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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Shrewsbury
    Posts
    137

    Default Firing and finishing

    Hi All

    I'm a total beginner - although have done pottery previously and in some cases using PMC is very similar.

    I've got a few questions...

    I fired a piece (my first ever one) and according to the instructions in my book it said to move the flame rather than keep it still (which I did) however I managed to get some bubbles in the middle of the the piece (which I'm assuming is because I allowed the middle to get too hot?) and am wondering whether maybe I could have had the torch too close? or was moving it too quickly? or both (I am quite impatient usually :S) I also wondered if you have any tips for firing using a torch. On this piece I laid it out on the firing block (it was just a flat heart shape) should I have used the tweezers to hold it when firing instead of keeping it flat?

    Also I attempted texturing which came out reasonably well although not consistent all over the piece. I rolled out the thickness first and then put the piece on the texture plate (as per my book) but I was worried incase I rolled it out too thinly and think I may have used too much balm (which I am guessing after reading some of the posts on this section). Do you have any suggestions on how to improve texturing.

    And finally (for now probably) I'm wondering where is the best place to get letter stamps for Pmc???

    All help and advice gratefully recieved!!


  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Shrewsbury
    Posts
    137

    Default

    Oh

    Sorry I do have another question...

    I've a small amount of pmc left and have decided to use it for practicing finishing and firing etc.

    Does anybody have any suggestions on how I should go about this?

    Thanks again.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Milton Keynes and London
    Posts
    787

    Default

    Bubbles could be because the piece was too hot, you want a dull orange glow. However it is mostly likely there was still moisture in the piece, the water boils, creates steam and escapes causing a bubble. How long had it dried for? Texture, use a tiny amount of balm. Roll out a plain piece of clay at one thickness and then roll it out on the texture using the next thickness of slats or cards down. (unless the texture is deep you might want to use slats/ card two sizes thinner)
    Your spare clay, why not make a series of pieces using a cookie cutter with different textures and finishes
    hope that helps
    Em

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Shrewsbury
    Posts
    137

    Default

    Thanks Emma

    I had left it for about two days before firing it.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Milton Keynes and London
    Posts
    787

    Default

    hhmm ok that is not the problem then. Leaves melting or contamination of clay....try some simple little flat pieces for practice and see how you get on....the key is dull orange glow, don't get torch too near. moving it shouldn't be a problem.
    Em

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Shrewsbury
    Posts
    137

    Default

    It might be that I got the torch too close. Contamination has to be out because it was a new pack of pmc with brand new tools etc.

    I think I was a bit scared of ruining my dining table at the time so got the torch too close :S

    I will try it with it further away next time - lets hope I dont get blisters on the table though!

    Thanks for your help

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