5 Consigli per smaltare correttamente la ceramica

Scuola di ceramica online

28 Jul 202204:37

Summary

TLDRIn this insightful video, the instructor shares five invaluable tips for achieving successful glaze application in ceramics. They emphasize the importance of correctly measuring glaze density, thoroughly mixing the glaze, meticulously cleaning the pieces, previewing the immersion process, and using wax resist on the feet or base. The instructor acknowledges the common struggles faced by students during this crucial stage and aims to provide practical guidance. With a compassionate tone, they reassure viewers that mistakes are normal and offer advice on rectifying glaze mishaps through additional practice. Overall, this concise yet comprehensive video promises to demystify the daunting task of glaze application.

Takeaways

👍 Measure the glaze density correctly by doing a test dip before glazing the final piece.
🥄 Mix the glaze thoroughly, using a utensil to incorporate any settled material at the bottom.
⚖️ Always sieve the glaze after mixing to remove any lumps.
🧽 Clean the piece thoroughly of any dust before glazing to avoid defects like pinholes.
🧪 Test the fit of the piece in the glazing container before dipping to ensure it can be submerged and turned easily.
🪣 Apply a resist wax to the feet or base of the piece for a professional, clean finish.
🔄 If the first glaze attempt fails, clean off the glaze, let the piece dry for 24 hours, and try again.
🏋️‍♀️ Glazing takes practice, so don't be discouraged by initial failures.
❓ The glazing process is often the most dramatic and challenging part for ceramics students.
📝 The video provides five key tips for successful glazing.

Q & A

What are the five main tips provided in the video for successful glaze application?
-The five main tips are: 1) Measure the correct density, 2) Mix the glaze thoroughly, 3) Clean the pieces properly before glazing, 4) Test the fit of the piece in the container before dipping, and 5) Apply wax resist on the feet or base.
How can you check if the glaze density is correct?
-You can check if the glaze density is correct by dipping a test piece with similar thickness and material as the actual piece you want to glaze. If the test piece dries immediately after removing it from the glaze, the density is correct.
Why is it important to sieve the glaze after mixing it?
-It is important to sieve the glaze after mixing it to remove any lumps or clumps that may have formed, as these can create defects in the final glaze.
What is the purpose of cleaning the piece thoroughly before glazing?
-Cleaning the piece thoroughly before glazing helps remove any dust or debris that could cause defects in the final glaze, such as small pinholes or blemishes.
Why is it recommended to test the fit of the piece in the glazing container before dipping?
-Testing the fit of the piece in the glazing container before dipping helps ensure that the piece can be properly rotated and immersed in the glaze without any issues, which can lead to glazing failures.
What is the purpose of applying wax resist on the feet or base of the piece?
-Applying wax resist on the feet or base of the piece helps achieve a professional and clean finish, preventing glaze from adhering to those areas during the glazing process.
What should you do if the glaze application is unsuccessful on the first try?
-If the glaze application is unsuccessful on the first try, you should not discard the piece. Instead, you should clean off the glaze, allow the piece to dry completely for at least 24 hours, and then try glazing it again.
How can you ensure a smooth and even application of the wax resist?
-To ensure a smooth and even application of the wax resist, you should use a dedicated brush that is only used for applying the wax resist, and apply it thoroughly to the feet or base of the piece.
Why is glazing often considered one of the most dramatic and challenging steps in ceramics?
-Glazing is often considered one of the most dramatic and challenging steps in ceramics because it is a crucial step that can make or break the final appearance and quality of the piece, and it requires a lot of practice and attention to detail to get right.
What is the recommended approach if you notice lumps or clumps in the glaze after mixing?
-If you notice lumps or clumps in the glaze after mixing, you should sieve the glaze to remove them before proceeding with the glazing process.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 5 Tips for Successful Glazing in Ceramics

The video provides 5 essential tips for achieving successful glazing in ceramics. 1) Measure the glaze density correctly by performing a pre-test immersion on a similar scrap piece. 2) Mix the glaze thoroughly and pass it through a sieve to avoid lumps. 3) Clean the pieces thoroughly to prevent defects like pinholes. 4) Test-fit the piece in the glazing container before immersion to ensure proper fit and rotation. 5) Apply a releasing wax to the bottom or foot of the piece for a professional finish. The host emphasizes practicing and not discarding pieces if glazing fails initially.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Glazing

Glazing refers to the process of applying a glaze or liquid glass coating to a ceramic piece. It is a crucial step in pottery and ceramics, as it provides a protective and decorative finish to the piece. In the video, the instructor emphasizes the importance of proper glazing techniques and provides tips to achieve a successful glazing result.

