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.