Developing Glazes

Developing your own glazes can be tricky and success is dependent on many factors. In this book, ceramicist Greg Daly aims to demystify the process with practical advice and complete, step-by-step instructions. He covers all the essentials, from planning your recipes and recording results to mixing glazes and finding the correct firing temperature. This hands-on technical guidance is supported with helpful how-to images and example tests and recipes.For any potter beginning to experiment with fired colour, texture and decoration in their work, Developing Glazes is an essential reference, revealing workable, exciting methods for achieving the glaze results you want.

Widely considered to be the most comprehensive introduction to ceramics available, this book contains numerous step-by-step illustrations of various ceramic techniques to guide the beginner as well as inspirational ceramic pieces from contemporary potters from around the world. For the more experienced ceramist, there is a wealth of technical detail on things like glaze formulas and temperature conversions which make the book an ideal reference. To quote one review: ...I am a studio potter and would not be without it. The fourth edition has been updated to include profiles of key ceramists who have influenced the field, new material on marketing ceramics including using the internet, more on the use of computers, added coverage of paperclays, using gold and alternative glazes.

Developing your own glazes can be tricky and success is dependent on many factors. In this book, ceramicist Greg Daly aims to demystify the process with practical advice and complete, step by step instructions. He covers all the essentials, from planning your recipes and recording results to mixing glazes and finding the correct firing temperature. This hands on technical guidance is supported with helpful how to images and example tests and recipes. For any potter beginning to experiment with fired colour, texture and decoration in their work, Developing Glazes is an essential reference, revealing workable, exciting methods for achieving the glaze results you want.

Ash Glazes has been designed as an introduction and practical handbook to this glazing technique, covering the history of ash glazes and the practicalities of collecting and testing wood ashes and transforming them into glazes. It will provide inspiration for working potters and delight all those interested in contemporary ceramics.

Glazes from a Potter's Perspective: A Simple, Kitchen-Method Approach to Understanding Glaze Development¿ is a book that demystifies and explains glazes from a potter's perspective. The book is filled with valuable information from the vast glazing experimentation and experience of master potter, Steve Loucks. His testing methods and approach differ from the scientific approach for making glazes where ceramic engineers think in terms of what and how many molecules of certain chemicals make up the glaze within their ratios and limits to Steve¿s approach that is from a potter's perspective. He goes right to the tests using the actual ingredients that are available from ceramic supply centers to make glazes. His simple, kitchen-method approach is easy to understand without the complicated use of mathematical, ceramic engineering calculations, or the need for software programs. It goes right to the glaze tests to see how much and to what extent an influencing ingredient has on a glaze, the actual instead of predicted results. His testing methods and processes, which are outlined and illustrated throughout the book, are easy to follow yielding effective, useful results while using the glaze materials in a resourceful manner to be environmentally responsible. The book begins by identifying the numerous characteristics that differentiate and distinguish the various glazes that he has worked with throughout his ceramics career to provide a common vocabulary for ceramic artists. Glazes are explained first in theory and then in reality. Further discussion outlines the component parts that make up a glaze to gain an understanding on how to evaluate a glaze to adjust its melting temperature, flow, and surface qualities. Then, the testing procedures are outlined and illustrated to accomplish those tasks. Additional information includes the influencing factors affecting a glaze, glaze application methods, and firing processes. A supplemental chapter lists the glaze recipes used on the pieces illustrated in the book of his and the contributing editor, Lynnette Hesser's work, including the glazing processes used on each piece. Steve's goal is to help ceramic artists gain a better understanding of glazes for greater success with their glazing, glaze development, and artwork.

“No pot is left unturned, as the author features elegant examples of major glaze techniques.” —Booklist. “This well-illustrated handbook...covers glaze chemistry, application techniques, firing, and problem solving. Color photographs comparing fired samples are particularly good. Useful for studio potters and hobbyists.”—Library Journal.