Red, Purple and Black

Purple glazes are unusual in that there isn’t one single colouring oxide that gives that distinct hue. A mauve lavender is the result of high magnesium and cobalt, but for a more royal purple other chemicals are needed.

Red glazes in an electric kiln can be tricky, as a particular combination of base glaze and colourants is needed. By exploiting the ability of the normally green pigment Chrome oxide to change to a pinky red in combination with Tin oxide, it is possible to create nice raspberry and burgundy red colours.

Black glazes, are an oversupply of several colourants which merge to form a dark surface. Depending on which oxide is dominant, the black can lean towards more of a blue, green or brown cast, while excess copper creates a metallic surface.