AMACO®
Raku Glazes
Lead Free — Cone 010-05 |
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glazes will produce a very dramatic effect when reduced after the RAKU
firing. Remember that these glazes need to be fired to their
recommended temperature at Cone 05 (1911ºF, 1044ºC). Once they
reach temperature, turn off the kiln; let it cool to about
1700ºF, 944°C before you pull the pieces out of the kiln with
the tongs. You must protect yourself from
the heat when you open the kiln at that high of a temperature.
Therefore, wear heat and fireproof protective clothing, use high
temperature gloves and an appropriate respirator to protect from
smoke. If you are using an electric kiln, never pull material out
of the kiln unless the kiln is turned off. RAKU is a very
unpredictable medium and is affected by many variables. |
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The effects achieved with these or any other
RAKU glazes may not always be the same. Even after you have done RAKU for
a long time you will see that it is almost impossible to have complete
control over the result or a consistent glaze effect even if you are using
the glaze from the same jar. However this is a spontaneous technique and
all the varied effects are usually acceptable. Tong marks and other marks
from reduction material are considered a characteristic of RAKU, not a
defect.
Warning:
Firing RAKU is an action filled procedure. Two or more persons are needed
to unload and reduce the Raku piece. Whether you are firing in a gas or
electric kiln you are being exposed to heat, fire and smoke. You must be
aware of this environment at all times, be prepared for it and act
accordingly. You must wear heat and fire protective clothing, fire proof
gloves and a mask appropriate for smoke. A NIOSH approved mask like 3M's
3600 or a comparable quality mask is recommended. Make sure you cannot
smell any smoke when you have the mask on. Never open an electric kiln
when the switches are in the on position. All switches must be off before
you load or unload the kiln. Always use tongs to carry hot pots from the
kiln or from the reduction bucket. The reduction bucket must always be
outdoors. RAKU gas kilns are usually outdoors but even if you are using an
electric kiln you still have to take the pieces outdoors to reduce them.
Do not be concerned about the piece cooling in the process, because it
will still be hot enough no matter how far you have to carry it outdoors.
RAKU can be safe and exciting when the right precautions are taken. RAKU
is not for children. This technique is for adults or college students
only.
Ø K-6:
These glazes carry an ACMI CL "Cautions Required"
label. Although they may be Lead-Free, they are
not AP Non-Toxic due to other material content and are
restricted from school use with children from Pre-K thru Grade 6.
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