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MGBase6 - Zinc Semimatte Glossy Base Cone 6

Modified: 2025-12-30 03:42:16

From page 98 of Mastering Glazes book

Notes

While the authors often prefer calcium-based mattes for stability, they included this zinc-based version for potters who want a specific, buttery "low-luster" surface that zinc provides.

Key Properties
• Visual Appearance: A soft, muted teal or sage green. It is a semi-opaque glaze that doesn't have the high-gloss shine of a glass bottle, but rather a soft, eggshell-like glow.
• Surface: It has a "stony" semi-matte texture. Because it uses Zinc Oxide, it develops a micro-crystalline surface that feels smooth to the touch but lacks a reflective glare.
• Mechanism: The "Sea Green" hue is typically achieved through a combination of Copper Carbonate and sometimes a hint of Rutile or Iron Oxide to soften the copper's natural "electric" green into something more organic and oceanic.
• Stability: This glaze is much more viscous (thick-melting) than the "Waterfall Brown." It stays where you put it and doesn't run, making it very safe for the kiln.

Likes (Pros)
• Sophisticated Finish: It has a "high-end" look often associated with gallery-quality ceramics. The semi-matte surface makes the piece feel more like a natural stone object.
• Great for Sculptural Forms: Because it doesn't run or "pool" excessively, it holds the crispness of your clay work. If you have sharp edges or subtle finger marks from the wheel, this glaze will cloak them without softening them too much.
• Pleasant Feel: Like the "Waxwing Brown," this is a "pet-the-pot" glaze. The zinc creates a surface that is very satisfying to hold, making it ideal for the exterior of tea bowls or tumblers.
• Reliable Fit: Zinc mattes fit standard stoneware bodies, meaning you are less likely to deal with the crazing issues found in the "Raspberry" recipe.

Dislikes (Cons)
• Marking: If you use a stainless steel knife or spoon against the surface, it may leave a dark grey streak (like a pencil mark). For this reason, it is often used on the outside of bowls and the inside is lined with a glossy.
• Color Sensitivity: Copper-based greens can be sensitive to the kiln environment. If fired too hot, the green can "wash out" or turn a bit metallic/black in spots (a phenomenon called "copper wash").
• Application Thickness: If applied too thin, the glaze can look "starved" and dry, like a chalkboard. It requires a confident, medium-thick application to get that lush, semi-matte "sea green" depth.
• Not Acid-Proof (Relative): Zinc-matte glazes are generally slightly more susceptible to "etching" from strong acids (like lemon juice) over many years compared to their high-gloss counterparts.

Related Information

Links

XML to Paste Into Insight-live

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