Designed to simulate the aesthetic, movement and interest of mid-range and high fire glazes in a cone 06/05 oxidation kiln firing, Elements™ and Elements™ Chunkies give artists a wide variety of options in one product, as glaze application, firing temperature and shape will influence the outcome of finished work. Elements™ are a two-tone glaze with a main color and a secondary color called a float. When Elements™ are applied to detail pieces, the float color will appear in the crevices. Application and firing will also affect the outcome of main color or float.
General Use
Shake for five to six seconds before use. Dispense glaze onto a palette (tile, plate, etc.) and apply with a soft brush or decorating accessory of choice (sponge, stamp, etc.). Dipping your brush directly into the jar may contaminate the jar’s contents, especially if you are using other glazes. Apply three to four coats to your piece. Elements™ glazes were designed to mature at a shelf cone 06 (999° C or 1830º F). When applying them over a large surface area, we recommend a broad, soft fan brush.
Moisten the brush with water first. The brush fully saturated (loaded) and each coat applied in the same direction. When the wet look has gone from the first coat, you may apply the next coat of glaze. Be sure the glaze has dried thoroughly prior to firing. A medium ramp/firing rate is recommended (250°F per hour) at shelf cone 06. Elements™ can be fired at higher temperatures but will change in appearance. We recommend testing prior to use.
Some Elements™ glazes are not to be recommended for dinnerware produced from low fire earthenware clay bodies as these glazes can exhibit surface textures such as cracks and crevices. While the glazed surface may pass lead & cadmium leach tests, and therefore legally considered Food Safe, attempts to adequately clean the textured surface may cause the underlying porous ware to absorb water and fail. Elements™ glazes may be considered dinnerware safe if surface texture is eliminated when firing to mid-range or high fire temperatures. The key is recommended usage for low fire (earthenware cone 05/06) dinnerware. Glazes with surface texture applied to vitrified clay bodies do not have the same concern.
Helpful Hints
- Uneven glaze application can affect the look of the glaze. We recommend application in one direction.
- The amount of detail on the ware can also affect the fired finish.
- Allow ample room for air circulation in the kiln during the firing process as heat work and adequate oxygen can influence the glaze appearance.
- The ever-popular FN-215 Aztec Jade, FN-217 Evergreen Fir, FN-218 Green Sapphire, and FN-219 Lustre Green are part of the Elements product family as their performance characteristics are similar.
- Many of the Elements™ produce interesting effects at higher firing temperatures (cone 6) but will change color. We recommend testing to determine color, surface characteristics, and movement prior to use.
