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
Shrinkage
Shrinkage
Calculating the shrinkage of clay as it dries and is fired.
Silica
Silica
The most commonly used and necessary glass-former used in glaze manufacture. Also known as flint, and found in sand, talc, and other natural forms.
Slip, Engobe, Underglaze
Slip, Engobe, Underglaze
Liquid clay, usually with colors added, with varying shrinkage rates, used for decoration. Since slips, engobes, and underglazes do not melt and flow like glaze, detailed decorations are possible.
Slip Trailers
Slip Trailers
Squeeze bottles used for applying slip or underglaze.
Slip Trailing
Slip Trailing
Slip Trailing is a decoration technique where underglaze or colored slip is applied to clay using a squeeze bottle with a nozzle.
Sprigging
Sprigging
Decorative technique, attaching a small, shallow, and usually molded piece of clay onto a larger clay form.
Water Etching
Water Etching
A raw clay texture technique where wax, acrylic medium, or lacquer is applied in a design to raw clay, then the raw clay sponged to wear away the uncoated surface. When fired a subtle raised surface, sometimes showing the grog or sand in the clay, remains.
Wax resist
Wax resist
Using wax to keep glaze or other ceramic materials from sticking to particular areas of clay.
Wedging
Wedging
Wedging is the process used in ceramics to work air bubbles out of clay so it is prepared for use.