to maximize the number of tests a test tile provides is it ok to test glazes both on the front and the back of standing tiles?   or will the chemistry go through the clay and interfere with the other side?   I read an instance where a glaze should not be used on a pot if that pot was glazed on the inside as well.?  is this a common issue or just a rare occurrence specific to one particular type of glaze?   ..read more

Hi everyone,  I’m noticing my reclaim is coming up short, even though I’ve saved all of my throwing water and slip. (For reference, the clay bodies I am trying to reclaim are Laguna B-Mix with Sand and another already reclaimed B-Mix I got from a studio, both ^10). I went to my local clay supplier and asked what they recommended to add plasticity and they said bentonite and EPK so I bought those. My reclaim is on plaster slabs right now, almost ready to wedge, and I’m trying to figure out how much of each raw material to add to my clay. I’m also unsure of how to incorporate the materials ..read more

This thread is a continuation of this one started by @Mark C. regarding the addition of another K2O feldspar to replace Custer: Vardhman feldspar from India. Chart comparing Vardhman with other potassium feldspars plus the analysis I received from Vardhman.       ..read more

I recently tried firing cone 06 bisque for a cone 10 Bmix set of things. I run a manual propane kiln. Later in the firing I had an issue with my propane tank and was only able to reach 1550F so basically about 200+ degrees lower than needed. Can I rebisque these pieces or will it cause issues ..read more

Hi all, my lovely terracotta birdbath broke over the winter and I want to glue it back together but need to be absolutely sure that it will be non toxic to birds and other wildlife. I found this. Wondering if anyone has any experience with or can recommend another safe and effective product? https://www.amazon.com/cart/smart-wagon?newItems=8d5a70cc-fd0f-43ed-afb4-70fca9cdd9c8,1&ref_=sw_refresh Thank you!!!  ..read more

I've been making good progress converting our glazes that have Gerstley Borate, Custer Feldspar, etc. The one that is eluding me is Reitz Green.  Anyone have a version that doesn't include the no-longer-available ingredients? (I've checked Glazy.org and only found one, but it has no photo. https://glazy.org/recipes/449)   ..read more

Got a notice about this thru a few sources. Laguna has 2-3 other choices with Mahavir Feldspar being the go to Hard to say if this is permanent or will change again-if You like custar and need custar buy oit now while you can find it.-Last call ..read more

I have been doing a number of flower pots with a mid fire red clay (Plainsman).  On one I had put white slip and carved. the other I put a red oxide on after the bisque. I am not wanting to glaze as I like the look, but should I still fire to cone 6 in order to mature the clay? I think yes but just checking if there are others out there that know more.  Thank you Norgal ..read more

Hello!    I have several buckets of mayco stoneware glaze that I mixed from dry. I originally mixed them at the beginning of 2023. They all worked great initially but now a few of them have started to have issues. The glazes giving me issues seem thinner- I measured one and it has a specific gravity of 1.36 whereas my other glazes have a specific gravity of 1.46. Can specific gravity change over time?  Is there a way to fix this? Can I let it settle and remove some water?    Thanks ..read more

i use a sprayer to glaze my work.   recently, i started using flowers to make pattern blocks that i really like.  some finished work did not get enough glaze in small areas.   interior edges of rims sometimes are not as glossy and fingers can feel the slight roughness where this has happened.   i fire to cone 6. i have refired these in the past to cone 6  but now i am so pleased with the form that i do not want to risk losing pieces to overglazing some spots.   would using cone 5 be enough to fix the problems?  the show is in 10 days and t ..read more