Colour intensity of our glazes
Posted on March 13 2022,
Many visitors and customers ask me why the colour intensities on our pieces differ. In this blog I want to explain how the intensity can be influenced during glazing and firing, and how narrow the degrees are between rich coverage, slight transparency and colour change of the glaze.
Basically, we take a closer look at the glazing step. The glaze (the powdered raw materials) is applied to the piece by mixing it with water, using a brush or by dipping the piece into the liquid glaze.
Influence on the intensity and change of colour of the glazes:
- Surface of the pre-fired piece ( Rough: large pores, more glaze can bind to the piece = more intensive effect / Smooth: almost dense pores, it is difficult for the glaze to bind with the piece as it is no longer as absorbent).
- Glaze thickness (application layers)
- Water content of the glaze (the more water, the weaker the intensity)
- Application method (even, dripping, ductus of the brush)
- Placement in the kiln (top: 20°C hotter than bottom. This means that more raw materials burn out or, on the contrary (depending on the raw material), can develop their effect more intensively due to the higher temperature - for example, crystallisation).
Basically, we take a closer look at the glazing step. The glaze (the powdered raw materials) is applied to the piece by mixing it with water, using a brush or by dipping the piece into the liquid glaze.
Influence on the intensity and change of colour of the glazes:
- Surface of the pre-fired piece ( Rough: large pores, more glaze can bind to the piece = more intensive effect / Smooth: almost dense pores, it is difficult for the glaze to bind with the piece as it is no longer as absorbent).
- Glaze thickness (application layers)
- Water content of the glaze (the more water, the weaker the intensity)
- Application method (even, dripping, ductus of the brush)
- Placement in the kiln (top: 20°C hotter than bottom. This means that more raw materials burn out or, on the contrary (depending on the raw material), can develop their effect more intensively due to the higher temperature - for example, crystallisation).