Leather hard- Clay that is still dark in color, cool to the touch because some moisture still remains. The clay pieces will support their own weight without sagging.
Bleach test- This test is used to determine a critical stage in the drying of greenware. If a dab of water darkens the surface of the clay it may no longer be joined or repaired.
Bone dry- the completely dry state the clay must reach before bisqu (first) firing.
Bisque firing- This is the first firing. Clay is fired at cone 05. After this firing the clay is sturdy, not workable, not recyclable and still porous. The clay pieces must be glazed to finish their surfaces.
Glaze firing- Kiln firing in which glazes are melted to form a smooth glass-like surface.
Glazes- Glazes often appear dull and one must pay attention to the color swatches, NOT the color as it appears in it's unfired condition because as intense heat is applied in the glaze firing, the chemicals react to create each glaze's unique properties of transparency, color, texture and gloss. Underglazes have a matte finish, overglazes have a gloss finish.
Kiln- The well insulated oven used to fire ceramics pieces. Our kiln is electric.
Wedging- A process where the clay is "kneaded" to remove air bubbles and to work the clay into a consistent tecture and mositure suitable for working. This process requires patience and practice.
Slurry- Very soft clay used for joining leatherhard sections of clay together.
Scratching and slurrying- The technique of marking the clay pieces in a criss cross pattern with a pin tool to prepare them for joining with slurry.
Foot- the base of a ceramics piece
Rib- a wide flat hand held tool with a straight or curved edge. Made of metal, wood or rubber. It is used to smooth and shape clay surfaces.
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