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using etching cream

updated mon 24 nov 03

 

Eric Newman on thu 20 nov 03


I tried some of this cream, obtained at our local ceramic supply shop, and
was less than thrilled by the results. I tried it on a shiny temmoku and a
copper red. Yes, the surface changed from shiny to matt, but the
difference was not so marked that you'd notice without actually looking for
it. I assumed a shiny glaze would give me the most contrast, but perhaps
not. Any suggestions?

sabra wood on sun 23 nov 03


Hi, Eric.

sorry your experience was disappointing.

i used the armour etch cream.

followed directions.

applied to 1/2 of test tiles of 5 different glazes, all gloss.

took test tiles of same glazes & dusted with sand blaster.

in all cases, the results looked identical... a satiny surface, no
gloss... but the etched ones were MUCH softer to the touch.

showed them to folks at college where i take class... folks were
intrigued & saw difference... talked about ability to do more detailed
differentiation between gloss /satin areas than with sand blasting.

i used the cream on a plinth i made for a friend's sculpture.

i wanted the sculpture to appear to float... and the plinth to blend
into the table underneath.

used a transparent brown gloss glaze on plinth... applied cream... looks
great... just the effect i wanted (for a change).

John Rodgers was interested in results, wanted to see pix... but i'm
totally incompetent in this area.. taking pix, emailing them, whatever.

so i snail mailed some of the test tiles to John, who said he'd upload
pix to a web site.

that's about all i know.

again, sorry your experience wasn't stellar.

sabra wood
rochester ny

just back from columbus, where i lost my camera. sigh. and in addition
to clay, saw the seurat topiary garden, chihuly glass at franklin park
conservatory, and had a great detour to the historic clay town of e
liverpool, where i actual met a lovely member of the mason (yup, as in
stain) family.