Element Chunkies™
Product Description
Elements™ Chunkies were designed to simulate the aesthetic, movement and interest of mid range and hire fire glazes in a cone 06, oxidation kiln firing. Chunkies features a base glaze from the Elements line with the addition of crystals. The level of variegation exhibited by theses glazes can be influenced by factors such as the number of coats applied, combinations with other glazes, body surface textures, kiln atmosphere and temperatures. Elements™ Chunkies will move - some more than others. Understanding each glaze's temperment, how each glaze can be applied, will lead to more successful results.
Product Features and Attributes
Some qualities of Elements™Chunkies glazes include:
- Free Flowing Formula - allows glaze to move and variegate - on its own or in combination with other glazes
- Non-Toxic
Application Recommendations:
Shake well prior to each application coat. The reason for this recommendation is that the crystals will settle to the bottom of the jar in a short period of time. If you notice the crystals settling during an application you can either dip your brush to the bottom of the jar to re-dispense or attach the lid and shake vigorously.
During the application of the third coat of glaze you may find it necessary to re-distribute crystals, or add crystals, on your piece to assure balanced coverage. Use your brush to push crystals onto thinly covered areas or dip your brush into the jar and gather crystals onto it, then "pat" them on the sparsely covered areas.
We recommend a broad, soft brush to apply crystal glazes. The fan brush may help more in the even disbursement of the crystals, thus creating a more pleasing pattern in the fired glaze.
Because of the flowing nature of the base glaze and the crystals we suggest tapering off the number of crystals applied to the bottom third of vertical piece. Glaze and crystals could run off the piece or gather at the base and form unsightly lumps. Similarly horizontal pieces, such as a plate, could cause the glaze to pool excessively if crystals are too heavily gathered on sloped section of the piece.
Make sure the glaze has dried thoroughly prior to firing. A medium ramp/firing rate is recommended (250°F per hour).
FAQ’S
Q: Can Elements™ Chunkies be Mixed with Other Glazes?
A: Using Elements with Pottery Coat, and Pottery Cascade creates beautiful effects. However, intermixing Elements with other glazes is unpredictable; make test samples first to see if the fired result is the desired effect.
Q: What are some basic tips for creating effects with Elements™ Chunkies?
A: Apply to properly fired shelf cone 04 bisque. Use a soft fan or glaze brush, depending on the area and surface to be covered. Generally, three coats of glaze are recommended. However, applying four coats will produce a totally different look. For a different effect, brush on three coats and apply a final fourth coat using a silk or sea wool sponge. An uneven glaze application and the ware’s shape and surface (plain or embossed) will also affect the look of the glaze.
Q: Are Elements™ Chunkies lustre compatible?
A: When Elements are re-fired to lower lustre temperatures (shelf cone 018-020), the original glaze color changes. If this is not a desired effect you will not want to apply lustres over them. However, you may find he re-fired finishes to be desirable. Our advice is to experiment and make test samples using lustres with the specifc Element™ with which you are using.
Q: Your label states that Elements™Chunkies are "Food Safe", yet you also include the statement "May not be suitable for food surfaces due to surface characteristics"?
A: Amongst others, Food Safety is determined by tests known as "leach tests". These involve measuring the chemical composition of an acidic food before exposure to a glazed surface and the chemical composition after a several days. If the levels of glaze materials found in the food are below the established limits, the glaze can be marketed as "Food Safe."
Glazes that create dimensional surfaces also create crevices and nooks that can trap food - even after washing. This food can develop bacterial growth and cause health issues. Our policy is to discourage the use of textural glazes on ware that is intended for food usage even though the glaze has met all food safety criteria.
Q: What recommendations do you have for firing Elements™Chunkies to cone 6?
A: Many Elements™ create beautiful effects when used with stoneware in a cone 6 firing environment. Care must be used in application as Elements will be quite fluid and move during the firing process. Keep away from bottom of ware or create a natural stop with another glaze.
Directions for use
Stir. Apply 3 coats to shelf cone 04 (1060° C) bisque using a soft fan brush. Fire to shelf cone 06 (999° C). NOTE: Firing temperature, length of fire and number of coats will produce color and surface variations. Do not spray apply without proper personal protective equipment. Food Safe, Non Toxic and Non Hazardous when used according to manufacturer's directions. May not be suitable for food surfaces due to surface characteristics. For more information on product contents, refer to the Safety Data Sheets.
Registration Name: Hobby Ceramicraft Ltd Registered office: Odiham Road – Heckfield – Hook – Hampshire – RG270LS
Contact Telephone Number: 01189 326 153 Email address: order@hobbyceramicraft.co.uk
Hobby Ceramicraft Limited is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 5155219
Contact Telephone Number: 01189 326 153 Email address: order@hobbyceramicraft.co.uk
Hobby Ceramicraft Limited is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 5155219