This cone 6 vase was made from a coarse-grained stoneware body typical of those long produced by Plainsman Clays. These materials performed exceptionally well at cone 10 reduction, but when similar bodies began being fired at cone 6 oxidation, pinholing often became a challenge. Why? The coarser particle structure creates fewer but larger pathways for escaping decomposition gases, concentrating gas flow through localized vents and leaving behind pits like those visible here.
Yet today many potters fire these same clays with little or no pinholing. Electronic kiln controllers deserve much of the credit, making drop-and-hold and slow-cooling schedules practical. Equally important, I formulate glazes with enough melt fluidity to heal gas-release craters during the hold, while maintaining sufficiently low surface tension to avoid trapping gases in bubbles that later become blisters. Commercial glaze manufacturers have quietly optimized for these same properties.
| Troubles |
Glaze Pinholes, Pitting
Analyze the causes of ceramic glaze pinholing and pitting so your fix is dealing with the real issues, not a symptom. |
| Typecodes |
Plainsman Next Chapter
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| Glossary |
Pinholing
Pinholing is a common surface defect that occurs with ceramic glazes. The problem emerges from the kiln and can occur erratically in production. |
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