To create a black cone 6 pottery glaze, we follow these steps. We gather and weigh the necessary ingredients: fluxes (Feldspar, Calcium, and Magnesium), a stabiliser (Alumina from clay), a glass former (Silica), a boron source (Frit), and colorants (Cobalt Carbonate and Red Iron Oxide).
We begin by weighing the water, ensuring reproducibility. Then add the kaolin (Clay and Alumina Source) to the water, as the clay aids in suspending the other ingredients.
Always wearing a mask for safety.
Once the clay is mixed well with water, we add the frit and pure silica. Then we mix in the potash feldspar, the main flux. Wearing a mask throughout.
We then Include the other two fluxes, talc (Magnesium Silicate), and calcite (Calcium Source). These also contribute other desired properties to the glaze.
Now we have our base glaze.
To achieve a black glaze, we add cobalt carbonate to the mixture before finally, including the red iron oxide as the last ingredient.
To homogenise the glaze slurry, we thoroughly mix all ingredients using a high-speed mixer.
Lastly, we label the glaze bucket accurately to identify its contents. Let the new glaze batch sit for three days to allow for proper maturation.
After three days, sieve the glaze to remove any impurities and check the specific gravity (SG) for desired consistency. Now, the black cone 6 pottery glaze is ready to use.
Happy Potting to you! 😀
