Ceramics Unit 1 Vocab

Clay

a compound of decomposed and altered feldspathic rock consisting of various hydrated silicates of aluminum along with no plastics such as quartz, and organic matter. It is also used as a source of alumina and silica in glazes. Long term exposure to clay dust can cause lung disease.

Glaze

a glass-like coating, fusion bonded to a ceramic surface by heat

Slip

a suspension of clay or glaze materials in water

Firing

the heating of clay or glaze to a specific temperature

Wedging

mixing and removing the air from plastic clay by cutting it diagonally and slamming the pieces together

Trimming (turning)

the method of paring away excess clay while the leather hard form is rotating on the potter’s wheel

Burnish

the use of a smooth object to polish the surface of leather-hard clay

Impressing

method of decorating by stamping into a plastic clay surface

Rib

a handheld tool made of hard material used to shape ceramic ware

Plasticity

the quality of clay that allows it to be easily manipulated and still maintain its shape

Porosity

The capacity of a fired clay body to absorb moisture

Blowout

the explosion of clay in a kiln caused by sudden escape of steam resulting from rapid heating or the presence of impurities.

Translucency

the ability to transmit diffused light

Opacity

a glaze that completely covers the clay body; does not allow light to show through

Slab Building

a hand building technique that requires the use of a rolling pin to roll out a flat piece of clay, that can then be used to build ceramic pieces.

Slip

A mixture of clay and water; consistency of pudding

Wet/Plastic

New clay from the bag, very workable

Leather hard

Clay that has lost all moisture but can be carved into

Bone Dry OR Greenware

Totally dry clay, all moisture is gone, ready to fire in the kiln

Bisque

Clay piece that has been fired ONE time