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Salt/Soda wash?

Hey folks! Has anyone out there played around with salt water or soda water washes on pots? Did ya like the results? If so, any tips on application or ratios? I have done some researching on the subject matter, but wanted to see if anyone had any first hand knowledge. Just curious... Thanks!
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Beth Lambert said…
Hi Lindsay!! I've been using a soda ash wash, and also a borax wash, 1 part material to 4 or 5 parts water by volume. Using it over terra sig mostly on low fire but also have used it in high fire over slips. I can mail you test chips if you want or send photos...xo BL
November 18, 2010 at 5:57 PM
Lindsay Rogers said…
You're wonderful! Thanks Beth! Photos would be amazing, if it's easy for you. :) :) Whats the difference between the borax and the soda ash wash?
November 18, 2010 at 6:10 PM
Beth Lambert said…
The borax never really dissolves so you have uneven application which is nice on low fire because it can look kind of speckled. The soda dissolves more completely and with multiple coats gives anywhere from a satin sheen to a patent leather look over terra sigs. Are you more interested in the high fire or low fire, I have samples of both, everything in my locker at school but I'm going down there tomorrow and can get.
November 20, 2010 at 9:06 PM
Lindsay Rogers said…
i see, i see... I am particularly interested in high fire. Looking for something that will give a thin "sheen" on pots without obscuring the clay/slip... i think!! I'm going to start testing, just looking for an informational starting point. :) Thanks so much Beth!
November 21, 2010 at 11:30 PM
John Britt said…
Lindsey, i have done that before. Here is what i did. i would take porcelain pots and let them soak in a solution of hot water and dissolved soda ash. then fire them in the reduction kiln. They come out self glazed, very flashy orange, and with carbon trapping. not sure about how soft the "glaze" is though. it seems to be better than the 50/50 ball-soda "shino" - that always seemed like a really soft impervious glaze. Also, i regularly will dip and soak (not too long) pieces in the water at the top of my shino bucket before i mix it when im loading the wood kiln. it tacks the surface out considerably earlier for ash and also picks up flame patterns better. hope you are well. 33 degrees here!!!!

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November 22, 2010 at 8:44 AM
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