GLAZE - Types.
ca: ESMALT - Tipus.
es: ESMALTE - Tipos.
Glazes types can be divided into several groups and are defined by their appearance, which can be; transparent, glossy, matte or satin. They are also determined by the firing: low, medium or high temperature which is required for the making of pottery: red clay (980-1100° C) earthenware (1100-1200º C) ceramic, refractory and porcelain (1200-1300° C.) The function of glaze firing is that it turns into a smooth layer of glass, preventing the bisque from being porous and accentuating it’s colors.
A transparent glaze, when applied, is like a putting a layer of glass on your work, you can add small amounts of oxides so it continues being transparent, allowing you to see the decoration or the clay underneath. They are usually bright enamels.
Opaque glaze, is when an opaque substance is added to the base, such as tin, zirconium, titanium, etc., which makes the base white and opaque; it can be shiny, matte or satin.
Other methods are based on a recipe that gives specific characteristics and aspects; Cristalizaciones – Glazes, / Celadon – Glaze, / Tenmoku, / Lustre, / Raku / Salt, / Majolica: 3 – Decorating, etc.
