The problem: This dipping glaze is crawling (as shown on the glazed tile). Let's assume I have already checked to make sure the specific gravity is right and the slurry is thixotropic. Because it has settled a little there is an opportunity for plan B: Remove some of the water and replace it with gum solution. Shown here is a precise calculation of the exact water content of the slurry to replace 10% of the water with gum solution. But it is better to take a more conservative and easier approach: Replace one-twentieth of the water with gum solution (too much gum and the glaze will drip excessively and dry too slowly). Rather than be overly precise let's just guess: I have 5000g of slurry that is about 50% water, so that is 2500g of powder, so I need to remove 125g of water and replace it with 125g of Laguna gum solution. A good way is to use a sponge: Wet and wring it out first and then repeat touching it to the water surface and wringing it out into a container to get 125g. A propeller mixer is needed to mix in the added gum solution (it won't just stir in).
| URLs |
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XLPlIrW4tXnqAyowrE_P96OmbMfzEA-ggkYHcqBHtSU/edit?usp=sharing
CMC Gum Calculator - Worksheet Use this to calculate how much gum and water to use when mixing a new glaze or how to calculate and replace some of the water in an existing glaze slurry with gum solution. |
| Troubles |
Crawling
Crawling glazes pull into islands, leaving bare spots on the body. Asking yourself the right questions will surface the real cause and help you deal with the problem, not the symptoms. |
| Materials |
CMC Gum
CMC gum is indispensable for many types of ceramic glazes. It is a glue and is mainly used to slow drying and improve adhesion and dry hardness. |
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