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Many ball clays create a thixotropic slurry that has beautiful application properties on leather-hard ware. Look at that big drip coming off the rim on this freshly dipped cup (left) - it is not running downward. Yet this drip dried down and likely will be barely noticeable after glazing and firing (it is bisque fired right). The rest of the surface dried thin enough to preserve the texture of the body yet completely hide its color.
| Glossary |
Thixotropy
Thixotropy is a property of ceramic slurries of high water content. Thixotropic suspensions flow when moving but gel after sitting (for a few moments more depending on application). This phenomenon is helpful in getting even, drip-free glaze coverage. |
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