Spectrum's Raku glazes produce exciting colors and surfaces when raku fired. Remember that these glazes need to be fired using the Raku process to produce the results you see on the color chips. They should be fired between Cone 011(1600° F) to Cone 06 (1850° F) in a gas kiln. (Spectrum recommends firing #850 - #856 to a peak of 1700° F - 1750° F and #860 - #866 to a peak of 1600° F - 1650° F.) Then they should be allowed to cool in the kiln to approx 1600° F. (Different combinations of peak temp and reduction starting temp will produce different results.) While still red hot they should be transferred as quickly as possible into a reduction bin - typically a metal garbage can or small metal container with a lid that has been lined... Read More
Spectrum's Raku glazes produce exciting colors and surfaces when raku fired. Remember that these glazes need to be fired using the Raku process to produce the results you see on the color chips. They should be fired between Cone 011(1600° F) to Cone 06 (1850° F) in a gas kiln. (Spectrum recommends firing #850 - #856 to a peak of 1700° F - 1750° F and #860 - #866 to a peak of 1600° F - 1650° F.) Then they should be allowed to cool in the kiln to approx 1600° F. (Different combinations of peak temp and reduction starting temp will produce different results.) While still red hot they should be transferred as quickly as possible into a reduction bin - typically a metal garbage can or small metal container with a lid that has been lined with organic material, such as newspaper, sawdust, hay etc. Use raku gloves and tongs. As soon as the pieces are in the bin the lid should be put on to keep oxygen from entering the container, in order to develop the reduction atmosphere. The pieces should be allowed to cool in the bin for at least 20 minutes before being removed and quenched in water. Pieces should be cleaned immediately with water and a hard bristle brush. After cleaning, warm the pieces in the kiln to evaporate any water from the piece. This helps to set the colors more permanently.
Raku pottery is never Dinnerware Safe due to the irregular surfaces and crackled nature of the glazes and clays. Raku ware is not watertight. All of Spectrum's Raku glazes are not Dinnerware Safe and Toxicity Ratings vary: see Specs' under individual colors for this information.
Many materials used by potters in glazes and clay are potentially hazardous substances. We at Bailey feel you should take precautions to minimize exposure.
1. Keep dry materials covered, handle carefully and avoid spillage. 2. Wear a NIOSH approved respirator when handling dry materials. 3. Wear rubber gloves when glazing or applying oxides and stains. 4. Keep your workspace clean and free from dust. 5. Use a wet mop or toxic dust vacuum for cleaning only- never sweep. 6. Do not eat or smoke in your workspace. 7. Wash your work clothes separately from other clothing.
Tips -
When the red-hot pieces go into the bin the organic material ignites producing flames and smoke, so this part of the firing, particularly the opening of the reduction bin, should be done outside in a well ventilated area. Always take safety precautions when firing raku such as the use of high temperature gloves, tongs and protective eyewear. Always have a fire extinguisher handy.
Different organic materials can produce very different results. For example, a glaze reduced in newspaper could be a beautiful blue color and the same glaze reduced in sawdust could have a metallic copper appearance. Experiment with various materials.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Silica, crystalline (airborne particles of respirable size), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more info. go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
