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



  • Peep Plug

    Peep Plug

    Ceramic plugs used in the witness holes of the kiln.



  • Porosity

    Porosity

    The ability of clay to absorb moisture or water.



  • Pulling the Walls

    Pulling the Walls

    When Wheel Throwing, bringing the sides of the pot up with your hands.



  • Pyrometric Cones

    Pyrometric Cones

    Ceramic materials formulated to measure heat work in the kiln.



  • Red Iron Oxide

    Red Iron Oxide

    Coloring Oxide used for a variety of colors. By itself it gives a strong dark red-brown.



  • Refractory

    Refractory

    Ceramic materials which have very high melting points and are resistant to heat, even after being fired many times. Kiln bricks and furniture are refractory materials.



  • Rib

    Rib

    Wide tool used for smoothing, texturing, or shaping clay.



  • Ribbing the outside

    Ribbing the outside

    When throwing on a wheel, using a rib tool on the outside of a pot to refine the shape.



  • Rutile

    Rutile

    Rutile is an oxide used for coloring glazes and for washes. As a wash it gives warm yellows. Rutile is made up of both iron and titanium.



  • Scoring

    Scoring

    Roughing up the surface of the wet clay to prepare it for joining.



  • Sgraffito

    Sgraffito

    Decorating technique where a layer of colored slip or underglaze is carved through to expose the clay underneath.



  • Shivering

    Shivering

    A glaze defect which occurs when the glaze shrinks more than the ware. It can be identified by the glaze flaking off the ware in slivers and leaving sharp edges. Shivering cannot be reversed.