These are stoneware glazes that fire in the range of 1200C (2200F). They often contain boron to assist with melting.
In functional ceramics this term generally refers to glazes that mature from cone 4 to 7. At these temperatures it is difficult to compound glazes that will melt well without the need for powerful melters like zinc and boron. Thus a medium temperature glaze contains mostly the same kinds of ingredients as a high temperature one, but additionally it needs a source of zinc or boron (boron is by far more popular and less troublesome for potters, whereas industry uses zinc for fast firing). Typically frits are employed to supply the B2O3 or ZnO. Historically Gerstley Borate and Colemanite were very common sources of B2O3. Boron has a low thermal expansion and thus is an ideal additive since it reduces the tendency of glazes to craze. Since there are no practical insoluble sources of pure boron, glaze chemistry is normally needed to determine how to best incorporate boron-sourcing materials.
The mug on the left has been cooled slowly (and crystallizes). On the right it was cooled quickly (and is glossy).
Adding a little blue stain to a medium temperature transparent glaze can give it a more pleasant tone. Some iron is present in all stoneware bodies (and even porcelains), so transparent glazes never fire pure white. At cone 10 reduction they generally exhibit a bluish color (left), whereas at cone 6 they tend toward straw yellow (right). Notice the glaze on the inside of the center mug, it has a 0.1% Mason 6336 blue stain addition; this transforms the appearance to look like a cone 10 glaze (actually, you might consider using a little less, perhaps 0.05%). Blue stain is a better choice than cobalt oxide, the latter will produce fired speckle.
Oxides | B2O3 - Boric Oxide |
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Articles |
Reducing the Firing Temperature of a Glaze From Cone 10 to 6
Moving a cone 10 high temperature glaze down to cone 5-6 can require major surgery on the recipe or the transplantation of the color and surface mechanisms into a similar cone 6 base glaze. |
Articles |
G1214M Cone 5-7 20x5 Glossy Base Glaze
This is a base transparent glaze recipe developed for cone 6. It is known as the 20x5 or 20 by 5 recipe. It is a simple 5 material at 20% each mix and it makes a good home base from which to rationalize adjustments. |
Media | Convert a Cone 10 Glaze to Cone 6 Using Desktop Insight |
Glossary |
Borosilicate
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Glossary |
Glaze Chemistry
Glaze chemistry is the study of how the oxide chemistry of glazes relates to the way they fire. It accounts for color, surface, hardness, texturem, melting temperature, thermal expansion, etc. |
Glossary |
Boron Frit
Most ceramic glazes contain B2O3 as the main melter. This oxide is supplied by great variety of frits, thousands of which are available around the world. |
Typecodes |
Medium Temperature Glaze Recipes
Normally fired at cone 5-7 in electric kilns. |