Welcome fellow potters! Today, were going to talk about one of the most important parts of pottery making ceramic brushing medium and brushable glazes. These two products can make or break your pottery design, so lets get this started.
First things first, lets define what ceramic brushing medium is. Its a mixture of water, clay, and a substance called CMC gum, which is responsible for binding all these ingredients together. This substance is used as a binder to create a smooth and flowing consistency, making it easier to apply your glaze.
Now that we know what ceramic brushing medium is, lets dive into creating your own. You will need to mix clay, CMC gum and warm water together, in a 5:5:90 ratio respectively. You can use any clay that you have at hand, but the most commonly used clay types are ball clay, kaolin, or a combination of both. Keep mixing until the mixture has a smooth and creamy consistency.
However, if you dont feel comfortable making your own ceramic brushing medium, you can always buy it pre-made. Look for it at your local pottery supply store or online.
Moving on to brushable glazes. Brushable glazes are liquid glazes that are applied to the surface of the clay using a brush. This allows for more precise designs and patterns, and is great for small surfaces, such as handles and rims.
To create your own brushable glaze, you’ll need to mix your desired glaze ingredients with water and a small amount of CMC gum, which acts as a suspending agent. The CMC gum will help keep your glaze flowing and prevent it from settling to the bottom of your container.
Want to try a new glaze recipe? Heres a simple one – mix together equal parts of frit (powdered glass), kaolin, and flint. Add water and CMC gum until you get a creamy consistency, and youre ready to go.
When applying your brushable glaze, make sure you have a clean brush and that the surface is evenly coated. If you see areas where the glaze didnt apply well, simply touch it up with a bit more glaze.
To make your designs more unique, try adding different oxides to your glazes, such as iron oxide, copper oxide, or cobalt oxide. These oxides will give your glazes different colors and patterns, making each of your designs unique.
When firing your pottery, make sure to follow the instructions on your glaze packaging or recipe. This will ensure that your glaze turns out exactly as desired.
In conclusion, making your own ceramic brushing medium and brushable glazes is not as complicated as it may seem. With a few ingredients, the right tools, and a little bit of patience, you can create beautiful and unique pottery designs. Remember to have fun and experiment with different colors and patterns. Happy potting!
