Glazes for Special Effects

by Herbert H. Sanders

From dust jacket "...Glazes for Special Effects contains chapters on crystals and various types of crystalline glazes, the technique of copper reduction glazes, the accumulation and use of ash for wood ash and plant ash glazes and embellishments such as luster and underglaze decoration. The book also presents a raku demonstration and an explanation of the differences in philosophy and practice between Japanese and American approaches to making raky ware. Other subjects include porcelain body compositions on which to use the glazes, coloring oxides for porcelain slip, localized reduction firing, Arabian luster glazing, soluble salts decorating, and how to make your own frits. There are also tables of complex ash glazes and of formulas for commercial frits. Thirty-three full color plates illustrate the variety of special colors, the richness of surface, and the depth of texture obtainable with crystal formations, copper reds, luster decoration, and other effects presented in the book." Hardcover, 152 pages, 8.25 x 11 inches, 63 black and white illustrations, 33 full color plates, bibliography, suppliers list, index.

151 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Horus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really excellent text with good photos discussing some very interesting glaze techniques. Unlike modern day, the author expects that the potter would be formulating the glazes from scratch and so includes recipes. However, after discussing that they would not be focussing completely on cone 10 or porcelain type clays, most of the recipes are either for that or for earthenware. Also, as this book is now almost 50 years old, there are some significant health issues related to many of the procedures and recipes involved. It is unfortunate, because many of these techniques sound very exciting and may still provide some useful tips, but for the most part, the information here must be used wisely with modern safety standards in mind.

[Rickmahaffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the time this book was written there was very little knowledge of these glazes published. I watched as these glazes were tested over and over again to make sure that the formulas worked. This was not common practice in the late 60's and early 70's. The information is still current.