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How To Use The Viscosity Cup

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Using a Viscosity Cup

Diagram of Viscosity Cup

The viscosity cup is a small container with an open top and a bowl shaped bottom with a small hole to allow the glaze to flow out.
The cup has a handle so that it can be dipped in the glaze.
Fill the cup to the brim while holding a finger over the hole.
This is a necessity for anyone working in pottery or ceramics because of the importance of having the slip and glazes with the right flow ability.

Pouring the Mold

Dipping Pottery Troubles

How to use the viscosity cup.

Before pouring your mold or dipping your bisque in glaze you must be sure the slip or glaze is at the proper flow ability, not too thin or too thick.
Get your clock or watch with second hand and follow these simple steps:
Be sure the slip or glaze is smooth and well mixed.
Dip the viscosity cup into slip or glaze and lift straight up.
Begin timing, counting the seconds, the instant the bottom of the cup breaks the surface of the liquid.
When the solid stream of slip or glaze breaks into drips for the first time, that is your time.

Slip

Usually for slip the number should be twenty five to thirty five seconds.
If your slip is too thick you can add water, mix well and retest.

Dipping Glaze

Usually for glaze the number should be about twenty nine seconds.
Check the back of your glaze bottle for exact number.

If the grass looks greener on the other side...fertilize!!!

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Have you ever come up with a good idea while working with your handmade pottery or ceramics and thought that you would like to share it with others? You have? Well, why not send it to us and we will add it to the tips page for all to see.

Handmade pottery can be a very gratifying hobby that produces fun and satisfying results. For many people it's an enjoyable release that is created by working an inanimate mound of clay into a beautiful work of art that you made through your artistic abilities.

The best way of starting out is to take a few lessons. You will probably waste quite a bit in materials when you first get started. Figuring out how to truly make handmade pottery correctly and shape into what you want it to be can be quite an ordeal. The different tools that a normal shop will have can be fun to try. You will soon see which ones you like to use the most and then when you are ready you will know which ones to buy.

When you get all set up, just enjoy the hobby and have fun at it. Some people get pretty serious and start selling their creations at craft fairs and small stores, but others just like to create items for themselves, relatives, and friends. Whichever kind of handmade pottery you desire to endeavor, enjoy the hobby and have fun doing it.

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