The Basics of Ceramics
August 3, 2009 by Loretta
Filed under Misc Happens
Thank you for coming back to visit us again! Have you been to our main site, Stitching the Night Away to check out our free cross stitch patterns and cross stitch supplies?
If you’ve ever browsed a gift shop, you know how beautiful ceramics can be. In addition to figurines, the art of ceramics can be employed to create dishes, tiles, flowerpots, and much more. And if you’re willing to invest in some tools and equipment, you can create your own ceramics at home. Here we will discuss the basics of ceramics.
Types of Ceramic Clay
Ceramics can be made out of three basic types of clay:
* Porcelain – This is a very strong ceramic medium created by mixing several different types of clay. It is white, smooth and translucent when fired and glazed. Porcelain is sturdy and non-reactive, so it can be used to make dishes that may be used in the oven and microwave.
* Stoneware – Stoneware is another fairly strong type of clay, but it is less refined than porcelain. It may be brown, buff or white in color. If glazed, it may be used for food storage.
* Earthenware – This type of clay is fired at lower temperatures, and unlike porcelain and stoneware, is porous. Earthenware also chips and scratches more easily. A popular type of earthenware is terracotta.
Making Ceramics
The first step in creating ceramics is molding the clay, being careful not to overwork it. Once it is in the desired shape, it must be allowed to dry. It is important for it to dry evenly, so if there are small handles or other details that may dry more quickly, wrap them in plastic to slow their drying.
When the clay dries to the point where it resembles leather, you can carve designs into it if you so desire. You can find ceramic tool sets that include carving tools at your local craft store or online. Once you’re done carving, allow the clay to dry completely. If it is still wet when fired, it could shatter.
Firing is done in a kiln, and the temperature used varies according to clay type. Pyrometric cones can be placed in the kiln to indicate when the piece has received the proper amount of heat. Proper heating is imperative. If under or overfired, the piece may drip, bubble, or change colors.
After firing, the piece may be painted with paint that is made especially for ceramics. Once dry, three coats of glaze should be applied to protect the paint (unless a matte finish is desired). The piece must then be fired again.
You can make lots of things out of ceramic clay. Ceramics are fun to create, and they make wonderful gifts. And if you don’t want to invest in a kiln, most ceramic shops will fire your pieces for you. So if you love the look of ceramics, you can try your hand at them without spending a lot of money.
Ready to learn more about ceramics? Check out this informative book: Ceramic Design Course: Principles, Practice, and Techniques: A Complete Course for Ceramics
Related posts:
Thanks for the info, just what I was looking for
Thank you for giving the distinction of the different ceramics. I learned a lot from reading your page. I can now know the distinctive features of ceramics, stoneware and earthenware. I want to follow your steps and make my own ceramics in the future.
Are there many good quality tiles outlets.