7.1.2: Oxides and Stains
- Page ID
- 305215
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Georgie's Mason Stains and ceramic grade raw oxides and carbonates are components used in the creation and application of color in ceramics. Both offer unique possibilities and methods for artists and ceramists to add hues, shades, and special effects to their works. Understanding how to use these materials can greatly expand the range of aesthetic outcomes in ceramic art.
Georgie's Mason Stains
Georgie's Mason Stains are manufactured colorants designed for use in ceramics. They are stable, pre-mixed ceramic stains that can be added to glazes, slips, and clay bodies to achieve a wide array of colors. Mason Stains are formulated to be consistent and reliable, providing vibrant or subtle colors depending on the user's application method.
How to Use:
1. In Glazes: Mason Stains can be mixed into a clear base glaze to tint or color the glaze. The amount added varies depending on the desired intensity.
2. In Slips: Similar to glaze application, Mason Stains can be added to slips for decorating techniques such as sgraffito or inlay.
3. In Clay Bodies: Adding Mason Stains directly to clay bodies can color the clay itself, allowing for colored clay work and nerikomi techniques.
4. Underglazes: You can create your own underglazes by mixing Mason Stains with a frit (to help with melt) and a flux.
Ceramic Grade Raw Oxides and Carbonates
Raw oxides and carbonates are the fundamental sources of color in many ceramic materials. They can be used in their raw form to create glazes, slips, or clay bodies or added to existing glazes to alter color.
Commonly Used Oxides and Carbonates for Color:
- Cobalt Oxide/Carbonate: Deep blue
- Copper Oxide/Carbonate: Green in oxidation, red in reduction
- Iron Oxide (Red, Yellow, Black): Browns, tans, and greens depending on the form and concentration
- Manganese Dioxide: Purples, browns, or blacks
- Rutile: Variegated golds and browns
- Tin Oxide: White, used primarily as an opacifier but can also affect color
- Chrome Oxide: Greens
- Nickel Oxide: Gray to black, can produce blues and purples in certain bases
How to Use:
1. Test Firing: The effect of oxides and carbonates can vary widely based on firing conditions, glaze composition, and concentration. Always test fire samples to determine the final color.
2. Mixing with Glazes: Raw oxides and carbonates can be mixed into glazes to tint or color them. It’s crucial to sieve the glaze mixture to ensure even distribution.
3. Coloring Slips: For surface decoration, oxides and carbonates can be added to slip, applied to greenware or bisqueware, and then covered with a clear glaze.
4. Direct Application: They can be applied directly onto clay surfaces as washes, though this method requires careful control of concentration and firing atmosphere to achieve consistent results.
Tips for Use:
- Safety: Always wear appropriate safety gear when handling raw materials, as they can be hazardous if inhaled or come into contact with skin.
- Compatibility: Check compatibility with your clay body and firing temperature. Some colors change or become unstable at high temperatures.
- Concentration: Start with lower concentrations and increase as needed; it’s easier to add more than to correct an overly intense color.
- Interaction: Be aware that oxides and carbonates can interact with other components in a glaze or clay body, sometimes producing unexpected results.
Both Mason Stains and raw oxides and carbonates provide a broad palette for ceramists to explore. The choice between them often depends on the specific requirements of the project, desired color outcomes, and the artist's personal preference for mixing and application methods.