Chrysanthos Fantasy Glazes
Fantasy Glazes are low fired lead free crystal effects glaze. Use the following steps to ensure a satisfactory result after the firing. These instructions apply to all of our Fantasy Glazes and Fantasy Crystals.
- Mix the contents of the container thoroughly with a palette knife. If the contents appear too thick and difficult to mix add a little brushing medium or water and stir again. Apply 3 coats allowing each coat to be almost dry before applying the next.
- Another method involves decanting the glaze into another container and not disturbing the crystals on the bottom. Stir the glaze with a palette knife and apply 2 generous coats onto the ware using a soft mop brush, allowing each coat to be almost dry before applying the next. For the final coat, decant the remainder of the glaze back in to the original container with the crystals and stir well. Then brush on the last coat with crystals in it, concentrating crystals on the areas you wish to have more ‘impact’.
- Allow the piece to dry before stilting and firing.
Application
Body
Fantasy Glazes are for application to earthenware or middle fire bisque.
Finish
- It is very important to taper off approximately ‘2cm’ from the bottom of the ware when applying the third coat. Remove any crystals from this section as well and the bottom of the ware. This glaze is designed to ‘run’ dramatically during firing and therefore is likely to ‘stick’ to the kiln shelf if applied too thickly.
- Fantasy Glazes may be applied to the ‘outside’ of wares intended for food but not recommended for application to the ‘inside’ of wares which come in contact with liquids or foods of any kind. Crystals have a tendency to craze making their use in food items undesirable.
Effects
Fantasy Enhancer may be added to the Fantasy Glazes sparingly (as indicated on the bottle) to enhance glaze flow and crystal formation. Care should be taken as too much may lead to a very runny glaze.
Troubleshooting
Crazing
It is normal for crystals in glazes to craze while cooling down and for perhaps days after begin removed from the kiln.
Blisters
If blisters appear on the surface of the ware, the ware should be re-fired and the problem will be resolved.
Dull, hazy or dimpled surface
If the surface finish of the piece appears hazy, white to bluish in color and the surface resembles hundreds of little pores, the glaze has been applied too thick or the firing did not reach temperature or was not fired long enough. Re-firing will usually fix this problem.
Dry durface
If the item appears dry in patches or all over, then it is likely the item did not receive enough glaze. In this case, brush on more glaze over the dull areas and re-fire.
