Glaze Group Meeting

10th April 2007

This meeting was arranged so that we could discuss and demonstrate our individual glazing techniques which took place in Diana's garage where Mike had set up a table.

Brush on glazes:  Mike and Rose gave practical demonstrations of the techniques they use.

Mike added to an existing glaze slop, dry wallpaper paste (cheap equivalent to proprietary Courgel) in the proportion of 2% weight to an estimated 100gm of the dry glaze, adding no extra water.  This was then whisked with a kitchen mixer to an even consistency and should normally be left to stand.

Using a soft brush, Mike applied the glaze generously to cover several pots, about 6 thin coats being needed to build up the required thickness, with time to dry between coats.  Mike explained that although a slow process compared to dipping, brush on glazes have the advantage of requiring very little glaze which adheres well and does not powder on handling.

Rose demonstrated her procedure with a brush on crystalline glaze on a vase.  She said that because the glaze tends to run and pool, less glaze should be applied to the body compared to the rim.  Using gentle brush strokes with a smallish brush she therefore applied 6 coats to the rim and only 3 lower down, allowing time to dry between coats.

Results of these glaze tests will be brought to the next meeting.

Dipping techniques:  Charles demonstrated his procedures using our standard artificial wood ash glaze.  To ensure the critical thickness needed to achieve chun effects he controls density of the glaze slop with a hydrometer; controlling slop weight to about 1600gm per litre; and by dipping a bisqued sherd into the glaze.  Charles demonstrated two techniques for glazing bowls; in both bowl was upturned and dipped immediately into the glaze bucket.  This was not too easy as the bowl had no foot.  Supporting the second bowl with a hand inside (a cloth preventing it from slipping), the glaze was poured continuously all round the outside.  Charles prefers this last method to supporting bowls on 2 slats.

It was agreed that this meeting had been most successful and informative and it is proposed to hold other demonstrations in the future.

The next Glaze Group Meeting will be at Diana Carter's home:  "Dellcroft", Hensting Lane, Owlesbury, Nr Winchester at 12 noon on Tuesday 10th July 2007.  Everyone is welcome.  A contribution towards a light lunch will  be appreciated.  Let Diana Carter (01962 777297) know if you plan to attend.