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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Introduction to ceramics

A potential problem with learning ceramics is that you must have some experience with pottery to be able to learn ceramics. But, unless you have a pottery expert to teach you, or unless you enroll in a pottery class, there is really no easy way to learn how to do ceramics. It can be difficult to find the right person to help you through the learning process if you don't know where to look, but these tips below should help you to get started with pottery, and then once you gain some experience, with ceramics.

Ceramics defined

Ceramic is the most general term. It is derived from the Greek word keramos, meaning "clay". Historically, ceramics were prepared by shaping clay, decorating it, often glazing it and firing it at high temperatures in a kiln.

However, this definition has changed. The term ceramics now refers to a diverse group of materials, including cements and glass. While all are fired at high temperatures, clay is no longer a key component of ceramics.

Ceramic Decorating

The same components used to make ceramics and glassware is used in making the colors themselves, These compounds are then mixed with compounds known to man for thousands of years, like the color blue is made with Cobalt, Green is made from Chromium Oxide. Over time new colors have been added. The combination of the compounds and a Frit are then mixed with oil so they can be applied to a product. Unlike colors used in paintings almost all ceramic colors can’t be mixed because they are made with unstable compounds.

Clay into Ceramics

Taking into consideration the temperature needed to turn clay into ceramics by way of a kiln, it is important to know the minerals that are present within the clay paste. (You can either use a beginner's chemistry set or preferably refer to your local yellow pages for experts in this field.) Keep in mind, certain materials need very high temperatures to turn. Please read information on firing temperatures for commercially prepared clays below for an idea of choosing the right temperature to turn your freshly prepared clay into ceramic.

CONCLUSION

When considering care for your ceramics you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Keeping in mind that direct heat sources can and do cause rapid changes in temperature. These changes can cause cracking. This aversion to heat means you should never put your antique or any fine ceramics in the dishwasher.