Specifications

Spray - To apply color by means of some type of air supply.
Sprig - A clay trim, made in a press mold and attached to a
leatherhard casting with mending slip.
Spur - A metal tripod used to stilt glazes ware during the firing.
Stack - To load the kiln.
Stain - Acrylic type of non-fired paint used to decorate bisque; a
clay or glaze pigment.
Stamp - A raised rubber pattern used to transfer or apply a design;
a fired clay cylinder used to texture clay slaps or pots.
Stamping Oil - Medium used with rubber stamps to hold dry color
to design.
Stencil - A cut-out pattern used to apply a design by brushing,
sponging, stippling or spraying.
Stick-On - Handles, knobs, sprigs or any attachment to a casting.
Stilt - A refractory tripod or bar with nichrome wire prongs used to
raise ware off the kiln shelf during a glaze or overglaze firing.
Stipple - To apply color with a series of tiny dots.
Stippler - A brush used to produce a series of tiny dots; also used
to blend colors.
Stoneware - A clay to which a high percentage of grog has been
added; Needs to be high-fired to vitrify.
Strength - The percentage of pure color in a shade, tint or wash.
Stylus - A pointed instrument for writing or drawing. Used to
transfer a design.
Subdominant - Less important part of a design.
Talc - Used as a flux for clay; also used as a mold release.
Tint - Hue made with the addition of white.
Thermal Shock - The abrupt change of temperature to the ware.
Template - A pattern or guide.
Tone - Color plus a neutral gray.
Toxic - Poisonous.
Translucent - Able to transmit light as frosted glass, parchment,
sheer fabric. Diffuses the color or light.
Transparent - Easily seen through as glass. No interruption of
light or color.
Underglaze - A mineral color, usually containing some clay and
binder; regular underglazes are opaque and contain a higher
percentage of clay than One Strokes; most One Strokes are
translucent.
Utilitarian Ware - Any object that will hold or contain food or
liquid drink.
Vanishing Point - A point on the horizon line at which the lines of
an object appear to converge; see perspective.
Venting - Propping the lid of the kiln open to slight degree or
leaving out peephole plugs until moisture and carbonaceous
impurities have been burned out of the greenware. ( Usually until
temperature reaches red heat). Also the piercing of any portion of a
casting in which air could be trapped. ( Trapped air expands with
heat and can cause the piece to explode or swell).
Vitrified - A body which fuses sufficiently during firing so that it
is water tight without glazing.
Vitreous - Water tight.
Viscosity - The thickness of a liquid; internal friction of a fluid,
cause by molecular attraction; resistance to flow.
Warping - Deformation of a clay shape cause by uneven stresses
during shaping, drying or firing.
Wash - A color diluted with water or suitable solvent.
Water Glass - Silicate of soda; mender and deflocculent.
Water Smoking - The firing period during which all water is
driven from the ware. Room temperature to 212˚F.
Webbing - Material used for making straps.
Wedge - To condition and work clay into a bubble free mass for
throwing or handbuilding.
Wheel - Turn table operated by foot or electricity for producing
round pots.
Witness Cone - See shelf cone.
Wool Sponge, Sea - A very open texture and very absorbent
natural sponge. Used for uneven textures and veiling techniques.
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Glossary