Ceramic Formulas: The Complete Compendium

by John W. Conrad

Paperback: 105 pages
Publisher: Falcon Company, Publishing (1992)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0-935921-09-5
Dimensions: 11.0" x 8.5" x 0.3"
Shipping Weight: 0.73 lbs.

This is the first published manual that has intricate formulas for glazes, clays enamels, stains, and glass. This is the first major book that organized ceramic formulas to lift ceramics from a potter's rough craft to the art is today. Now beginning and professional ceramists alike can be confident of success using ceramic formulas, without having to conduct lengthy trial and error experiments. Ceramic Formulas, the original source book is a compendium of more than seven hundred tested formulas.

This book is designed to be used as a working manual that the ceramists can refer to as he produces his craft. It covers the following:

Clay: earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, Egyptian paste, Raku, colorants, stains, and engobes.

Glaze: translucent to opaque, luster, matt, semi-gloss, gloss, crystalline, slip glaze, and glaze colorants.

Enamel: colors, clear, transparent, and opaque.

Glass: clear, translucent, opaque, luster, reduction, and oxidation.

Each of the four ceramic areas is introduced with a concise and informative discussion of the properties of the materials. Preceded by introductory information on properties of the procedure and materials. Each chapter provides the necessary data on methods of testing materials to determine their exact properties, and comprehensive scales for evaluating results. The formulas, are all tested for reliability and safety by industry, potters, glass blowers, and enamelists. They are grouped according to type of material and use, then further subdivided by media, use, firing temperature, and technique.

The author also includes a variety of special effects and explains how to achieve them and urges the reader to work out his/her individual style once the formula and techniques presented are understood.

A long needed reference for the workshop, studio, classroom, or laboratory. The original source book of its kind in which one can mix an exact formula for clay, slip, engobe, enamel, or glaze in the studio and be sure of the results.

The hardback addition, first published in 1973, is one of the most popular technical ceramic books marketed today. Over 15,000 copies have been sold world wide and now has been released as a softback.