/2007 |
Q: My question. can the red clay of virginia be used in molds and if so how?
A: Most clays can be used for slip casting. You will need to screen it and then treat it with ...
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| alter the glaze? | 7/19/2007 |
Q: I have many jars of glaze from my past endeavors, which mature at cone 06. Now, years into another ...
A: sorry for the delay...I am travelling...in China...Beijing now...Mongolia next week.. To try to ...
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| harvesting clay | 7/15/2007 |
Q: I live in Nevada and have been harvesting clay in my area. I clean it and run it through a screen to ...
A: yes, test fire at low temp test for absorbtion of water. If it absorbs more than 10 percent water ( ...
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| Using a raku glaze in electric kiln | 7/15/2007 |
Q: I have a raku glaze that I'm not thrilled about. I was wondering if I could use it in my electic ...
A: What is the firing temp according to Laguna? as you know....cone 05 is higher than 06...by only ...
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| Pottery | 7/15/2007 |
Q: I bought an electric kiln along with pounds and pounds of clay. Some cone 8 some cone 10. Kiln ...
A: bisque at cone 06 (1831 F. or 1,000 C.) Cones are a must....or a thermocouple to measure temp. you ...
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| kiln use | 7/9/2007 |
Q: I have a used pottery Inc kiln. It has two temp knobs with low med and high. It also has a guardsman ...
A: Try....low temp overnight with the lid open.....s l o w start up to drive off water...called 'water ...
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| pitting | 7/5/2007 |
Q: Ric, I bought a very old pagon jewelery kiln. Finally have got temperatures figured out (with ...
A: Possibly you need to fire just a bit hotter...or soak the kiln at high temp. for 10-15 minutes at ...
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| Procelain Fuguraine Angels | 6/18/2007 |
Q: Please Help!!!!!? I bought 2 porecelain angels. One blue and one pink. They look really old. On the ...
A: You can try GOOGLE to find infomation.... or go to a reputable antique dealer. They usually have a ...
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| Cone 06 | 6/14/2007 |
Q: I was wondering approx. how long it takes to fire up to Cone 06,the total hours? This would be in a ...
A: Again, depends on temp....cone 6? cone 10? 6 ( 2200 F. ) should happen about 2-3 hours after cone ...
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| Cone 06 | 6/14/2007 |
Q: I was wondering approx. how long it takes to fire up to Cone 06,the total hours? This would be in a ...
A: If your kiln setter doen't always work...make sure the rod is straight and the mechanism is ...
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| Cone 06 | 6/13/2007 |
Q: I was wondering approx. how long it takes to fire up to Cone 06,the total hours? This would be in a ...
A: This would depend on several things: The age and condition of the kiln, is it wired correctly? The ...
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| clay | 6/9/2007 |
Q: When I was in school my art teacher would send me home a 25 lb sack of clay and I would come back ...
A: to be safe, fire al of it at low temp.... cone 06 or lower.... 1800F range.... otherwise....make ...
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| s cracks | 6/8/2007 |
Q: What causes s cracks? They seem to be happening more often in large wheel thrown bowls half way ...
A: lack of compressing the clay enough. When throwing make sure the bottom if well compressed and is ...
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| refiring Raku | 5/30/2007 |
Q: We had a Raku firing but with poor results ... can I reglaze with non-raku low fire glaze and fire ...
A: You can try it, but don't fire to a temperature higher than the Raku glaze can stand...or you will ...
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| cobalt raku glaze recipe | 5/15/2007 |
Q: I have purchased a base raku glaze (of which the supplier would not give me the recipe)..then added ...
A: Sounds like you did everthing right. Pinholes could be from dust on the piece before glazing. ...
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| bell jar? | 5/14/2007 |
Q: Found a jar about 2' high with a lid, beige in color, glazed inside and out and is in perfect ...
A: It may have some value. Ask a local antiques dealer to do an appraisal. There are some books ...
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| coloring the pottery | 5/7/2007 |
Q: I recently purchased a pottery made out of clay/light reddish with sort of white dual color on top ...
A: If it is glazes (shiney) there is little you can do except re-glaze it and refire it again in a kiln ...
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| Custom tableware | 5/6/2007 |
Q: I am an architect and designer and am interested in having a small run of custom ceramic dinnerware ...
A: If you want, I can pass your e-mail address along to Noel O'Connell here in JingDeZhen, China. He ...
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| glaze firings gone BAD.. . | 5/3/2007 |
Q: I've recently begun working with low & mid fire (04 & 4) clays and glazes. I'm having a problem ...
A: Ugh. Hard to say exactly, but I suspect out -gassing of organics from the clay body. Refire and ...
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| firing question | 4/29/2007 |
Q: I used a high fire glaze on my piece and accidentally did a low firing. can i fix this? i worked for ...
A: As long as the clay you made it out of will fire to the higher temperature there should be no ...
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| using "cookies" | 4/27/2007 |
Q: I just had a 06 stoneware bisqued high fire glazed pot stick to a high fire "cookie" (cookie disc ...
A: Not sure I understand but...if there was any glaze between the two pieces, even if you waxed both of ...
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| Slip Glaze | 4/23/2007 |
Q: I want to glaze some pots I threw with a fine drawn pattern. I was told slip glazing could be used. ...
A: You can use a slip tracer to draw with liquid clay slip. You can color the clay slip with colorants ...
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| Paul St. Gaudens pottery 1923 | 4/17/2007 |
Q: I've recently purchased a beautiful vase signed by Paul St. Gaudens... nephew of The very famous ...
A: sorry, it's not in my information bank. Best that you go to an antique dealer that can establish a ...
