IWIINI Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 Looking for help and suggestions on keeping firing glaze from filling holes on buttons . I make the holes larger than needed and try to clean the holes well after glazing, I have a small round diamond file that I use to clean the holes, I then insert pieces of wooden toothpicks into the holes for firing. (Is this necessary?) I primarily brush on glaze or paint with underglaze then bush on clear but occasionally dip. Yet it seems that about 8 to 10% of my buttons end up with at least one hole filled in by glaze. I turn the ones not usable as buttons into magnets sold at discount, but I would rather not have to do that. Any and all hints and suggestions on keeping holes open will be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Min Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 When I made buttons I dipped the glazes then used the end of a round toothpick dipped in water to clean out the holes. I did have a few where the glaze filled a hole but not nearly as many as you are getting. How fluid the glaze is plus how thick it's applied might be what it comes down to, have you noticed a difference in which glaze is more problematic? Having toothpicks in the holes during firing isn't going to help prevent the problem. I've never done it but I've also heard of people using fine diameter vent cleaning brushes to really get the glaze cleaned out of the holes. Welcome to the forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babs Posted November 25, 2019 Report Share Posted November 25, 2019 Toothpicks prior to glazing. Or dental pickbrush thingies. Depending on thickness a touch with a drill , right bit,can clear hole after firing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSC Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 I use a pipe cleaner to ream the dry glaze out of the holes...don't breathe the dust. it could just be a too thick application of glaze or a runny glaze and it just wants to run into the holes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeU Posted November 28, 2019 Report Share Posted November 28, 2019 I use wax resist inside and on the rim of bead holes that have already been well cleaned-works great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roberta12 Posted November 30, 2019 Report Share Posted November 30, 2019 I discovered if I spray the buttons the holes do not fill in. Works on ornaments and jewelry too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebekah Krieger Posted December 1, 2019 Report Share Posted December 1, 2019 I recently read in a ceramics monthly magazine (from the 80’s) to insert broken pieces of pasta (be it spaghetti or something larger) to keep holes open and smooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rae Reich Posted December 1, 2019 Report Share Posted December 1, 2019 I think if you put a toothpicks or pasta in a hole before glazing and then left it in for firing there is a possibility that a buildup of glaze around it could enter the hole during the firing after the toothpick or pasta burns out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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