Glossary of Terms
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Kiln Wash
Kiln Wash
Refractory ceramic materials which are applied to one side of the kiln shelf to prevent ware from sticking and ruining the kiln furniture. Applied by brushing.
Leather Hard Clay
Leather Hard Clay
Unfired clay which is no longer soft and malleable, but can be easily cut with a tool or fingernail.
Lustres
Lustres
Lustres are a special type of surface design material used in ceramics to achieve extremely bright metallic details. The firing range for these materials is between 022 and 019 (very low), making them perfect for downfiring already glazed ware. Take caution when using lustres as they are oil based and produce toxic fumes that should not be breathed- use a respirator capable of protecting you from harmful vapors and use lustres in a well-ventilated area.
Manganese Dioxide
Manganese Dioxide
Coloring oxide used for purples, golds, and browns.
Matte, Satin, and Gloss
Matte, Satin, and Gloss
Glazed surfaces can be described as matte, satin, or gloss. Matte surfaces are extremely dry, and might not be food safe. Gloss are shiny, and usually food-safe, depending on the glaze composition. Satin are in between gloss and matte.
Melting Point
Melting Point
The temperature at which glaze material becomes liquid and fluid in the kiln.
Mishima (Inlay)
Mishima (Inlay)
Mishima is a technique of inlaying slip, underglaze, or even clay into a ceramic piece. This technique allows for extremely fine, intricate design work with hard, sharp edges that can be difficult to reliably replicate in any other way. Most contemporary artist use Velvet Underglazes to create this Japanese technique.
Opening
Opening
When Throwing on the Wheel, making a hole in the center of the clay to begin forming a pot.
Oxidation and Reduction
Oxidation and Reduction
Kiln atmosphere, either with a sufficient amount of oxygen for fuel combustion (oxidation), or an insufficient amount of oxygen for fuel combustion (reduction). Atmoshere can have drastic effects on clay and glaze surfaces.
Paddling
Paddling
Lightly beating clay to flatten or shape it.
Paper Resist
Paper Resist
Decorating technique where paper is used as a resist for colored slip or underglaze, and removed before firing.
Parts of a pot
Parts of a pot
parts of a pot