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