NAKED RAKU with and without GLAZES

 

This bowl is Naked Raku without the addition of other glazes.


This bowl has Blue Velvet and Apple Red, with the Naked Raku.




'NAKED RAKU' is a technique that uses slip and a 'glaze' to achieve crackle effects on bisqued ware. It's called Naked because the piece is not glazed per se. Just smoked-patterned bisque.
The piece is painted with the slip (recipe to follow) then covered with a 'glaze' (recipe below).

It's not rocket science once you get the hang of it so I wanted to see what else I could do. 
The slip/glaze was applied to specific areas sometimes in a planned design, then 3 coats of Blue Velvet was applied to all other areas butting right up to the slip. Occasionally I applied Spectrum Apple Red to add more interest. The pieces were fired to 1700F then post-fired as usual, one quick 'burp' then lid on until cool. 

Getting the slip off can be tricky but do not submerge in water no matter what you may read elsewhere. Things get gummy and really hard to remove.
I recommend using a thin aluminum kidney tool which is flexible and prings off the slip very efficiently.
Buy 'wet and dry' sandpapers in a medium and fine grit and when washing, polish the unglazed areas to a soft sheen.

That was still not enough.
I experimented with very dilute acrylic paint in soft blues, reds and celadons. These were applied with a compressor gun using the 'painting bottle attachment' in a spray booth with the exhaust fan on. This was sprayed on AFTER the piece was cleaned and polished. The piece is rotated on a banding wheel as you spray.The clay is very absorbent and the paint goes right in. Just spray until you achieve the effect you want.
When completely dry (1-2 days) I polished the surface with a paste wax to a deep luster and softness. The colours never fade!
I also tried painting on the acrylic by hand ie. not with the compressor and it streaks and blots....  beware.
If it's a complete failure you can reapply the slip/glaze and try again (do not apply paste wax if you're re-doing the piece).

SLIP RECIPE

Fireclay  50
EPK  30
Alumina Hydrate  20

Mix, sieve twice and apply with a wide hake brush.The pottery will absorb it quickly so think about a fairly thick application.

GLAZE

Frit 3110  60
Gerstley Borate   40

Apply the 'glaze' over the slip and let dry.

If you're just doing  basic naked raku you can low fire the pots to 1540F then post fire.
If partnering with Blue Velvet fire to at least 1700F.


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