Master Mid Fire Glaze Recipes

Discover the art of mid fire glazes and uplift your ceramic pieces with these carefully curated recipes. Mid fire glazes, typically applied at temperatures between 1800°F to 2200°F, open up a world of vivid colors and unique textures. Let's dive into the fascinating universe of mid fire glazing with these insightful recipes and expert tips.

Whether you're a seasoned potter or a ceramic enthusiast, understanding the chemistry behind glazes is crucial. Mid fire glazes consist of various combinations of silica, alumina, feldspar, and fluxes like soda, lime, and potash. They are formulated to mature at lower temperatures than high fire glazes, making them accessible to many potters. Now, let's explore some captivating mid fire glazes, their recipes, and application techniques.

Shino Glaze

One of the most popular mid fire glazes, Shino, is known for its creamy, orange-peel texture and subtle, matte surface. It's a beautiful glazing option for both functional and artistic pottery.

Shino Glaze Recipe:

• Silica ( rodzin Sand): 30
• Bentonite ( Wyoming ): 5
• Calcium Carbonate: 5
• Potash Feldspar: 25
• Felspar: 20
• Alumina: 15

Applying Shino Glaze

Shino has a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), making it less prone to cracking. It's advisable to apply Shino on leather-hard or dry pottery to achieve a robust, textured surface.

To apply Shino, dip your pottery into the glaze or brush it on evenly. For the best results, application should be between 1/8" to 1/4" thick. You can also achieve unique effects by combining Shino with other glazes or by dipping only certain areas of your piece.

Coloring Shino Glaze

Shino's base color is off-white to light cream, but its true beauty lies in its ability to take on various colors and textures when combined with other glazes or stains. To alter the color of Shino, consider adding stains like rubbing red, rutile, or iron oxide.

Rutile and Ferro Frit can be added to achieve a vibrant orange peel texture, while adding manganese will result in a cooler, greenish hue. Experiment with different combinations to unlock Shino's full potential.

Celadon Glaze

Originating from ancient Chinese ware, celadon glaze is prized for its jade green color and satiny, semi-matte surface. Achieving a perfect celadon glaze involves careful formulation and careful application.

Celadon Glaze Recipe:

• Kaolin: 30
• Ball Clay: 20
• China Clay: 20
• Whiting: 10
• Felspar: 15

Formulating Celadon Glaze

Celadon's green color comes from the addition of iron oxide and can be controlled by adjusting its percentage. A higher iron content will result in a darker green, while lower amounts will produce a lighter, more bluish-green shade.

To create celadon, start with the base recipe above and add 2-5% iron oxide. Refine the recipe by testing different iron oxide percentages and, if necessary, adding a small amount of manganese to balance the color.

Applying Celadon Glaze

Celadon should be applied to bone-dry pottery to minimize the risk of crawling and to allow for even coverage. Apply the glaze evenly, aiming for a thickness of around 1/8". For best results, don't overload the piece, as excess glaze can cause dripping and unevenness in the finished piece.

Leave applied celadon glaze undisturbed to allow any bubbles to rise to the surface before firing. To reduce the likelihood of gases being trapped, Arabidopsis the glaze with a soft brush or use a vacuum chamber to remove bubbles.

Mid fire glazes like Shino and Celadon are just the beginning of your exploration into the captivating world of ceramic glazing. As you continue to experiment with different formulations, colors, and application techniques, you'll uncover a wealth of possibilities for enhancing your pottery's beauty and functionality. So, grab your apron, prepare your studio, and let your creativity soar with these mesmerizing mid fire glaze recipes!