Stoneware crystal glazes are designed to expand upon the surface with dazzling burts of colour. Fired results will vary based on ware’s orientation. Crystals will settle to the bottom of the jar and will need a good mixing prior to initial use. Re-stir between each coat. Stir with palette knife or other unpainted tool. Avoid placing crystals near the bottom third of a vertical piece as they may cause additional movement during firing. Crystals will flow more than the base glaze. While the glaze is wet, use your fan brush to redistribute the crystals to achieve balanced coverage. Over-application or heavy deposition of the crystals can cause pinholing or running. When storing a crystal glaze, you may consider storing upside down to facilitate crystal dispersion on the next use.
Cone 6 oxidation: Peppered Plum is a glossy, opaque, burgundy glaze that breaks over texture and develops a warm taupe float; small opaque black crystals are featured with large semi-transparent burgundy crystals.
Cone 10 reduction: Glaze darkens, and crystals soften. Large crystal shifts to opaque red. Light application recommended.
TIP: SW-113 Speckled Plum is the base glaze. For a lighter crystal effect, apply 1 coat of SW-191 Peppered Plum over 2 coats of SW-113 Speckled Plum. This glaze is stable, even with heavy application. Light application will result in a more homogenous burgundy. Warm taupe float develops and intensifies with glaze thickness.
