Fundamentals of Glaze Chemistry
Glaze specialist Ronald Boersen's 5-day course for those interested in mixing their own glazes
Available spots
Class description
This 5-day fundamentals of practical glaze chemistry course is perfect for potters who want to start mixing their own glazes, as well as for those with basic knowledge and experience who want to expand their skills. Learn what it means for a glaze to be good, stable, and durable. Focus glaze exploration towards more successful results, and gain confidence to identify and deal with issues. This course is tutored by renowned potter and glaze specialist Ronald Boersen, who will guide you through ways of understanding and exploring glazes and show you how to put theory into practice, explore efficient testing methods, and review the fired results. The course days run from 11am to 5pm (approx.), Wed to Sun. Participants are asked to bring: Their own laptops/tablets PPE for mixing glazes 17 bisqued test tiles in a clay of your choice WPS provide all materials for glaze tests as part of the course. How to enrol: A $50 deposit is due now, then please bank transfer the remaining $450 to: Whanganui Potters Studio 03-0791-0561559-00 Please include references "Your Name" & "RBGlaze" You can pay in instalments if required, but the total amount is due no later than 2nd Sep (1 week prior). The course outline is: Day 1: part 1 – Building a foundation - What actually makes a glaze, - Reducing a million ingredients to 10-12 basic oxide, - The Unity Molecular Formula (UMF) Day 1: part 2 – Bring on the heat (practicum with computer) - What is heatwork, - Controlling surface and texture, - What makes a glaze stable, durable, and good Day 2: part 1 – I’m a material girl - How to use all the materials, - Substitutions and unavailable materials - What about colour? Day 2: part 2 – Practice, practice, practice (practicum with computer) - Strategies for controlling the chemistry, - Discussing common glaze flaws (pinholing, blistering, crazing, shivering) Day 3: part 1 – Designing a glaze - Mapping glaze effects, - How to build on existing glazes Day 3: part 2 – Designing glaze tests (practicum with computer) - Defining your glaze chemistry, - Exploring varying testing strategies - NOTE: Bring your own laptop (or tablet) Day 4 – Getting testy (practicum mixing) - Minimal mixing for maximum test results: coaxial and triaxial blends - NOTE: Bring your own PPE Day 5 – Review - Discussing test results, - Controlling larger batches with Specific Gravity, - Q&A
Sessions
Cancellation Policy
Full payment of all class, workshop, or course fees is required at the time of booking to secure your spot. A booking is not confirmed until full payment has been received through the studio's online booking system or an alternative agreed payment method. If you need to withdraw, you must email whanganuipotters@gmail.com. Withdrawing more than 1 week before classes or courses begin: full refund less Stripe transaction fee Withdrawing within 1 week or less, or after beginning the course: no refund Enrolments can be transferred up to 1 week prior to course starting, subject to availability. Those wishing to transfer their enrolment must email WPS with their contact details and what they would like to transfer to. Classes/workshops require a minimum number of participants to run. If that's not meet one week prior, it may be cancelled or rescheduled. Participants will be offered a full refund, or a transfer to an equivalent class. WPS reserves the right to modify all classes, workshops and courses. *Stripe transaction fees are listed here: https://stripe.com/nz/pricing
Contact Details
Whanganui Potters Studio Taupo Quay, Whanganui, New Zealand
whanganuipotters@gmail.com