Saving Money with Midfire Range Glazes for Functional Ware: An Economic Perspective

Glazing is an essential step in the pottery process, adding beauty and functionality to functional ware. For those looking to optimize their pottery practice economically, midfire range glazes offer a promising solution.

In the below summary, we will explore how using midfire range glazes for functional ware can help save money without compromising on quality.

Midfire range glazes typically refer to glazes that are fired in the temperature range of Cone 4 to Cone 7 (approximately 2160°F to 2260°F or 1180°C to1240°C).

These glazes offer a balance between durability, colour range, and firing temperature, making them well-suited for functional ware such as mugs, bowls, and plates.

Lower Firing Costs: Compared to high fire glazes, midfire range glazes require lower firing temperatures, which can result in cost savings. Firing kilns at lower temperatures consumes less energy, reducing electricity or gas bills and making the firing process more economical.

Reduced Material Expenses: Midfire range glazes often utilize less expensive materials compared to high fire glazes. They can be formulated using a variety of claybodies and glaze materials that are more affordable and readily available.

Longer Kiln Element Lifespan: Firing at lower temperatures with midfire range glazes puts less strain on kiln elements, extending their lifespan. This can lead to cost savings by reducing the frequency of element replacements and maintenance expenses.

Versatility and Cost-Effective Layering: Midfire range glazes offer a wide range of colour options and are known for their compatibility with layering techniques. By strategically layering midfire glazes, stunning effects can be achieved without the need for additional expensive glazes or specialty materials.

Batch Mixing: Consider mixing your own glazes in larger batches to reduce the cost per unit. Buying glaze materials in bulk and storing them properly can result in significant savings over time.

Experimentation and Recycling: Embrace experimentation and utilize glaze test tiles to explore different combinations and effects. This allows you to refine your glaze recipes, minimize waste, and optimize the use of materials.

Proper Application: Ensure proper glaze application techniques to minimize glaze waste. Apply glazes evenly and in appropriate thicknesses to avoid excessive usage and subsequent waste.

Consider Shared Resources: Collaborate with other potters or join a potterystudio that offers shared kiln usage. This enables cost-sharing for kiln firing and other resources, making glazing more economical.

By utilizing midfire range glazes for functional ware, excellent results can be achieved while maximizing cost savings. The:

• lower firing costs,
• reduced material expenses,
• longer kiln element lifespan, and
• versatile layering techniques... make midfire range glazes an economical choice for functional pottery.

...make midfire range glazes an economical choice for functional pottery.

By implementing cost-effective glazing practices such as:

• Batch mixing,
• recycling,
• proper application and
• sharing resources...

...you can optimize your pottery practice and achieve financial benefits while creating beautiful and functional pieces. Let midfire range glazes be your gateway to saving money in the world of functional pottery.