Glossary

An hydrometer (areometer) is a glass instrument. It is used to control the specific weight (density) of the glaze slurry. Historically, the glaze density was usually given in degrees Baumé (°B), nowadays the specific weight is desribed in g/ml. If you use the TerraColor areometer, it has both scales.

 

On the label of our original bags, we note a range for the glaze density. Unfortunately, we cannot give an exact Baumé value for our glazes, since this value correlates with the mixing water addition, which depends on many factors such as the porosity of the clay body, the type of application, the desired effect (overlapping glazing or just one-time pouring) and also the size of the ceramics used. When applying the glaze by dipping, smaller pots usually stay in the glaze slurry for a shorter time, so that for larger pots the glaze slurry should be mixed a little bit thinner.

 

If you have adjusted the glaze slurry correctly to your conditions, we recommend to determine this value using a hydrometer (areometer) and note the value on the glaze bucket. Since the lids of the containers are usually not completely tight, the glaze slurry may thicken after a longer storage period (due to water evaporation). Therefore you should check the liter weight of your glaze slurry with a hydrometer (areometer) before using it again and, if necessary, add enough water until the original value is reached again.


Please take note: Start preparing the glaze slurry with the lowest water addition and let it soak overnight. The glaze viscosity changes and needs some time to stabilize and should be adjusted than.