making lusters

updated fri 14 jun 02

Jim Bozeman on tue 11 jun 02

Hi all, Here are the notes about
how to make lusters. Keep in mind that I haven't actually tested these. I
didn't write down the name of the book either, so I don't know who to give
credit to. Anyway here's what I wrote: " Lusters need reduction so avoid
using an electric kiln. Lusters should be mixed with a clay medium. China
clay (kaolin) mixed with ochrous clay (red art) work best. 40 % metal
compound to 60 % carrier (clay). Consistency should be like cream. Mix
solution with vinegar instead of water. A few drops of gum arabic will make
the brush flow more easily. It also coats and makes handling of the pot
easier. (*) Use of bismuth carb. creates an "active" flux and it (luster)
can be overfired
easily.           &nb
sp;     

Recipes:

 

 

(Golden
red)            
     ( Deep Iridescent Red)    
(Silver )           &
nbsp;           (
Strong  red)

Copper carb......32        Silver
sulphide.....6          
Silver Chloride.....12    Copper

Silver
nitrate......2          
Copper sulphide..22         Tin
oxide.............10    sulphide....20

Bismuth carb.....1 (*)      Red
ochre..........42          Red
ochre............39   Tin ox......24

Red ochre..........65        
China
clay.........30          
China clay...........39    Red ochre.56

 

Source of chemicals: U.S Pigment Corp. 1-800-472-9500

 

Also: Nurnberg Scientific....(503) 246-8297

clear=all>

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Liz Lauter on wed 12 jun 02

Thanks Jim for so much great information.
I only have electric kilns now at school, but want to purchase a small raku
portable kiln. Would I be able to use it for luster firings?
Liz


>From: Jim Bozeman
>Reply-To: Ceramic Arts Discussion List
>To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>Subject: Making lusters
>Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 22:59:53 +0000
>




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Snail Scott on wed 12 jun 02

At 05:16 AM 6/12/02 +0000, you wrote:
>I...want to purchase a small raku
>portable kiln. Would I be able to use it for luster firings?


Sure. -Snail

iandol on wed 12 jun 02

Dear Jim Bozeman,

Regrettably, the second half of your message came through as garbled =
HTML.

Silver sulphide works a treat but it may not be obtainable at your local =
Ceramic Store.

Best references are Alan Caiger-Smith, "Lustre Pottery" and Margery =
Clinton, The complete potter series "Lustres"

Among important factors to consider for those who are going to explore =
this facet of ceramic creativity is the point at which your glaze =
becomes active as you reheat your pots. Also, many glazes recommended =
are fritted or low temperature and there seems to be a feeling that the =
method cannot be used on Stoneware glazes. This is not true. Read Alan =
Peascod, Pottery in Australia Vol 20, N0 1 1981.

There is a vast literature base on the topic if you wish to follow the =
paper trail. And, as seems to be common in the ceramic crafts, what has =
been written about the technology and science ranges from the "absurd" =
to the "Oh gor' bl'imey". Hence, the rumour that it is a difficult art =
to master because of it's fickleness.

Best regards,

Ivor Lewis. Redhill, South Australia

Jim V Brooks on wed 12 jun 02

Liz, there should be no problem using a raku kiln for luster firings.
Since the firings are oxidation.. the only concern would be cooling too
fast.. If this is a regular Raku kiln , that is probably not a problem
either.. I have even used home-made raku kilns for this purpose.

Jim in Denton