💡Density

Density refers to the thickness or consistency of the glaze solution. The video stresses the importance of measuring the correct density of the glaze before applying it to the ceramic piece. The instructor recommends performing a test dip with a small sample piece to ensure the density is appropriate for the piece being glazed. If the glaze dries too quickly or too slowly on the sample, adjustments to the density may be required.

💡Mixing

Mixing the glaze thoroughly is crucial to ensure an even distribution of the glaze components. The instructor advises mixing the glaze well before application, as the glaze tends to settle at the bottom of the container. Various tools like knives, forks, spoons, or whisks can be used for mixing. Proper mixing helps prevent defects and ensures an even application of the glaze.

💡Sieving

Sieving, or straining, the glaze is recommended to remove any lumps or clumps that may have formed. The instructor warns that these lumps are undesirable and can lead to defects in the glazed piece. Passing the mixed glaze through a sieve or strainer before application helps eliminate such lumps and ensures a smooth, consistent application.

💡Cleaning

Cleaning the ceramic piece thoroughly before glazing is essential to avoid defects. The instructor suggests using a damp sponge to wipe away any dust or debris from the piece's surface. This step helps prevent small pinholes or imperfections from appearing in the glaze, which can be caused by trapped particles or contaminants.

💡Test Fitting

The instructor recommends performing a test fit of the ceramic piece within the glazing container before actually dipping it in the glaze. This involves simulating the dipping motion with the piece and the empty container to ensure that the piece can be maneuvered and rotated properly inside the container during the glazing process. This step helps prevent issues that may arise if the piece does not fit properly in the container.

💡Wax Resist

Wax resist, or resurgent wax, is a type of wax that is applied to specific areas of the ceramic piece, such as the base or feet, to prevent glaze from adhering to those areas. The instructor suggests applying wax resist to the feet or base of the piece before glazing, which results in a professional, clean finish in those areas after the glazing process.

💡Practice

The instructor acknowledges that glazing is a skill that requires a significant amount of practice to master. They reassure viewers that it is normal to make mistakes in the beginning and emphasize the importance of perseverance. Even if a glazing attempt fails, the piece can be cleaned and tried again after allowing it to dry thoroughly, typically for at least 24 hours.

💡Dramatic

The instructor uses the word "dramatic" multiple times to describe the glazing process, highlighting how it can be a stressful and challenging moment for pottery students. They acknowledge that glazing is often one of the most difficult steps in ceramics and that students tend to become anxious and stressed during this stage. By using this descriptive term, the instructor underscores the importance of proper glazing techniques and the need for guidance and practice.

💡Professional

The term "professional" is used by the instructor to describe the desired outcome of a successful glazing process. By applying techniques such as using a wax resist on the base or feet of the piece, the instructor suggests that the finished product will have a professional and polished appearance. This term emphasizes the goal of achieving a high-quality, refined result through proper glazing techniques.

Highlights

Five tips for properly glazing ceramic pieces.

Measure the glaze density correctly by testing on a small sample piece before glazing the main piece.

Mix the glaze thoroughly to prevent settling and strain it to remove lumps.

Clean the ceramic piece thoroughly to remove dust and prevent defects like pinholes in the glaze.

Test fit the piece in the glazing container before dipping to ensure proper clearance for rotating and immersing.

Apply wax resist to the foot or base of the piece to achieve a clean, professional look.

Don't worry if the first attempts at glazing fail, it takes practice. Clean off the glaze and try again after the piece fully dries.

The glazing stage is often the most dramatic and stressful for ceramics students.

Use a densimeter or follow instructions to determine the correct glaze density for your piece.

Mix the glaze thoroughly with a knife, fork, spoon, or whisk to incorporate any settled material at the bottom.

Clean the piece with a damp, well-wrung sponge to remove dust before glazing.

Test fitting the piece in the glazing container first can prevent glazing failures due to lack of space for rotating and dipping.

Use a dedicated brush to apply wax resist only to the foot or base area before glazing.

If the initial glazing attempt fails, clean off the glaze thoroughly, allow the piece to fully dry for at least 24 hours, then try glazing again.

With more practice, glazing results will improve.