When you mix your own fired media, it is one part art, one part science. Some fellow china painters have been experimenting with different solvents for mixing china paints (even going so far as to use vodka LOL).
This weekend I tried using denatured alcohol formulated for alcohol burning lamps. I mixed the alcohol with the finely ground dry china paint. I then added a drop or two of glycerine. So far I like the material characteristics of the mixture. It dries quicker than the previous mixtures I've used (the glyercine keeps it from drying too fast) and it also dries "harder" in that I don't have to worry about the china paint smudging or rubbing off easily after it has dried but before it has been fired. That is a GREAT plus for china painting! (FYI: I apply my china paints with brushes and silk pads so the there is minimal exposure to the gases produced by the evaporating solvent.) The dried unfired paint also responds well to erasing and scritching, a really benefit for patterns and dapples.
I've been experimenting with a clear gloss glazed Okie Rio. I haven't put him through his first firing as I am still in the early stages of his first layer of color but I do like what I'm seeing. I'll keep taking photos, before and after firing, to have a complete history of this piece. I'm really looking forward to my 10 day spring break in mid-March to really get some firing done!
Cheryl
Posts
