FLUX OXIDES

Glaze Poem of the Month

​​Copyright 2005 by Chic Lotz

​Fluxes promote melting

by their interaction

with silica and alumina . . . 

It's quite a reaction!

The "alkali type"

have a strong reaction.

These powerful melters

provide lots of action.

Of this type we

do have three...

Lithia (Li2O), soda (Na2O)and potash (K2O)

as you will see.

The "alkaline earths" 

are type number two

Glossy or matte

they can bring to you.

Calcia, (CaO),  Magnesia (MgO)

and strontia (SrO)  too,

Don't forget Baria (BaO)

with its amazing blue.

With smaller amounts

and moderate too...

a glossy glaze

they will bring to you.

EXCESS alkaline earths 

can turn it to matte.

Do cool it slowly....

​If you like that.

​

The "additional fluxes"

provide extra help  -

they aid all the others

to join in the melt.

Lead (PbO), Zinc (ZnO). and Boron (BaO)

react even more.

Need extra melt?

That's what they're for!

Lead, of course

is a toxic one.

Be well informed

before you use some.

Stable mid fire glazes

need boron or zinc 

to melt them enough

so the oxides will link.

Fluxes affect color.

It's amazing to see...

turquoise, red, purple

aren't the only three.

Transparent, opaque,

glossy or matte -

it's all in the rations.

You can bet on that!

Slica plus alumina

add in some flux - 

getting the right ration 

(for the glaze you desire)

is really the crux!​​

​