#100Mugs100Ways

Day 64

Here is #Mug#64 - Cleanup and waxing the bottom

After each glazing, I make sure the mug looks clean. I don't want to see any streaks, discolorations, grooves, etc. if I work with underglazes that can happen sometimes if it does I will reapply the underglaze.

When applying high fire glazes, I make sure the glaze stays away 1/8" off the bottom of the mug to prevent the glaze from running onto the kiln shelf.

If I get the glaze on the bottom of a mug and when it is fired, it will stick to the kiln shelf, resulting in a lot of damage to the shelf, and it will most likely ruin the mug.

In addition, I can use Wax On, which is a wax resist, I apply it by using either a brush or a foam square. I need to be cautious because the wax resist can get on other parts of the mug, which I want to avoid at all cause. The wax resist will burn off during the firing and it will not leave any fumes.

Another way is to use a wet sponge to wipe away any unwanted glaze from the bottom. Since I brush the high fire glazes on, I am very careful not to get any glaze on the bottom, to begin with, but if it does I can quickly wipe it off with a wet sponge.

I have had very little issue by simply following the above-mentioned guidelines.