Minnesota Clay Co. USA Technical Info - Create your own Majolica |
| Mid-Range Majolica Majolica is an in-glaze process.
The piece is completely covered in a white (usually tin opacified)
glaze, then the piece is decorated with bright colors. The covering
colors fire into the base glaze. Majolica is typically a low fire
process, but can be adapted for higher temperatures thanks to
commercial stains and the right base glaze. |
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On the pots to the left, HG-7 gloss white cone 5-9 glaze serves
as a covering base glaze. The in-glaze pigments are a combination of
3 parts BT-1 clear glaze to 1 part Mason or Drakenfeld brand ceramic
stains.
Medium Blue: 15 grams BT-1 and 5 grams Mason 6300.
Bright Yellow: 15 grams BT-1 and 5 grams Drakenfeld 41545.
Lime Green: 15 grams BT-1 and 5 grams Drakenfeld 41367.
Salmon Red: 15 grams BT-1 and 5 grams Drakenfeld 279497.
Black: 15 grams BT-1 and 5 grams Mason 6600. |
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| Most other ceramic stains will plug into this
format. Avoid the Mason colors that contain Manganese-Alumina (MnAl
clay body stains), they tend to be too refractory for this process.
Add @ 15-20 grams of water to the in-glaze mixtures, add more water
for water color effects. The pigments can be brushed directly over
the white glazed piece. A too heavy application will cause the edges
of the decoration to feather and flow, a too thin application will
stay put but may be somewhat translucent - either situation can
still be decorative and they are not necessarily flaws. Decoration
mistakes are best remedied by washing the pot clean of glaze,
allowing it to completely dry (set it on the lid of your kiln during
a firing) and starting again. |
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| Bibliography: |
| The Craft of the Potter by Michael Casson.
Nice overview of all facets of pottery making and presents a variety
of decorative techniques in a clear way. |
| Decorating Pottery by Carlton Ball.
Presentation is a little dated but there is very good decoration
technique information in this guide. |
| The Potter’s Palette by Christine Constant
and Steve Ogden. Terrific color photos of fired tiles show the use
of oxides, carbonates and ceramic stains in glazes, slips and
in-glaze formulations. |
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