Copper Tin Wash – Looks Like Christmas
Do You Have A Glaze That Looks & Smells Like Christmas?
I loved this wash / glaze as soon as it came out of the kiln. You can almost smell Christmas and the greenery when you see this in person.
It instantly made me think of a pine or spruce tree. Obviously, the pattern on the test tile contributes to this but nonetheless, it’s still captivating. It fads so beautifully to a very faint green and the sharp metallic color in the recess is nice too. It looks just like metal. The picture doesn’t do this one justice.
In practice, I keep forgetting that when it’s not wiped back, the heavy glaze left behind, results in the dark grey/gunmetal color. I keep thinking it will be green and less gray.
Copper Tin Wash is a keeper for me. It’s so easy to make and versatile. The thing for me is I have to remember to apply it thinner or wipe it back more. Unless of course, heavy metal is the look we’re are going for.
Copper Tin Wash
John Britt Recipe
- 33.3 Copper Carbonate *
- 33.3 Tin Oxide
- 33.3 Gerstley Borate
* indicates toxic ingredient
Do You Make Your Own Glazes?
Let me know below your experience?
hello. I am a new potter looking to try some oxide washes. this copper tin wash is lovely. for the picture (the last one in the article – where you gave the recipe)- is the wash applied under a glaze or on top of a glaze?
Hi Barry. It was applied under a clear glaze. You should be able to use any clear glaze you have. Remember to apply the wash but then wipe it back to get the variation. In the image you’re looking at, the wash is almost full strength (in the crevices) and wiped back on the surface. When I go to use this wash, I would still mix it with water, not a lot but you’d want to water it down a bit for sure. Wet your brush so you can grab a bit of wash and put it on a plate or something. Then mix it well with another brush full of water or two. Then apply. You may want to do a couple of tests. Some with more and less water so you get the idea of how much to use. Hope this helps! Feel free to ask more questions!
This method would be the same if you use your own wash or a commercial one.
PS you’ve inspired me to make a new post using a different wash. I love using washes. And technically you can apply a wash over a glaze. I haven’t experimented much with that but will be sure to on my next kiln run!
thanks for the reply. I will give it a try and will follow your blog to see how the next wash turns out. I have some red iron oxide magnesium dioxide, copper dioxide (not carbonate) which I want to use as washes on textured bowl rims etc. I will be using the copper dioxide in the wash – I will go with less as I understand its much stronger than the carbonate.
Enjoy your washes! Note: the red iron oxide may (probably will) incorporate into the glaze once applied on top. So it may not have as strong an effect as this copper wash. But it looks great if left just on its own. Chat soon!
Hi Barry, I finally finished the post on using washes. Hopefully, this link works for you! Let me know if I missed anything 🙂 Of course, any more questions, let me know! https://madmonkeystudio.ca/create-stunning-pottery-with-a-rustic-look/
Hello. I am thinking this can be low fired at earthenware temperatures?
Hi Diane. To be honest I haven’t tried it at low temperature but as it’s a material used in low fire glazes, so I would think it would work. Use a low fire glaze to bring out the copper – as I am sure you were going to 🙂