Embrace The Drip
- DJ Harry
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
How to Get Luscious, Runny Effects with Cone 6 Glazes
Let's be honest. Developing a runny cone 6 glaze that give you consistent results can be difficult. However, for many potters, the subtle movement of a glaze as it melts and flows on the walls of a mug or bowl is pure magic. And when it comes to cone 6, achieving that coveted controlled drip can elevate a piece from beautiful to breathtaking.
If you're yearning for those organic, gravity-defying rivulets and luscious pools on your pottery, you're in the right place. Let's dive into four key strategies for making your cone 6 glazes run more, transforming your work with dynamic, drippy effects.
Disclaimer: Every glaze, kiln, clay body, and application is different. The key to using any of these techniques is to test, test, test!!
1. Supercharge Your Flux Content: The Meltdown Masters
The easiest way to encourage a glaze to run is to boost its flux content. Fluxes are the unsung heroes of glaze chemistry, lowering the melting point and increasing the fluidity of your glaze.
Boron-based Frits: When aiming for a reliable cone 6 melt, boron is your best friend. Incorporating boron through commercial frits like Ferro Frit 3134 or something similar can significantly increase the fluidity of your glaze. These pre-blended glass compositions offer a consistent and powerful source of boron, encouraging a smooth, controlled run. For many years this was also accomplished through the adjustment of the Gerstley Borate content in many glazes. However, I think we all know why that isn't applicable any more!
Lithium Carbonate: For those seeking a more dramatic flow, consider adding a touch of lithium carbonate. Lithium is an incredibly potent flux, even in small amounts. However, wield this power carefully; too much lithium can lead to issues like devitrification (undesirable crystallization) or affect your glaze colors in unexpected ways. Experimentation is key!
Alkali Sources (Including Ashes): Traditional alkali sources like feldspars (potassium and sodium) are inherent fluxes, but for an extra push, consider incorporating materials rich in these elements. Wood ash, for instance, is a fascinating and often unpredictable source of alkalis (and other minerals) that can impart a unique, fluid character to glazes. While working with ashes requires careful preparation and testing due to their variability, the results can be truly spectacular and one-of-a-kind.
*Note: take special safety precautions when dealing with wood ash.
2. Thicker Application: The Gravity-Assisted Flow
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Applying your glaze more thickly provides an excess of material that gravity can then pull downwards as it melts. Imagine a melting icicle – the more ice there is, the more likely it is to drip! This method encourages a natural flow and pooling, especially in textured areas.
However, a word of caution: thick application comes with the inherent risk of crawling. Crawling occurs when the glaze pulls away from the clay body during firing, leaving bare spots. This can happen if the glaze is applied too thickly, if the bisque ware is dusty, or if there's a significant difference in shrinkage between the clay and glaze. To minimize crawling, ensure your bisque is clean and consider adding a small amount of a suspending agent to your glaze.
Some glaze/clay body combinations are more prone to crawl. Be sure to test on progressively bigger pieces to see how your combination reacts.
3. Layering Glazes: The Chemistry of Flow
Unlocking the drippy potential of your glazes often lies in intentional layering. When glazes with different chemistries are applied on top of each other, their individual melting behaviors can interact in exciting ways, leading to increased fluidity and dramatic runs. In fact, two stable glazes can become very fluid when layered over each other, depending on their chemistry.
For instance, layering a more refractory (stiff-melting) glaze with a very fluid, high-flux glaze can create a dynamic interaction. The runny glaze might "eat into" or pull along the stiffer one, creating streaks and drips where they overlap. Experiment with different combinations – a satin over a glossy, a matte over a transparent – and observe how their unique chemical compositions influence the final flow. The possibilities are truly endless, and often, the most surprising and beautiful effects emerge from unexpected pairings.
4. Spraying with Fluxes: Targeted Movement
For precise control over your drips, consider using a specialized flux spray. Products like Mayco Flux are designed to be applied over existing glazes, acting as localized accelerators for melting and movement. A light misting can encourage gentle pooling, while a more concentrated spray can initiate dramatic runs. ...or mix up your own flux! There are some great recipes out there. I would encourage you to start with Old Forge First Five Flux and use that as a base for your progression into flux chemistry!
Interestingly, some potters have found success in using low-fire cone 06 clear glazes as a fluxing spray at cone 6. While these glazes are formulated for much lower temperatures, their extreme fluidity at cone 6 can act as a powerful catalyst, encouraging movement in the underlying glaze. Always test this method on a small scale first, as the results can be quite dramatic and potentially lead to unwanted pooling if over-applied.
By strategically incorporating these techniques into your glazing process, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning pottery adorned with those coveted, luscious drips. Remember, experimentation is the heart of pottery – so embrace the unpredictable, learn from every firing, and enjoy the magical journey of glaze movement!
Happy dripping!!
DJH
Chosen Vessel Pottery
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