Elements (EL)

Elements (EL)
INSPIRED BY NATURE
Designed to simulate the aesthetic, movement and interest of mid-range and high fire glazes in a cone 06/05 oxidation kiln firing, Elements™ and Elements™ Chunkies give artists a wide variety of options in one product, as glaze application, firing temperature and shape will influence the outcome of finished work. Elements™ are a two-tone glaze with a main color and a secondary color called a float. When Elements™ are applied to detail pieces, the float color will appear in the crevices. Application and firing will also affect the outcome of main color or float.
 
RICH & ELEGANT
Elements™ and Elements™ Chunkies vary from gloss to matte, with subtle variations occurring in each color.
 
GENERAL USE
Shake for five to six seconds before use. Dispense glaze onto a palette (tile, plate, etc.) and apply with a soft brush or decorating accessory of choice (sponge, stamp, etc.). Dipping your brush directly into the jar may contaminate the jar’s contents, especially if you are using other glazes. Apply three to four coats to your piece. Elements™ glazes were designed to mature at a shelf cone 06 (1000° C or 1830º F). When applying them over a large surface area, we recommend a broad, soft fan brush.
Moisten the brush with water first. The brush fully saturated (loaded) and each coat applied in the same direction. When the wet look has gone from the first coat, you may apply the next coat of glaze. Be sure the glaze has dried thoroughly prior to firing. A medium ramp/firing rate is recommended (120°C per hour) at 1000°C. Elements™ can be fired at higher temperatures but will change in appearance. We recommend testing prior to use.
 
Some Elements™ glazes are not to be recommended for dinnerware produced from low fire earthenware clay bodies as these glazes can exhibit surface textures such as cracks and crevices. While the glazed surface may pass lead & cadmium leach tests, and therefore legally considered Food Safe, attempts to adequately clean the textured surface may cause the underlying porous ware to absorb water and fail. Elements™ glazes may be considered dinnerware safe if surface texture is eliminated when firing to mid-range or high fire temperatures. The key is recommended usage for low fire (earthenware 1000-1040°C) dinnerware. Glazes with surface texture applied to vitrified clay bodies do not have the same concern.
 
HELPFUL HINTS
Uneven glaze application can affect the look of the glaze. We recommend application in one direction.
The amount of detail on the ware can also affect the fired finish.
Allow ample room for air circulation in the kiln during the firing process as heat work and adequate oxygen can influence the glaze appearance.
The ever-popular FN-215 Aztec Jade, FN-217 Evergreen Fir, FN-218 Green Sapphire, and FN-219 Lustre Green are part of the Elements product family as their performance characteristics are similar.
Many of the Elements™ produce interesting effects at higher firing temperatures (1230°C) but will change color. We recommend testing to determine color, surface characteristics, and movement prior to use.
 
USAGE VARIATIONS AND FAQS
What are some basic tips for creating effects with Elements™?
Apply to properly fired 1060°C bisque. Use a soft fan or glaze brush, depending on the area and surface to be covered. Generally, three- four coats of glaze are recommended. However, applying four coats will produce a totally different look. For a different effect, brush on three coats and apply a final fourth coat using a silk or sea wool sponge. An uneven glaze application and the ware’s shape and surface (plain or embossed) will also affect the look of the glaze. Painting in a criss-cross fashion will effect the fired finish.
 
Are Elements™ lustre compatible?
When Elements™ are re-fired to lower lustre temperatures (700-750°C), the original glaze color changes. If this is not the desired effect you will not want to apply lustres over them. However, you may find the re-fired finishes to be desirable. Our advice is to experiment and make test samples using lustres with the specific Element™ glaze with which you are using.
 
Can I use Stroke & Coat® with Elements™?
If you choose to apply the two glazes, keep in mind that there will be chemical interaction between the glazes and Stroke & Coat® may change colors. Additionally, Elements® glazes move, so a design may lose the defintion. It is recommended to test.
 
What is the difference between Elements™ and Elements™ Chunkies?
Both Elements™ and Elements™ Chunkies have the same base glaze formula but the and Elements™ Chunkies contain crystals that will expand on the surface during firing.
 
 
What recommendations do you have for firing Elements™ to 1230°C?
Many Elements™ create beautiful effects when used with stoneware in a 1230°C firing environment. 1230°C color results can be found on the left-hand side of the label giving a description of the fired results at cone 6. Care must be used in the application as Elements will be quite fluid and move during the firing process. Keep away from the bottom of ware by tapering toward the bottom of the piece or create a natural stop with another glaze. Many of the Elements™ produce interesting effects at 1230°C but will change color. We recommend testing to determine color, surface characteristics, and movement prior to use. Testing should also be done to determine if this glaze fits the 1230°C clay body you are using.