Hanne Bjorklund on mon 1 mar 99
If you work with a clay that is well and truly vitrified at your chosen
glaze firing temperature, (ask your supplier for the data) you should have
no problem with porosity. In other words, don't use a stoneware clay, fire
it to earthenware temperature and expect it to hold water, because it
won't!.
Proper choice of your clay and firing temperature will eliminate most
problems associated with
non-vitrification / porosity, i.e. absorption of moisture, which in
turn will cause future glaze problems for your customers. When you have
chosen your clay and know it's vitrification temperature, use a glaze that
fits
it and fire them to their full vitrification and maturation temperature.
Second choice will be to attach feet that will add to the practical use and
visual enjoyment of your slab piece. Glaze it all around and wipe enough of
the glaze off the feet to offer your customer an opportunity to appreciate
the clay and soul of the pot you just sold them and safeguard your shelves.
You will also find it useful to check what Tony Hansen has to say about the
strength of glazed Pots.
If you want to play it totally safe, write on the bottom of your leather
hard pot: "DRY FOODS ONLY" and sign it.
HANNE
bjorklund@clear.net.nz
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