additives to pit fire...

[DryCreekPottery]

Does anyone add powder or spray on additives such as copper sulfate...sodium...etc to their pit fires? And do u use powder form or mix it with water? And what results have u had?

I am interested in doing some pit firing this summer but I need to start stocking up on supplies and id like tips from u ! Thanks

[Rakumancy]

We have used rock salt, found in the grocery store (used with ice cream makers), which, sprinkled over the pots, gives pink tones and powdered copper carbonate sprinkled on the pots for greens. Regular household plant fertilizer sprinkled on the pots can create purple tones. Also, pieces of steel wool pads, in direct contact with the clay, will give reds.

Also this book is a great resource: http://www.amazon.com/Alternative-Kilns-Firing-Techniques-Ceramics/dp/1579909523

Have fun!

[Former_Member]

cool!

[Former_Member]

If you have a feed store near you, buy a bag of loose horse salt.
Its full of minerals and has copper, manganese etc in it.
I sprinkle some onto my reducing material in my reduction cans when I do raku.

Also, Miracle Grow plant food has copper in it and can be mixed with water and sprayed...

[DryCreekPottery]

Thanks everyone ! Great advice !

[Former_Member]

a friend of mine mixes up a copper sulfate solution and then dips the pots in it. She also uses copper scrubbie pads, cuts them up and wraps them around the pots. Be careful with the salt, it can stick to the pots and corrode them. Different types of wood in your firing can help as well. Do you know a woodworker who uses exotic woods? you can add some of the sawdust from that.

[GoldenWindRaku]

I'd recommend using only hardwood though. Soft wood creates creosote which makes a not-so-lovely look :)

And I can't praise junk mail enough. Full of who knows what kinds of coloring in the inks -- I love the effects on my raku sculptures!