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| firing porcelain & stoneware & wax | 4/14/2007 |
Q: When firing porcelain and stoneware to cone 6 as required, is it then foodsafe or do I need to ...
A: Unglazed ware will be foodsafe, but hard to clean. Glazing with a leadless glaze will make the ware ...
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| Kiln firing | 4/3/2007 |
Q: I need to fire some greenware to 06 bisque ... Can I also fire some glazed bisque to 06 in the kiln ...
A: In a word....YES Should be no problem at all. As you said....put them on different ...
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| pottery | 4/1/2007 |
Q: What English company uses a traingle with L/B in the symbol? What US company uses SP 3 for their ...
A: Unfortunately I'm in China and my book of trademarks is in Atlanta. Try web site Potter's marks ...
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| Pottery design | 3/27/2007 |
Q: I am looking at starting a company that makes custom order dinnerware…I need the ability to create ...
A: Are you thinking of ceramic decals? Heinrich Ceramic Decal in Wooster Massachusetts can help you. I ...
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| Raku glaze | 3/22/2007 |
Q: Can I use any of the regular high fire glazes on raku clay bisque or must I use a "raku" glaze. In ...
A: No, you cannot use high fire glazes to do RAKU effects. Low fire glazes (temp ranges of 1500 to 1900 ...
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| Using colored underglazes on stoneware | 3/18/2007 |
Q: I used stoneware clay with my students to create effigy slab mugs. My students would like to accent ...
A: Probably most colors will work...a few might burn out at the higher temp. but if you can test fire ...
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| ceramic paints - expiration question | 3/17/2007 |
Q: mostly the poured kind I think you call it slip. Anyway, she has since passed and I am left with a ...
A: They might have dried out, but if you add a little water and stir them well (which might take a bit ...
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| Pottery mark | 3/5/2007 |
Q: I am trying to identify which pottery made a dinner service that was purchased for my great aunt as ...
A: Julie, Not a mark I recognize personally, but I can maybe tell you where to look for the answer. ...
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| Kilning | 3/5/2007 |
Q: Can you kiln clay in a regular oven? And if you can, how hot does it have to be? Reply A.S.A.P!
A: Sorry, No you can't fire glazes in any kind of kitchen oven....even on 'self clean' it would only ...
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| Specialty glaze | 2/22/2007 |
Q: .. I have been a frequent customer at a paint-your-own-pottery establishment. I recently did a ...
A: Yes, critical that the glaze be VERY well mixed and at a consisancy that avoids showing brush ...
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| Firing | 2/19/2007 |
Q: I have been having problems with my pottery. I fired high fire clay at 04, and it came out good. ...
A: Are you using pyrometric cones to measure the temperature inside the kiln? If you are not using ...
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| glaze craters | 2/8/2007 |
Q: My students and I are working with mid-range (cone 5-6) stoneware and commercial (laguna and ...
A: The thickness of the glaze might be part of the problem. Do some tests to find when the problem ...
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| pottery glazing | 2/4/2007 |
Q: I have been doing pottery for less than a year. When I apply the glaze it looks fine. But during ...
A: It sounds like the glaze is being slightly over-fired. Glaze will commonly run and often will leave ...
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| I want to try pottery at home | 12/17/2006 |
Q: I had volunteered twice at a mental home doing pottery theraphy and it caught on me. I want to try ...
A: Maybe go to the local community college and ask the ceramics instructor where you can fire ...
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| school project | 12/3/2006 |
Q: My son has a school project. We have made 2 pieces for this. I wanted to find out if and how I can ...
A: Pieces made to be fired in an earthenware or stoneware dry must be bone dry before put in a kiln. I ...
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| Oven burning | 11/18/2006 |
Q: Is it possible to burn, a small piece of clay in the oven instead of a kiln?
A: Not really. A kiln fires at higher temperatures. Even on self clean mode your stove won't reach ...
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| glaze | 11/6/2006 |
Q: I need the help of an expert to find out the ingredients of pottery glaze if possible can you reply ...
A: Glazes vary widely in the ingredients they contain. The basic ingredients include clay, feldspar of ...
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| over-fired pottery | 11/2/2006 |
Q: I have just found out that a few pots I've worked very hard to carve, etc. have been accidentally ...
A: Yes, heating up the pieces and then dipping or pouring the glaze on will allow you to get the glaze ...
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| bubbles in my glaze | 10/31/2006 |
Q: Ric, I have been having some major issues with my glazing as of late. I have been getting lots of ...
A: Sounds like you might be on the right track....raise temp a cone or two and see if the glaze smooths ...
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| paint clay? | 9/28/2006 |
Q: what kind of paint should i use on non fired ceramic? what kind is used on fired ceramic?
A: not sure why you want to paint non-fired ceramic clay pieces, but acrylic will be best. Non fired ...
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| using stains | 9/13/2006 |
Q: I am a beginning potter (hobbist) for 3 years since i retired. i purchased glaze ingredients from ...
A: Use some water and a little glycerine...mix with the color....a tiny bit....paint it on a plate or ...
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| what to use on a sink that's already been glaze fired | 7/26/2006 |
Q: Ric, Please help. I would like to paint an image in a kitchen sink that has already been clear ...
A: Haven't tried this before...but my 40 years experience says do it at low temp...heat and cool very ...
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| Crazing | 7/24/2006 |
Q: How can I prevent my glazing from crazing? It is driving me insane, not to mention what it is doing ...
A: Crazing is a defect and crackle is an effect. Some folks like it. Adjust the amount of silica in ...
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| osha and kiln ventilation for high school | 5/11/2006 |
Q: do you happen to know where I can find actual OSHA regulation information (for California) to help ...
A: Osha and Cal Osha are different animals. Find a friend, by phone at either and you have it made. ...
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