Success with Barrel Firings

The last 2 barrel fires have taken color and the results are the best so far.  Success!  The failure rate as far as pieces cracking during the firing remains about 20-25%.  A small trash can and medium size pieces do not allow for the most even heating.  Plates seem to be the most suscibile which is no surprise.

Shown below are two vase and two plates.  I am particularly pleased with the small plate where greens and blues developed.

Affects of Chrome oxide produce a green tinge in places, in other locations a green stain remains.

 The rusty brown to orange is the result of ferric chloride.

The black stripe is the result of copper wire.

 
 

All pieces received a scrubbing after the fire and then a coat of tile sealer to prevent oxidation and fading of the colors.