There are many different techniques in glazing. The look of the glazing is purely based on the potter's style. Some glazes are smooth and shiny while others are dull and rough. One type of glazing is called salt glazing. Salt glazing is very popular for both makers and buyers, it has a stand out surface, commonly described as an "orange peel". The surface is produced when the sodium in the glaze is released in the presence of the moisture. The vapors from the fill the kiln and settle on the not only the pots but also everything inside the kiln. A salt glaze can also be thin and smooth and not alway have the orange peel texture. Salt glazing can be very dangerous because the fumes let off from the sodium are deadly.
Matt glaze is another kind of glaze, a matt glaze isn't shiny and some do not have a smooth texture. The surface of a matt glaze is durable and hard with out a stong glossy look. Matt glazes are produced from a large amount of tiny tiny crystals too small to see from the naked eye. The rate of cooling in the kiln has to be controlled and brought down very slowly in order for the crystals to form. Another way to produce a matt glaze is to add zinc oxide or increasing the amount of magnesium, calcium oxide, or silica. A glaze that doesn't achieve the right firing temperature is also known as a mat glaze.
Ash glazing is another very popular glaze, ash glazing is when particles of different kinds of wood added to other chemicals. Ash firing is a different kind of firing that requires no glaze and the colors are produced by the vapors from wood, sawdust, hay, grass, or berry cane . The material can be placed in the kiln with the pots, wrapped around them, setting on top of them, or just placing the material inside of them. It usually is described as thick, grainy, or rough. Ash glazes produce rich vibrant colors.
What is a cone?
A cone is a piece of clay in a triangular form (see below) that has a specific firing heat. There are different kinds of cones depending on how hot the kiln has to get. The cones loose their shape when the kiln reaches the specific firing temperature.
