Howard on tue 1 jul 97
One way to sometimes achieve a reduction look in an electric kiln is to add
between 0.5% to 1% finely ground (200 mesh or finer) silicon carbide to the
glaze formula. This can cause a localized reduction, just in the area of
the glaze itself.
It is rare for potters to create an actual reduction atmosphere in an
electric kiln (by introducing a carbon based fuel), because the resulting
atmosphere is very corrosive to the elements. We at Axner have recently
introduced an electric kiln in which we treat our elements with a high
temperature metal coating, which protects the elements from the caustic
effects of many fumes and atmospheres (including a natural air atmosphere).
Not only does this coating dramatically extend the life of the elements,
but I have had several reports that the elements can have repeated exposure
to reduction atmospheres without damaging effects. Nils Lou is one of the
people currently experimenting with this electric reduction method.
Howard Axner
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