It makes sense to maximize the percentage of wood ash. Since different batches and types of wood ash have drastically different chemistries how can you have a glaze have a high percentage? This glaze was the product of preparing a large ash batch and a project to develop a glaze specifically from it. This one contains a little iron to stain it brown, this brings out the variegation better. Ash generally contains low percentages of Al2O3, a critical oxide needed for stable glass development. I added kaolin (about 20%), it suspends the slurry and supplies Al2O3. Ashes contain lots of fluxing oxides, but they still may need a little help to melt a glaze at cone 6, so I added feldspar (it also supplies needed Al2O3 also). If that is not enough flux, I add a little gerstley borate or a borax frit. If crazing occurs silica is needed. In the end I got a recipe with about 50% ash.
Glossary |
Wood Ash Glaze
Common washed wood ash has a chemistry akin to a ceramic glaze, so it can comprise significant percentages in a recipe. Plus it can produce unique visual effects. |
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