After your pot has been bisque fired, you can apply wax resist, or film resist to your pot. Wax Resist is a water-based coating to prevent color from adhering when glaze is applied to bisque or greenware.

Make a pattern any way you want with Wax Resist, then glaze your ceramics. Wipe away the glaze from the wax resist and fire. After the firing, The area where the wax was applied will burn off and leave a black matted surface to create a unique look.

Mayco AC-302 Wax Resist repels color when brushing underglaze or glaze or when dipped glaze is applied over it. It can be used for waxing the foot of thrown pieces before glazing or using as a decorative design technique. The product is blue out of the jar so when painting with it, you can easily see where it’s applied.

Raku Kilns: Gas vs. Electric

While gas raku kilns offer a more traditional approach, electric raku kilns are a safer, more accessible alternative—especially for indoor or urban studios. They provide a controlled firing process while still allowing artists to explore raku techniques.

• Raku firing involves removing pottery from the kiln at high temperatures and cooling it rapidly, often with combustible materials to create unpredictable glaze and surface effects.
• Traditional gas raku kilns allow for post-firing reduction using smoke and flames.
• Modern electric raku kilns provide more temperature control but may require a separate reduction chamber.

Gas-Fired Raku Kilns

• Fuel Source: Uses propane or natural gas.
• Temperature Control: Requires manual adjustment to regulate temperature.
• Ventilation: Must be used outdoors or in a well-ventilated area due to smoke and gas emissions.
• Reduction Atmosphere: Allows for classic raku effects, including deep metallic sheens and smoky blacks.
• Cooling Process: Pots are removed with tongs while glowing hot and placed in combustible materials to create surface variations.

Electric Raku Kilns (like the Olympic Electric Raku Kiln available at Alabama Art Supply)

• Fuel Source: Uses electricity, eliminating the need for gas.
• Temperature Control: More precise temperature regulation via digital or manual controllers.
• Ventilation: Requires less ventilation than gas kilns but should still be used in a well-ventilated space.
• Reduction Effects: Some electric raku kilns allow for similar reduction effects, but the process may be modified (e.g., using post-firing reduction chambers).
• Ease of Use: Ideal for studio potters who want a more controlled and safer raku experience without dealing with gas tanks or open flames.

The Raku Process

Preparation:

• Use a raku-specific clay body that can handle thermal shock. Alabama Art Supply carries Smooth Raku MC117 and Raku Lite MC138 from Alligator.
• Apply glazes designed for raku firing, which often yield vibrant or metallic effects.

Firing:

• Heat the kiln to around 1,800°F (982°C).
• Carefully remove the red-hot pieces with long-handled tongs.

Reduction:

• Place the pottery into a container filled with combustible materials like sawdust, newspaper, or leaves.
• Cover the container to create a reduction atmosphere, which alters the glaze’s chemistry and results in unique finishes.

Cooling:

After a few minutes, remove the pottery and allow it to cool in open air or water.

Safety Considerations

• When making Raku pottery, safety should always be your top priority. If you are a beginner, you need to be extra careful. Besides having your protective gear like gloves and eyewear, you should also make sure your arms, legs, and feet are protected.
• Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid inhaling fumes.
• Wear protective gear, including heat-resistant gloves and a face shield.
• Wear long pants and shoes that cover your feet. Wear a long sleeve shirt or arm protectors.
• No clothing or long hair hanging down. You don’t want anything to catch fire.

• Make sure you are at a safe distance from the kiln when it is opened. If you are opening the kiln, do not lean into it because a gust of hot air will be released during the kiln opening. 
• Make sure you use extra-long tongs, and caution should be taken when lifting the fired pots out of the kiln, as the red-hot pots can cause serious burns if not handled properly. It is a good idea to practice lifting your pottery with the long metal tongs before doing the real thing.
• Use tongs and tools specifically designed for raku firing.

Additional Considerations for Raku

Glaze Choices: Raku glazes often contain materials like copper carbonate or cobalt oxide, which create vivid colors and metallic effects. Experiment with different formulas to achieve your desired results.

Surface Decoration: You can add texture or patterns to the clay body before firing to enhance the unique effects of raku firing. Carved or stamped designs become highlighted by the glaze and reduction process.

Environmental Impact: Be mindful of the materials used in reduction firing. Choose organic, non-toxic combustibles, and always work in a well-ventilated area.