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On the left is an ultra-white, doubtless containing 20% zircon. It smells bad and has settled out, indicating that mocrobials have degraded the gelling agent. The one on the right is bright yellow, it would thus contain significant encapsulated stain. These stains have proven troublesome, they seem to spawn the growth of a different bacteria, it smells much worse. And the slurry has gone rotten, turning black. Companies add biocides during mixing and try to minimize the amount used (since they are based on chloroform). However, the many variables in materials and procedures will mean that some glazes can slip through the system and go bad even if unopened. And, users can introduce microbials during use. Of course, biocides have shelf lives, thus products employing them also do. Can these be used (if you can handle the smell): Yes, if they still paint well. Glazes are powdered rock in water, microbes cannot eat rock!
All of this being said, Amaco recommends the addition of a teaspoon of bleach to fix many cases of this, so try that first. Of course, if the gum has degraded it will have to be added (1% of dry weight in jar blender mixed).
Glossary |
Micro Organisms
Ceramic glazes and clay bodies can host micro organisms. They can be just a nuisance, a source of worry or can render a product useless. What should you do? |
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Glossary |
Commercial hobby brushing glazes
These are an incredible benefit to pottery beginners and pure hobbyists. But they can also be an obstacle to progress and affordability as your skills improve. |
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