Introduction
Once the ocarina has been bisque fired (the firing that hardens the clay enough to withstand moisture), it is ready to be glazed.
Over the years, ocarinas have been decorated with paint, fired-on ceramic stains and metallic oxides, and/or fired-on glazes. To seal the porous clay surface, some makers have used varnish or acrylic floor wax. For ceramic ocarinas, a fired-on glaze is the most practical and durable finish. A glazed surface is easy to clean, and is generally harder than an unglazed surface. Paint tends to get worn off or chip over time.
Glazing is an optional step, however. The ocarina will function without being glazed. The firing process chemically changed the clay so it can no longer be softened by water. To glaze or not to glaze is up to you.
There are several ways to go about glazing an ocarina:
Dipping
When glazing by dipping, you need to have a large enough container of glaze to accommodate immersing your ocarina into it. If you are taking a pottery class where there are buckets of glaze for dipping, then this is an option to consider. It doesn't take much time, but remember to plug all the openings in the ocarina (finger holes, voicing, and mouthpiece entrance) with pieces of moist clay. When the moist clay plugs are removed (once the glaze is dry to the touch), use a brush to touch up the the areas left unglazed.
If any glaze seeps inside the ocarina, especially through the wind way or voicing area, the ocarina may not function. The only way to remove glaze from the inside of the wind way is to soak it in a pan of water to soften it up. Use a knife or other thin object to loosen any remaining glaze, then rinse. Once the ocarina is completely dry, it may be glazed again.
Spraying
Spraying glaze can give subtle effects. To do this technique, you need access to a spraying booth, an air compressor, and an airbrush attachment. You will also need to wear a dust mask to prevent breathing in the glaze particles which contain silica (dangerous to breathe). Unless you are experienced with using this equipment, it is best to do this in a classroom situation where proper instruction is available.
Brush-On (painting)
This method is widely used, especially by people that make smaller ceramic pieces and those that do pottery as a hobby at home. It doesn't require a large container of glaze, or special equipment. This is the glazing method that will be shown here. |
