Glazing Techniques (Ceramics Class) [Hardcover]

Joaquim Chavarria (Author)

Book Description

Series: Ceramics Class | Publication Date: May 1, 1999

This book gives both a broad overview of glazes and details specifics about them. It discusses preparation, adapting glazes to ceramic mixtures, firing, cooling, glazing with a brush, with a spraygun, handling defects and corrections, finishing processes, and using a crucible and kiln. The glazes reviewed included crystalline, raku, salt, and crackle.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joaquim Chavarria, a professor of ceramics and sculpture at the Escuela Massana in Barcelona, Spain, is also the author of the best-selling The Big Book of Ceramics.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Potter Craft (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823005925
• ISBN-13: 978-0823005925
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 0.4 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #372,536 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to a wide varitey of glazes, July 12, 2001

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Glazing Techniques (Ceramics Class) (Hardcover)

Part of the terrific Ceramics Class series, this is a wonderful book for those just starting out using glazes. It packs a tremendous amount of information into a small book and is of immense help if you want to experiment with lots of different glaze types.

The book starts out with a great explanation of what glazes are made of and the coloring oxides used. Understanding and using formulas to make your own glaze recipes is next, along with glazing equipment and actual glaze preparation. Then working with commercial glazes and using a kiln is covered. Both gas and electric kilns are discussed as well as packing the kiln and the effects of temperature.

A variety of glazing methods complete the book, including dipping, pouring and using a brush or spray gun. The final chapters give lots of recipes and instructions for using a wide variety of glaze types including low/medium temp, high/very high temp, crystalline, raku, salt, ash, crackle, scotch topaz, celadon, and oxblood glazes. Using lusters and frit, as well as reduction and single firing are also covered here. A helpful glossary is included in the back.

This book presents a wealth of information in a logical and straightforward way. It truly tells you what you need to know. The multitude of color photos throughout, showing equipment, processes and beautiful finished pieces, are superb.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent jumping off point starter book..., January 8, 2003

By 

MotherLodeBeth "MotherLodeBeth" (Sierras of California) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Glazing Techniques (Ceramics Class) (Hardcover)

This and the authors book Decorating Techniques are two books I wouldn't be without even after decades of working with clay and making mostly Raku bowls. I love the photos and text and encourage would be clay workers to get both books. This is not a book for the timid or someone who needs grade school instructions. But if you have a sense of adventure and want a good starting or jumping off point then buy both books.

There is as the author shares, something so wonderful about working with clay and seeing something go from a slab of clay to something with form and then colour(s). And then seeing what we have created with our own hands grace our environment. Raw clay that takes form and now holds food, drink, flowers or air.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not for the novice., September 18, 2002

By A Customer

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This review is from: Glazing Techniques (Ceramics Class) (Hardcover)

The instructional format seems to assume that the reader is a novice in need of step by step instruction yet the glazes and techniques he describes seem appropriate for a person with years of experience and a fair amount of equipment. The novice could use pages of detail and hints on when and how to bisque-fire ware and a couple of dozen pages on the basics of commercial glazes.