This is going to be a fairly long blog post as I wrap up this months glaze mixing test analysis!
“Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard, if you but dig for them.” ― Russell H. Conwell, Acres of Diamonds
WHY MIX COMMERCIAL GLAZES: This project began because I have far too many unused (some untouched) commercial glazes to warrant the extra expense of purchasing chemicals to mix my own. In order to deplete my supply for conscience sake, I needed to know what already have and test to them see if I have something even better. Did I have a diamonds in my own backyard?
BEFORE FIRING AFTER FIRING CONE 5
ALTERING A WELL LAID PLAN: I had visions of getting all my glazes mixed…but the multitude of options was just too daunting. I eventually choose to mix certain glazes because I wanted to see the results.
Here were the general guidelines:
1. Mix Only Cone 5 Glazes
2. Mix Only Same Brands
3. Depending on the colors here is how I chose to mix them:
a. Amaco – Celebration
i. TINT – Mixed to create a Tint (added 50% white)
ii. SHADE -*/Mixed to create a Shade (added 50% black)
b. Amaco – Potter’s Choice (still had more of these I wanted to test)
i.
c. Duncan – Renaissance Glazes
d. Laguna – Morracan Sand Series (The black & white used to shade and tint only)
e. Spectrum
f. Speedball
Since I could have done more testing, and more testing…and MORE testing, I’ve decided to make it a standard part of my clay practice to mix and run test chips with every glaze firing.
I FOUND MY DIAMONDS! I believe the washes tested on the back of each test tile gave me the most satisfaction. Since I work with washes these test were GOLD to me! Seeing all the different colors filling in the groove numbers was the biggest thrill. I realized how much.
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This video shows each test tile and gives what colors were mixed with what and the completed sample chips!
What are your thoughts, do you have a favorite? !!!
ENDING THOUGHT: I WANT TO SEE MORE AND I’LL CONTINUE ON!
I could spend an entire lifetime mixing what I have…the possibilities were just endless! If I were to change the clay alone, all these colors could be completely different. Obviously I did not get to mixing all my glazes, (as there were just too many), but I believe I touched on exactly what I wanted to know about what I have. Here is a recap of the results and my thoughts.