Charles Street Studios located in northern Bergen County NJ right by the Rockland County border is a workspace for ceramic artists looking to hone their craft. The studio is equipped with essential tools such as slab rollers, kilns, and various clays and offers flexible rental options.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of colorants applied to clay before the first firing, known as bisque firing. Specifically, we’ll explore stains and oxides, two popular choices that offer a diverse palette for your ceramic creations. Please note that adding colorants prior to the bisque is clay-type dependent. We recommend always making test tiles if you’re not familiar with this process or if you’re using a new clay body. Also, always consult with your Studio Manager if you are trying a new technique.
Understanding the Basics
Before we delve into the specifics, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental concept of how colorants work in ceramics. The colors we see are the result of specific elements present in the clay and glaze. These elements interact with each other and with the kiln’s atmosphere during firing, resulting in a variety of colors. Colorants can be broadly categorized into:
- Oxides: Naturally occurring minerals that impart color to the clay body or glaze.
- Stains: Synthetically produced pigments that offer a wider range of stable colors and greater intensity.
Oxides: Earthy Hues from Nature’s Palette
Oxides are the most basic form of ceramic colorants. They are derived from metallic oxides and are known for their raw, earthy tones. Some common oxides and their resulting colors include:
- Iron Oxide: Perhaps the most versatile oxide, it yields a spectrum of colors ranging from yellow and red to brown and black, depending on its concentration and the firing atmosphere.
- Copper Oxide: Known for its vibrant greens in oxidation and rich reds in reduction firings.
- Cobalt Oxide: Produces intense blues, often used in glazes and underglazes.
- Manganese Dioxide: Imparts shades of brown, purple, and black.
- Chrome Oxide: Yields greens, often used in combination with other oxides for unique effects.
Oxides can be added to clay in various ways:
- Adding to the clay body: This results in a consistent color throughout the piece, even when carved or altered.
- Applying as a wash or slip: A thin layer of oxide mixed with water can be applied to the surface for a more subtle effect.
- Layering oxides: Different oxides can be layered on top of each other to create intricate patterns and color variations.
Pros of using Oxides:
- Natural and readily available
- Relatively inexpensive
- Offer a wide range of earthy tones
- Can be used in various techniques
Cons of using Oxides:
- Can be less predictable in results, as color can vary depending on the clay body and firing conditions
- May have limited color intensity compared to stains
Stains: Expanding the Color Spectrum
Stains are synthetically produced pigments that offer a much wider range of colors and greater stability than oxides. They are made by mixing metallic oxides with other elements and firing them at high temperatures to create a stable pigment. This process ensures consistent color results and minimizes variations due to firing conditions.
Stains come in a vast array of colors, including vibrant reds, yellows, blues, greens, and even pinks and purples.They are often categorized by their temperature range:
- Low-fire stains: Mature at temperatures below cone 06 (1850°F/1010°C).
- Mid-range stains: Suitable for cone 5-6 (2167-2232°F/1186-1222°C).
- High-fire stains: Used for temperatures above cone 8 (2305°F/1263°C).
Stains can be applied to clay in similar ways to oxides:
- Adding to the clay body: This creates a consistent color throughout the piece.
- Using as an underglaze: Stains can be mixed with a medium and applied to the bisque ware before glazing for vibrant colors that show through the glaze.
- Painting or decorating: Stains can be used for detailed painting and decorative effects on the clay surface.
Pros of using Stains:
- Wide range of vibrant and stable colors
- Consistent results with minimal variation
- Can be used in various techniques
Cons of using Stains:
- Can be more expensive than oxides
- May require careful handling due to the presence of metallic oxides
Tips for Using Colorants in Clay
- Start with small test batches: Experiment with different colorants and application techniques on a small scale before committing to a larger project. This will help you understand how the colorants interact with your clay body and firing process.
- Consider the clay body: The color of the clay body can significantly influence the final color of the applied colorant. Lighter clay bodies tend to show colors more vibrantly, while darker clay bodies can mute the effect.
- Control the firing atmosphere: The kiln’s atmosphere can affect the final color of some oxides, particularly copper. An oxidation atmosphere (with ample oxygen) will result in greens, while a reduction atmosphere (with limited oxygen) can produce reds.
- Use appropriate safety measures: When handling ceramic colorants, especially stains, wear a mask and gloves to avoid inhaling or ingesting the fine particles.
Conclusion
Adding colorants to clay before bisque firing is an exciting way to enhance your ceramic creations. Whether you prefer the earthy hues of oxides or the vibrant palette of stains, understanding their properties and application techniques will allow you to explore a world of creative possibilities. So, experiment, play with colors, and let your imagination run wild!
Charles Street Studios in Northvale, Bergen County NJ offers flexible month-to-month space rentals for experienced ceramic artists and pottery makers and is located in northern Bergen County, close to the NY state border and communities including Nyack NY, Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, Old Tappan, Rockleigh, Westwood, Tenafly, Englewood and other communities in Bergen County and Rockland County.
Your creative journey deserves a dedicated space—one where clay meets inspiration, uninterrupted by the noise of everyday life.
Charles Street Studios – The Place to Create in Bergen County
