: Matt Oz - Viewing Profile

I posted a while back in the studio section...best-blue-for-colored-clay

It seemed to be getting technical, so I'm posting the results here.

My clay fires to a glassy finish at cone 6 and only needs small amounts of stain, so I don't know how informative this is. Maybe more for glazes.

Cobalt Mason Stains:
Mazerine 6300- the darkest, but a little more on the red side. Also acts as a strong flux.
Wedgewood 6310– Not as dark, seems closer to blue, doesn't flux. Lighter shades (smaller amounts) still have noticeable red.

Zirconium Vanadium Mason Stain 6315:
Makes nice light blues, but close to turquoise. Mixing a small amount of Mazerine with it also made a nice blue.

Stains added to wedgable clay

I only do production in spurts, but when I do, I like to keep the process as quick and simple as possible. Here are a few things that I have found, at least for my work, not to be necessary.

I did a bunch of tests back in the day, and found that scoring before adding slip wasn't necessary. I do however, have to go over the surfaces to be joined, with a wet sponge or brush a couple times, (enough to break up the surface a little), before applying slip. I have found this method to be faster, easier, and just as strong, maybe stronger..

I also don't use reinforcing coils on joints. When the slip has dried some after joining, and is still a bit sticky, but not watery, I smooth the join with a stiff brush, and that's it. On my porcelain lampshades and stoneware vases, once the slip has dried some, I will take a small tool with a rounded end, and smooth the inside vertical joins a few times, applying enough pressure to compress it a little, to prevent cracks.

Are there some traditional things, you have found not to be necessary?

If your not familiar with Clayton Bailey, or haven’t been to his website, go check it out. I don’t think you’ll find a more interesting website for an artist. Not just ceramics – Robots and ray guns too.

Main index.....claytonbailey.com/index.htm

Ceramic wonders.....claytonbailey.com/index2.htm




There is some adult content.

I'm going to buy some mason stain test packs, and I'm wondering what color blue people like to use.

I will be using it to make colored porcelain. I've used Wedgewood 6310 with good results, but it comes out on the slightly purple side.

Thanks