The Importance of Testing

And not just testing but documenting also. I have a tendency to say “I’ll remember…” and when slight changes are missed you do not know what actually caused the unexpected results. I know to never take my firings for granted but I was a bit dismayed at how my latest decal tests turned out.

I was sure after the several sets of testing done that I had a good process for my Coyote Clay Shino glaze with decals. I was so sure it would turn out I used some larger bowls I planned to donate for trophies and applied decals expecting to see what I had envisioned.

Opening the kiln I found several decals burned completely away. Ok..that was my mistake in not making sure there was enough contrast and strong details. I have already re-done the decals and expect they will be better.

But then I got to the tumblers. I was quite surprised to see a slight yellow cast again and while not matte the glaze had a soft feel to it. What did I miss? I went back through my kiln firing journal.

• Glaze not applied to thick. Check!
• Fired to Cone 1 Fast fire. Check!
• 5 min hold. Oops..no hold. Oh No!

Add that I had the tumblers on the bottom of the kiln which is the coolest part of my kiln (known from using witness cones on a regular basis) and I think I know why I had a setback.

I will try again with the Shino and decals because I love the blend so much but I will continue to search for other glazes that are a little more predictable but still give  me the look I am trying to make.

These are the only ones I consider successful. While the glaze on the Eggshell/Green needs to be dipped for a cleaner line the decal turned out as I hoped. The birds are Light Shino with a Croc Blue edge. I find that one appealing so will be doing a series of this glaze combo.

 

Many more were failures. Either burning out too
much, leaving a yellow band around the Giant Schnauzer or the glaze turning the matte yellow.

 

Below was my saddest. I WILL figure out how to make it work as a decal. The picture looked awesome of a dog coming over a jump and will be used as a special trophy for obedience. You can just see a faint outline of the dog’s head.

 

So back to the drawing board for a number of decals. This is why I only committed to a small number of projects this year.