This guide presents a step-by-step approach to help you comprehend the process of using hot wax and dipping glazes for pottery.
Step 1: Prioritize safety. Recognize the potential hazards associated with hot wax. To avoid inhaling fumes, it is essential to work in a well-ventilated space. Additionally, ensure that the liquid wax is heated and maintained at an appropriate temperature throughout the process.
Step 2: Wax application. Immerse the bases and feet of the pottery pieces into the hot liquid wax, taking care not to allow any wax to drip back onto the pot during the dipping procedure. The Hot wax Vaporises once in the kiln at a very low temperature.
Step 3: Glaze batch mixing. Utilize high-speed mixing to prepare your glaze batch, typically requiring approximately 2 minutes.
Step 4: Glaze immersion. Fully submerge the pottery pieces coated with wax into the glaze, ensuring thorough coverage of both the unsealed areas and the wax-coated sections. This technique yields well-defined lines and boundaries between the glazed and unglazed regions.
Step 5: Consistent dipping. Maintain a uniform thickness while applying the glaze across the entire area being glazed. Depending on the type of glaze used, a 3-second dip may suffice, preventing issues such as excessive glaze runs during the kiln firing process.
Step 6: Excess glaze removal. After dipping the pottery in the glaze, cautiously extract it from the container, avoiding contact with the sides that could potentially cause damage. Allow any surplus glaze to naturally drip off.
By following these steps, you can proficiently utilize hot wax as a resist and achieve contrasting lines and boundaries on your pottery pieces. Hot wax is a fantastic alternative to cold wax and often easier (at least for us) to apply.
Remember to prioritize safety when working with hot wax and ensure appropriate drying times between glaze applications to obtain optimal results. Enjoy the glazing process!
Happy Potting to you! 😀
