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Salt Vapor Glazing
Salt Glazing
is a process where pots are engulfed in a sea of sodium vapors and fire.
Salt is inserted into the kiln at 2000 degrees F., releasing sodium which
acts as a flux on the silica in the pots. This action creates a unique
glaze.
The entire process is called "vapor glazing".
In Salt Glazing the side of a pot facing the source of fire, or
“windward side"
receives more glazing action and has a pronounced glaze pattern which may
have textured surface like an
“orange peel”.
Wad Marks
Sodium (salt glazing) and fly
ash (wood firing) create glaze on the pots and on kiln shelves where the
pots sit. Wadding prevents pots in Wood Firing and Salt Glazing from fusing
to the kiln shelves.
The size, shape and materials used for wadding,
are important aesthetic considerations for the potter. In addition to
preventing pots from fusing to shelves, wadding acts as a color resist and
reveals flame flashing patterns.
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