Low Fire Glazes
Low fire talc bodies provide an excellent medium
for ceramic art and a base for a large selection of commercially available
textures, satins, satin mattes and vivid gloss colors. Laguna offers
an extensive and ever-growing line of lead free, low fire glazes and
underglazes perfect for use with our low firing modeling clays such
as EM-207
and EM-210.
The use of lead free clear glazes over underglaze colors allows for
precise color and design considerations. Laguna’s EM-2002 is
a spectacular crystal clear transparent, perfect for use over colorful
underglazes. Also recommended are the lead free EM-1000
Series Glazes and the EM-8000 Series Underglazes.
Some hints when using underglaze decorations:
- Bisque at Cone 05-04 and glaze fire to Cone 06. The higher bisque
temperature will burn out material that might otherwise cause
problems in the glaze firing.
- Lead free clear glazes are best when applied very thin. If the
glaze surface feels dry, apply a thin coat of glaze and refire.
- White underglaze may be used to mute underglaze colors.
|
Cone 5 Glazes
Most of the lead free Cone 5 glazes we offer are formulated to be fired in oxidation. Each has its own distinct surface quality, which will change in relation the the clay body you choose and method of application you employ. If you find the glaze is too thick straight from the container, Laguna recommends portioning what you intend to use into another container and thinning with water to the desired consistency. Always test your application and firing method when using new glazes and clay bodies.
Laguna's Moroccan Sand liquid glazes are formulated for brushing and have been the standard for Cone 5 glazes since the 1970's. This mature series features over 100 glazes in a wide variety of colors and surfaces-all are lead free, certified non toxic and dinnerware safe if fired properly on a compatible clay body. Many will give a reduction fired look to oxidation fired pieces.
Laguna's Specialty Art Glazes, Crackle Glazes, Crystal Blossom Glazes, and Mystic Glazes offer a stunning variety of texture, mobility and mottling. Within each group, we offer the base glaze for a head start on a unique signature glaze to set off any one of our Cone 5-6 Clays and porcelains. All of these glazes are lead free and certified non toxic. Crackle glazes are not considered dinnerware safe due to the possibility of bacterial growth in the cracks.
|
|
Cone 10 Oxidation
Most stoneware glazes can be fired in oxidation.
Cone 10 oxidation firings come into play when more controlled, stable
and reliable results are needed. Many commercial manufacturers employ
high fire oxidation to produce durable ware with consistent results.
Items like fine dinnerware, jewelry and sanitary ware are often fired
in this range and atmosphere.
Cone 10 Reduction
Cone 10 stoneware glazes are unique in that the
firing plays such an important role in the process. Most of the Cone
10 glazes we offer are intended to be enhanced by reduction firing.
Impurities and trace metals in the clay and glaze will react with
carbon in the kiln atmosphere to create spotting. Reduction firing
also causes glazes to attain a warm color and a smooth, durable surface
quality. Oxides react in various and sometimes spectacular ways depending
on the glaze compositions. Each firing creates a certain unique quality
in the ware.
Leaded Glazes
Due to safety concerns about the presence of
lead in dinnerware, beverage containers and particularly the presence
of lead in the classroom, Laguna leaded glazes are not offered to
the general public through this catalog. Laguna does, however, continue
to offer an extensive selection of leaded glazes to commercial customers.
In addition to Laguna’s EM-4000 Series and metallic glazes,
custom color matching is also available for leaded glazes. All Laguna
glazes containing lead include a "Health Caution" warning
on the label. Proper care and hygiene should be taken when using these
glazes, and you should review the MSDS for the glaze prior to use.
If you don’t receive the MSDS with your shipment refer to the
MSDS section on www.lagunaclay.com. For safety reasons, Laguna encourages
all customers to use lead-free glazes whenever possible. |
