JohnnyK Posted July 5, 2017 Report Share Posted July 5, 2017 I have an old terra cotta chiminea that we bought around 25years ago. Back then it may have had paint on it which has all gone away. I was wondering if it would be possible to paint it with low fire glazes, build a fire in it and get the glaze to melt, giving this thing some color. I would guess that the fire would have to be pretty hot to accomplish this. Any thoughts out there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted July 5, 2017 Report Share Posted July 5, 2017 I think thats a bad idea-all around- the natural color of the terra cotta is just fine-for you too get the glaze to melt you would need it in a kiln.If you got it hot enough with a wood fire and a blower it would only be in small area and that would look really bad afterwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted July 5, 2017 Report Share Posted July 5, 2017 You'll never get it hot enough to melt glaze by lighting a fire inside it. You'd need to put the whole thing in a kiln. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted July 5, 2017 Report Share Posted July 5, 2017 Hi heat spray paint-comes in black silver and red. At any auto store-good for 1000 degrees Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted July 5, 2017 Report Share Posted July 5, 2017 I think it would only work if you put it inside a large kiln. Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marko Posted July 5, 2017 Report Share Posted July 5, 2017 That's a beauty. I would keep it as is. If you have a potter nearby with a big enough kiln, ask how much to fire. If no potter, talk with the art department of a local College or University. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldlady Posted July 6, 2017 Report Share Posted July 6, 2017 naked is beautiful. adjust your ideas and if you cannot, please ship to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denice Posted July 6, 2017 Report Share Posted July 6, 2017 I would make it look even older using a lime or white wash on it and you could put just a hint of color on the vines and flowers. Denice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 6, 2017 Report Share Posted July 6, 2017 I have to agree with old lady it looks great as it is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnolia Mud Research Posted July 7, 2017 Report Share Posted July 7, 2017 I would spray some Terra Sig slips on the outside made from various natural colored clays, but I have access to off-white, yellow, and other shades to dark red clays around my ponds; so getting naturally colored clay is as easy as digging it up. I have used the technique to make sculptures from bisque ware by either spraying of rubbing Terra Sig slips onto the bisque surfaces. The objects are NOT fired after the slip treatment. The thickness of the applied layer depends on the surface pore sizes and the smoothness of the surface. Burnished bisque holds less clay than unburnished surfaces. Various iron oxides, and other minerals / pigments work also. Some objects are treated with colored chalk, or dry pastel crayons. Some objects have been treated by wetting the surface and rubbing powdered clay on to the moist surface. My gut says if you use a similar technique the colors will survive both the weather and repeated firing of the pot from the inside. LT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyK Posted July 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted July 8, 2017 I would make it look even older using a lime or white wash on it and you could put just a hint of color on the vines and flowers. Denice Hi heat spray paint-comes in black silver and red. At any auto store-good for 1000 degrees Thanks for all your input...I particularly like Mark's & Denice's suggestions and when I get around to doing something with it, I'll post an update. JohnnyK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrgpots Posted July 10, 2017 Report Share Posted July 10, 2017 A bright colored paint on the ironwork would help a lot too. Jed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted July 10, 2017 Report Share Posted July 10, 2017 Too authentic looking to mess with too much. You could paint the iron work with some hi heat spray paint, the contrast would help against the clay. . .even if only black. best, Pres Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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