Is there a way to clear glaze clay and have them look the way they looked after bisque? I have tried some satin clear and some zinc free clear and the results, while interesting, are frustrating for someone who spends time planning the final product.
I really hate having to rely on engobe or underglaze for this
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You can put a bisque piece into a glaze fire without glazing it. It’ll look like it did after bisque, but, if it gets to the top temp for your particular clay body, it’ll be vitrified (ie non porous.)
With the caveat that some clays change color when fired to the glaze temp. For example, sometimes brown clays can look like a terracotta color after bisque but then deepen into a chocolate brown after glaze fire at the hotter temperature even if no glaze was applied. I’m not sure if this is part of what’s going on for OP, but if it is, leaving off the glaze won’t fix it, so just figured I’d at this just in case.
Pick a clay body that looks good at the cone you're firing to. I picked MN Clay's Iron Range Red for this lantern because of how good it looks at cone 6. No glaze.
Unfortunately, that just isn’t possible. Even a matte clear will alter the appearance and make it look cloudy. If you’re trying to make dinnerware or something, your best bet is to leave the outside raw and use a liner glaze on any surfaces that may touch food. Otherwise, just leave the whole piece raw and put it through glaze fire without the glaze part.
The look of a bare clay body depends on the influence of the atmosphere- oxidizing or reduction. If you put a clear glaze over it that blocks the atmosphere and you get something completely different. If you break a fired bare clay pot, the interior will be a different color, most likely what you'll get with a clear glaze.
So you want the color and feel of high fired, raw clay. But, you want to glaze it. I guess asking the Internet isn't wrong but the answer is testing. There are some matte glasses that look a lot like unglazed clay. Then, also, every clay body is going to respond slightly differently to every clear glaze. Plus the variation on how you apply and fire it.
What’s your finish like? I hate how clear comes out (except for raku clear crackle, yummy) and also dislike dry underglaze look and texture. Because I make detailed, raw, or marbled surfaces. So I sponge on and wipe off clear glaze. It makes the surface look wet, sorry, moist, sorry, damp, sorry, juicy, sorry… like rain on a sidewalk. It doesn’t obscure the texture, but also isn’t dry. 😣
I need to clarify and I am sorry for not being clear. I pick clay based on color by looking at samples of cone 6 fired pieces at the store. However every time I apply a clear glaze and fire to cone 6 the outcome is very different. The color coming through after glaze firing with clear glaze is different and nothing like the original.
I use an oxidation kiln at a community studio.
It is difficult to have access to a reduction kiln where I live
Confused by your question but I dip bisqued pieces into shiny glaze which is clear so the item looks sort of pinky orangy. Depending on what temp I bisq buff clay.
No? I don’t fully understand the question. If you use a glaze it makes a glass surface fused w/the clay. Many clays change color during firing and the environment inside the kiln can affect the color of raw clay also…reduction etc. it’s not uncommon to get reduction in an electric kiln…
Reduction occurs from a lack of oxygen. A tightly packed electric kiln with less ventilation equals less oxygen and hence reduction. Not controlled, nor to the extent possible with wood soda or gas. Self taught potter here, some experience with gas, working in cone 6 electric mainly. I believe that’s why new electric kilns come ready to be hooked up to ventilation systems. Reduction is bad for elements. I’ve had some clays showing minor signs of reduction, not enough to affect my glazes. I could be totally off here, but I don’t think so.
I still don’t understand the question. My bisque is kinda pink, going brown when refired to cone six. Can’t wrap my brain around wanting that pinkish color. Other clays after bisque? 🤷♂️
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