Watch this Step-by-Step Guide to Glazing Pottery Using Hot Wax
One of the technique’s we use when glazing pottery, is using hot wax as a resist. By creating a barrier with hot wax potters can achieve contrasting lines and boundaries on their pottery pieces
In this step-by-step guide, we will explore the process of using hot wax while glazing pottery, providing valuable insights and precautions for a successful outcome
Step 1: Be mindful of burning hazard
When working with hot wax, ensure your workspace is adequately ventilated and take necessary precautions to prevent burns as it is “Very hot”.
Step 2: Heating the Wax
Begin by melting natural candle wax until it reaches a fluid state (if it fumes turn heat down until fuming stops) then continue to maintain that optimal temperature throughout the process. It’s worth noting that the candle wax we employ will burn off and vaporise in the glaze kiln at a low temperature.
Step 3: Apply Wax
Now, place your pots/pot feet in a frying pan, carefully rotating them to achieve even coverage the hot liquid wax, it is essential not to allow the wax to drip back onto the pot while dipping. Otherwise, the glaze will not adhere properly, requiring the piece to be refired in a bisque kiln before it can be glazed again.
Step 4: Solidifying the Wax
Allow wax to solidify, the solidified wax forms a protective barrier that prevents the glaze from adhering to the waxed areas.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
Proceed to thoroughly mix your glaze batch. Utilise a high-speed mixer to blend and suspend all glaze ingredients in a bucket, ensuring a consistent and well-homogenised mixture.
Step 6: Dip in Glaze
Dip the wax-coated pottery pieces into the glaze, making sure that the glaze completely covers both the unsealed areas and the wax-coated sections;
This creates distinct lines and boundaries between the glazed and unglazed areas with the unglazed areas serving the purpose of preventing the pot from adhering to the kiln shelf.
Step 7: Remove Excess Glaze
After dipping the pottery in the glaze, remove it and avoid bumping the wet glazed pot into the sides of container, allow any excess glaze to drip off.
And then once the glaze has dried, you can gently wipe off the excess drips of glaze attached to the wax.
Step 8: Drying the Glaze
Place the glazed pottery pieces on a suitable surface and allow them to dry for up to 24 hrs before dipping an overlay glaze. This allows the bisque to regain its water absorbing ability.
Happy potting to you! 😀
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