Decopot - Abbots glazes and glaze stains, Abbots Clear, Abbots White

Frequently asked questions

CLAYBRIGHT UNDERGLAZE

1. Q: Claybright Underglazes are supplied in two versions. Which one is right for me?

A: Generally potters who intend covering the underglaze with a clear glaze (Abbots Clear Glaze) and who decorate on bisque will use RED CAP colour. This will not seal the bisque surface when applied and can be dipped into the clear glaze when dry (allow a few hours or stand overnight). If the colours are fired without a covercoat on non-functional pieces they will behave as coloured glazes at cone 3 - cone 6. Potters who paint onto greenware or who require the extra colour density of the WHITE CAP paints will prefer these. These are generally subjected to a hardening firing (850C - 1000C) before glazing. This hardening process binds the colour to the pot surface and leaves it strongly attached but completely porous. These colours will give a range of velvet and satin effects if left unglazed and fired to cone 3 - cone 6.

PRIMO CLAYS

1. Q: I am a thrower and like to use colour to decorate my work. Which clay is right for me?

A: You could use Production White version PW-10. This is a lovely white-firing clay and a dream to throw. It is great to throw, dries quite quickly and handles and knobs stick well. At 1150C to 1180C it is a good fit with ABBOTS CLEAR glaze which will show any underglaze colours well. At this temperature it will have a water absorption of about 3% and be quite durable for tableware. At 1200C PW-10 will be vitreous. care should be taken to match it well to glazes at higher temperatures as those with very low melting points such as ABBOTS CLEAR will seal the body and bloating could occur. With feldspathic glazes this body will handle temperatures up to 1300C and be translucent where thin.

   2.  Q:  I like ultra-white translucent porcelain. Which body is best for me?

A: We have 2 alternatives. MID-FIRE PORCELAIN will be vitreous and translucent at 1200C. It is a great match with ABBOTS PORCELAIN CLEAR  and is a delight to throw. HIGH-FIRE PORCELAIN will be translucent just above 1200C and will perform well in firings up to 1300C. Victor Greenaway described this as the nicest porcelain he had thrown with.

   Q: I throw big pieces and fire high. Which clay is right for me?

A: Talk to us about our WHITE STONEWARE and BUFF STONEWARE clay bodies. These are respectively very white and biscuit coloured. Peter Smith at Whangapots in Whangamata is a fan of the white stoneware for his large-scale work.