I've had a new batch of work sitting around in the studio waiting to get fired, so at long last I found time to fire up the kiln. Yesterday was probably the hottest day of the year so far.... maybe not such a great idea after all!
The hot weather does seem to play a part with the cooling process with copper matte slips. On a really hot day, pots don't cool down as fast during the reduction, and that can affect the spread of colour development.
Yesterday, I let the work cool under a sealed tin for at least another 10-15 minutes. You can "feel" the heat coming off the top of the tin- so that's how I gauge whether they're ready or not. On a cold day- reduction takes on average- 15 minutes ( 1 x10 - then 1 x 5)- yesterday the pots were getting 25 minutes in total. (1x10, 1x10, 1x5) Each reduction is punctuated by a "burp"- that is lifting the tin to allow in air and re-oxidation.
There were some fair to good results- hoping for even better in tomorrow's batch!
The hot weather does seem to play a part with the cooling process with copper matte slips. On a really hot day, pots don't cool down as fast during the reduction, and that can affect the spread of colour development.
Yesterday, I let the work cool under a sealed tin for at least another 10-15 minutes. You can "feel" the heat coming off the top of the tin- so that's how I gauge whether they're ready or not. On a cold day- reduction takes on average- 15 minutes ( 1 x10 - then 1 x 5)- yesterday the pots were getting 25 minutes in total. (1x10, 1x10, 1x5) Each reduction is punctuated by a "burp"- that is lifting the tin to allow in air and re-oxidation.
There were some fair to good results- hoping for even better in tomorrow's batch!
Great job, when do you burp them in the process?
ReplyDeleteusually i leave it 10 minutes under the reduction bin- then another 10- then 5- so about 25 minutes of reduction punctuated by "burping!" Of course it depends on the size of the pot in relation to the smoking bin. There has to be a relationship- in that the bin to pot/ is not too big or small.
ReplyDeleteYour copper mat is absolutely spectacular!
ReplyDeleteThat's very kind-thanks!
ReplyDelete