Generally speaking, pottery is the process of making ceramic pots, plates, or other vessels by firing them at very high temperatures. The clay is shaped into a desired form, and glazed to give it an appealing look. These ceramics are also fired at high temperatures to harden them.
Earthenware
Normally fired below 1,200 °C, earthenware pottery is made from a porous clay that has not fully vitrified. It absorbs liquids and is sometimes glazed. This porous pottery is more brittle and can chip easily in everyday use.
Stoneware is a type of ceramic that is fired to higher temperatures than earthenware. The difference is in how the clay is processed. Porcelain is generally heated to a higher temperature than stoneware.
Porcelain clay is extremely expensive and is hard to work with. It is composed of feldspathic materials, such as bone ash, calcareous calcium phosphate, and kaolin.
When fired, a porous clay body mingles with a molten glass-like glaze. The glass fills the gaps between the clay particles and prevents the pottery from absorbing water. When the pot cools, the glassy layer becomes solid and a waterproof coating is formed.
Stoneware
Compared to other types of pottery, stoneware is durable and a good choice for serving and baking. It’s also dishwasher safe and can stand up to a variety of appliances. It’s also a great choice for house plants and outdoor pots. Stoneware is also cheaper than porcelain.
Stoneware is made from a type of clay that’s very dense, durable, and resistant to liquids and scratches. It has a slightly darker look and feel. During the manufacturing process, stoneware is fired to a high temperature. Stoneware pottery can be glazed for additional decoration.
Stoneware pottery is also resistant to cracks. It’s best to store it in a cool, dry place. If your ware has a lid, you should store it separately from the body.
Stoneware is also a good choice for microwave use. Some brands have special instructions for microwave use. It’s also a good idea to check with the manufacturer before using a microwave on your ware.
Porcelain
Originally developed in China over 1000 years ago, porcelain has a long history and a wide range of uses. Chinese porcelain pottery often has complex multi-dimensional landscapes and fanciful figurines.
Porcelain is made from a special clay. Kaolin clay, also called china clay, is the main ingredient. It gives the body of the porcelain its unique properties, including durability, high translucency, and smoothness. It is a great material for slip casting, and it is widely used to create a variety of items.
Porcelain can be divided into two distinct categories: hard and soft-paste. Hard-paste is a compound of petuntse and kaolin clay, and is fired at a high temperature. Soft-paste is made from a white clay, and is fired at a lower temperature. The two forms are similar.
Techniques of building pots
Whether you’re looking for a project to do with your kids or want to make a one of a kind piece for yourself, there are a few different techniques for building pots in pottery. You may choose to use wheel thrown techniques, or you may want to try hand building. Each method has its own advantages, and each method can be used to make different shapes and sizes.
If you’re looking for a method to make pots that are smaller and more manageable, you might want to try pinch pots. These pots are made by pinching clay into a shape. You may need to practice before you get the hang of it.
For a more advanced technique, you might want to try slab building. Slab pots are made by cutting slabs of clay into the shape of a pot. Slabs must be cut to the right size and thickness before they can be rolled out. This is done using a slab roller.
Glazes
Creating your own glazes can be a complex process. You need to learn the correct way to mix the ingredients in your glazes. If you’re not careful, you can have uneven application or cracks. Then you’ll need to go back and test and re-test your recipe.
There are three basic components to a pottery glaze. These include the glass-forming substance, the refractory or stiffening component, and the modifiers. These additives give your glaze the color, opacity, and finish you desire.
The most common glass-forming substance is silicon dioxide, found in quartz. The refractory or stiffening component is alumina. Besides being used as a glaze, these materials are used to make glass, matte glass, and to crystallize on firing.
Oxides, opacifiers, and colourants are common additives to a glaze. Oxides change the transparency of the glaze, and colourants give it a specific color. You can use them alone, or in combination with other additives.
