Beginner Question: Glazing & Clay

[lebijourouge]

Hi!

 

This is my very first post on this forum! I am a total beginner in the ceramics world. I've done some hand building classes and I am completing my first wheel class now. I am completely fascinated by the world of ceramics and I still have a lot to learn!

 

For my final class project, I decided to go out and buy my own clay. I bought a Raku clay with grit (recommended by the salesman). I also bought a 5/6 commercial glaze (True Celedon). Apparently we only do low firings at my school, which I was unaware of until after I made my purchases. My professor said the clay could be bisqued at low fire, but what happens when I do my glazing? Will the clay have to be high fired? Can I use low fire glaze on this type of clay? Can I combine low fire and high fire glazes in stages?

 

Thanks so much!

[Kathy Fields]

If you are really hooked on this addiction, its time to read books and magazines. It is my understanding that Raku is a low fire process, about 1800 degrees or ^06 -- about the same as a normal bisque firing. <BR>However, the Raku firing process is very different from a more standard firing technique.  You'll have to know this distiction before using the clay and glaze together<BR><BR>Is the True Celedon from Amaco? Usually, a ^5-6 glaze (mid fire) can be fired, in a standard kiln,  at a lower temp than its rating, without lots of damage, but there will be differences in the finishing. <BR><BR>The first question then, is are you going to Raku fire the pieces? Or gas fire (normal kiln) or Electric fire? As suggested, its time to read and research these details. Let us know and maybe there'll be other answers or suggestions.