Firing Hawaiian Copper Blue

This is a very popular, dynamic, and challenging glaze. If it is reduced too much you get all copper (which some people like), and reduced too little you get just greens and blues (which some people like as well). The challenge is to get a good mix of reduction and oxidation to obtain flashes of copper, blue, burgundy, reds, etc.

The method I use (and it doesn't always work) is as follows:
-Brush a thin layer of glaze
-Fire to about 1750F
-Removed from the kiln for about 8 to 10 seconds
-Place in a garbage can that is lined with newspaper sheets
-Throw a hand full of shredded newspaper on top
-Put the lid on the can
-Spray the lid with water (helps cool and trap smoke)
-Wait about 30 minutes
-Remove the piece and place in a bucket of water

Sometimes I get what I want and sometimes I don't and refire the piece.

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Gary R. Ferguson - Raku Artist