David F. Posted February 9, 2017 Report Share Posted February 9, 2017 The Zinc Oxide I just mixed into three glazes is grainy; like sand. It doesn't go through my 80 mesh sieve. Any ideas; what would you do next? Will it soften if left alone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldlady Posted February 10, 2017 Report Share Posted February 10, 2017 someone sold me that stuff years ago. had to go back and get the finer kind. i learned to ask what mesh size it was. the sandy stuff does not get better and my sieve is a 60 mesh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glazenerd Posted February 10, 2017 Report Share Posted February 10, 2017 It is either mesh size as Lady suggests: or it has been drawing atmospheric moisture. Zinc will do that over a period of time; more so if left unsealed. Calcine the zinc to 1800F (1000C) to drive off molecular moisture and sieve it through/ or use a mortar/pedestal. Yellow zinc by chance? Nerd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David F. Posted February 10, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2017 its been in a zip lock bag in a gallon paint can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glazenerd Posted February 10, 2017 Report Share Posted February 10, 2017 The question then becomes how long did you have it stored. Then, how long did the supplier have it out before sending it to you. Storing it air tight containers will certainly slow down absorbing atmospheric moisture: but it will not stop it. I have to run my yellow zinc once a year on average to keep it from clumping. The next time you bisque fire; just put some on or inside the pieces you are firing. No need to make a production out of it. Nerd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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