Learning about Crystal Glazes

Basic Instructions
1. Stir product thoroughly to suspend crystals that may have settled in the bottom of the jar.
2.  Crystals work well to high fire 1200°C (cone 5-6). For high fire application, we recommend firing a test piece because high fire clays vary.
3. Apply crystals sparsely near bottom of the piece to keep crystals from flowing onto kiln shelf.
4. For Low Fire Application, stilt and fire to shelf 1000°C (cone 06). For High Fire Application, stilt and fire to cone 5-6.
5. Clean up with water.
6. Always refer to label instructions for proper application and usage.

Tips & Techniques
1. To create custom looks, apply Crystals in combination with other glazes and other colors.

Health & Safety
1. Non-toxic. Some Crystal Glazes are safe for use on food containers.

Learning about Crackle Glazes

Basic Instructions
1. Apply 2 coats of Crackles Glaze to 1065°c (cone 04) bisque and dryfoot (omit glaze from bottom of piece).
2. For Low Fire, fire to 1000°C (cone 06.) For High Fire, fire to 1200°C (cone 5-6). As high fire clays vary, we recommend firing a test piece.
3. Crackle pattern will appear as the kiln cools and continue long after the piece has been fired and removed from the kiln.

Tips & Techniques
1. To enhance the crackle pattern, put India ink or acrylic paint onto ware and wipe back with a soft cloth.

Health & Safety
1. Non-toxic and unleaded.
2. Due to the cracked surface, Crackles Glazes are not recommended for use on dinnerware.

Added Notes
The above information is recommended by the manufacturer. It should be noted the advice is offered when using this product with ware made from hobby slip, such as Excel Casting Slip or Auscraft Ultra Casting Slip. Envision glazes may be used with more traditional clays, but if applied to clay that is fired to 1000°C (cone 06) bisque and then refired to 1000°C (cone 06) glaze firing, crazing is almost certainly going to occur. We have found when used in schools this is not a problem. If glaze fit is essential refer to the firing range of the the clay. If the firing range of the clay states 1110-1270°C, the bisque firing should go to a point within this range, i.e. 1160°C (cone 3). This means the clay should be matured and when glaze fired to 1000°C (cone 06), crazing should not occur. Beware though, the porosity of the ware when going through a high bisque will be poor and the glaze layers will take much longer to dry!

Although these products are generally refered to as brush-on or paint-on glazes, best results will not be achieved if they are applied as one would paint when interior decorating. We recommend the use of a brush with soft hair, such as 6058 Flat Duster. The brush should be filled with the glaze and then applied by dabbing until the surface being glazed is covered. The glaze layer can then be smoothed and allowed to dry before adding a second layer. If this method is adopted probably only two coats would be necessary.

If a brush-on glaze dries in the jar add water to the jar sparingly. If the glazes has completely dried out a "fizzing" action will be produced. When the glaze has softened sufficiently, stir and apply as normal.